The Gingerbread House was believed to have been constructed in 1855 by Richard Evans, integrating some elements from an earlier structure. The house eventually came under the ownership of Charles. B. Cummings who commissioned an extensive remodel in 1885. The elaborate millwork, or “gingerbread,” decorative brackets, window hoods, and turret were added during this time. The property’s decline began in the 1940's when the Cummings family sold the property, and it was divided into apartments. In the 1960's, the Advertiser Democrat newspaper acquired the house, using it variously as a darkroom, office, gift shop, and storage space. Despite its tired state and dull use, the Gingerbread House was an iconic element of Norway’s cultural landscape, often painted, photographed, and admired.
In the early 2000s, C’s Inc. bought the Advertiser Democrat and its properties. Aware of both its derelict state and historic significance, the company offered the house to the Town and the Norway Historical Society for free, under the condition that it be moved. A group of concerned citizens formed the Gingerbread House Task Force, partnering with the Historical Society to raise money, identify a new suitable site for relocation and rehabilitation, and serve as the nonprofit entity to receive donation of the building. As a plan coalesced, the task force formally incorporated as a nonprofit and renamed themselves, the Norway Landmarks Preservation Society (NLPS). In 2011, with a parcel pieced together from Town-owned land and MDOT right-of-way, and a new foundation prepared, Merry Building Movers relocated the Gingerbread House approximately 900 feet to the western edge of town.
Barba + Wheelock was hired to develop a preservation plan. Their 2012 report summarized the significant deterioration of the envelope, loss of the porches, and poor condition of the interior. Thankfully, the framing and structure of the building were sound. Although the relocation undermined its contributing status within the National Register historic district, the group still chose to follow best practices in its preservation.
In 2012, work commenced on the house, first with installation of a new roof and restoration of the chimneys and turret. The asphalt shingles that had long clad the exterior were removed to reveal the original wood siding. Carpentry repairs to clapboard, trim, corbels, and other decorative features were made in preparation for the iconic four-color paint scheme. Window restoration was completed in phases by Bagala Windows Works and Ed Somers Woodworking. Setback requirements prevented reconstruction of the full wraparound porch, but NLPS was able construct a smaller iteration using original elements.
NLPS championed the project from the start through fundraising, sweat equity, coordination with state and local officials, and managing the skilled craftspeople and contractors who worked on site. Countless members of the community volunteered their time. Several groups such as the Middle School Art Club, Junior Kiwanis, and a high school drafting class have all participated in efforts to keep the project going.
Most of the funding came from individual donations and successful grants from the Davis Family Foundation and The 1772 Foundation in partnership with Maine Preservation. Norway Savings Bank likewise helped with financial contributions to the hometown project. Additionally, Aubuchon Hardware and Benjamin Moore Paints made substantial donations in what else, paint!
With the exterior rehabilitation complete, NLPS intends to market the property for sale and the next steward will be tasked with finishing the remarkably intact interior. The group is donating a preservation easement on the property to Maine Preservation so the landmark house will be protected forever at the western gateway to downtown Norway.
Project Participants
Above & Beyond Roofing
Bagala Window Works
Barba + Wheelock
Ed Somers Woodworking
Mark Grover
Merry Building Movers
Norway Historical Society
Norway Landmarks Preservation Society
Old Tyme Painters
Scott Roberts
Photo Credits: Norway Landmarks Preservation Society; Brewster Burns
