One of the most wonderful things about Maine is the history that surrounds us. In almost every city and town there exists a piece of the past, left over from years before, that can be seen simply by looking up. But, what was Maine like before we were here? While we can see the buildings and sometimes remains of old signage, what did it feel like? Every so often we catch ourselves imagining the trolleys and the hard working folks and businesses that kept our towns thriving. If you do this too, you’ll love the world of truly unique then and now photos from Maine that one local Bangor photographer has created!
With strong and longstanding family ties to Bangor, photographer Rick Haney has a special relationship with the city.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
It’s this connection to Bangor that led to his beautiful and striking photo project, “Ghosts of Bangor.”
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
Wishing to bring back pieces of the past he grew up hearing about, he’s worked to recreate photos from the 1800s and 1900s using carefully planned modern photos with delicate editing work that merges the new with the old.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
Each of the photos in the series is based on an older photo, meant to remind us that Bangor was once much different… but in some ways, very much the same. You just have to have a little bit of an imagination.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
The photos featured here are all edited by the photographer and can be found on the Ghosts of Bangor Facebook page. Here’s just a sample!
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
Walking towards Harlow Street, you might want to list for the ghosts of the Bangor police marching just before the Old Sears building.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
This color photo was taken from the Independent Street bridge. While the date of the nautical overlay is unknown, it’s likely before the 1911 fire that began nearby the area.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
Can you imagine this procession? Most of the buildings in the photo are gone today, but there’s no denying that the spirit of these days lives on.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
This photo featured President Taft who stopped in the city on July 23, 1910, to make a speech!
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
Anyone remember going to The Fillmore East? Now the only thing you’ll be filling more of is your wallet. Today it’s a bank!
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
Abraham Lincoln’s vice president took his last breath in Bangor on July 4, 1891. While we don’t know for sure, this may very well be his funeral procession.
Ghosts of Maine / Facebook
Stop by Judy’s for breakfast, a beer and maybe even have a quick roll of film developed!
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
The Ghosts of Bangor Facebook page taught us that Short Street, which is now the exit ramp for the Joshua Chamberlain bridge, once extended right into Main Street!
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook The street was called Hodson Street, and it’s visible today near Zen Asian Bistro and Main Tavern.
Can anyone guess what happened here in 1937? Does the Brady Gang ring a bell?
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook While there’s no way to know for sure, looks like this guy went down while flipping through his own copy of the Ghost of Bangor calendar!
The 1911 fire began in this Broad Street building and destroyed most of downtown Bangor.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
One of the most “Maine” photos in the collection, this is an overlay of Maxfield Tannery on Valley Avenue near at “Lover’s Leap.”
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook / Photo courtesy of David Crouse
This neighborhood on Upper Hancock and Essex Streets has been demolished, but in the 1960s the photographer’s Grandmother (who was a Bangor City Nurse) visited many of the families here.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
This photo features the Park Theater, which was named for its location at the bottom of Park Street. Today only a parking lot remains.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook The theater was built in 1913 and was called The Palace Theater. It remained here until 1973 when demolition of the parking lot began.
Did you have any idea there was a fire station adjacent to the Thomas Hill Standpipe? Hose Company No. 4 is now long gone.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
These horsedrawn water systems (pictured on Lower Park Street around 1900) were used to water the dirt streets to prevent dust in the air during the summer.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook In the background of this photo, there was an area called “Undertakers Row,” where handmade coffins and tombstones were created. You’ll also see the Tarratine Club in the far left, which is a private residence now. That house is the only structure in this photo that still exists today.
This photo features Mercantile Square, which dates back to the 1830s, when the Flatiron building was constructed.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook It was located between West Market Square and Pickering Square, behind Freeses. During the Urban Renewal time of the 1960s, this area was demolished.
Haney took away some important advice from his grandfather: “Honor those who came and went before me, to remember the effect they had on my life, and to always remember there are two things we can leave for the next generation: One is roots, the other is wings.”
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
We think this creative project is one of the most important in Maine. Without it, we may lose important memories and stories that provide insight into who we are, how the state has evolved, and what has made Bangor what it is today.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook Says Haney of his grandfather, “Without his influence, without his stories, I would not be standing here telling my story. Maybe he’s here too, providing light and guidance with all the other Ghosts of Bangor.”
These photos were all created by Bangor photographer, Rick Haney who grew up in and still lives in the area. You can see the website dedicated to this incredible project here. The Ghosts of Bangor Facebook Page has even more photos, along with some wonderful conversation between other Mainers about their own memories of these photos. And, consider getting yourself a calendar (found on the website) for a monthly reminder of Maine’s history.
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook
Ghosts of Maine / Facebook
The street was called Hodson Street, and it’s visible today near Zen Asian Bistro and Main Tavern.
While there’s no way to know for sure, looks like this guy went down while flipping through his own copy of the Ghost of Bangor calendar!
Ghosts of Bangor / Facebook / Photo courtesy of David Crouse
The theater was built in 1913 and was called The Palace Theater. It remained here until 1973 when demolition of the parking lot began.
In the background of this photo, there was an area called “Undertakers Row,” where handmade coffins and tombstones were created. You’ll also see the Tarratine Club in the far left, which is a private residence now. That house is the only structure in this photo that still exists today.
It was located between West Market Square and Pickering Square, behind Freeses. During the Urban Renewal time of the 1960s, this area was demolished.
Says Haney of his grandfather, “Without his influence, without his stories, I would not be standing here telling my story. Maybe he’s here too, providing light and guidance with all the other Ghosts of Bangor.”
And, to watch these photos transform before your eyes, watch this incredible video!
If you’re a lover of all things Maine history, check out the story of the oldest restaurants in the state by clicking here!
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