Contributed by Penobscot Marine Museum
Description
An early history of Woodland referred to Charles Murray’s general merchandise store as "among the leading industrial and mercantile houses of the St. Croix Valley." He erected the Murray Building, shown here, in 1915. He ran the Woodland Cash Store on the first floor, and apartments and storage were on the second and third floors. The building burned in 1969.
Charlie Murray, an Italian immigrant who changed his name when he came to the United States, arrived in Woodland as the St. Croix Paper Company was just getting under way. He quickly became an energetic and influential member of the new company town.
He recruited many of the Italians who built the mill and was the contract "enforcer" who rounded up the Italians who ran off before they had completed what the company considered their term of employment.
In 1907 he built the Woodland Opera House, known initially as Murray’s Hall. It was reported to have "one of the finest fitted bowling alleys in New England woodland" as well a hall for dancing, roller skating, and music, plays, and other entertainment.
About This Item
- Title: Woodland Cash Store, ca. 1920
- Creation Date: circa 1920
- Subject Date: circa 1920
- Location: Woodland, Washington County, ME
- Media: Glass Negative
- Dimensions: 12.75 cm x 17.75 cm
- Local Code: LB2007.1.103002
- Collection: Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Co.
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Eastern Illustrating & Publishing Company
- Photographs--Maine
- Postcards--Maine
- Stores & shops--Maine--Woodland
- Italian Americans--Maine--Woodland
- Buildings--Maine--Woodland
For more information about this item, contact:
Penobscot Marine MuseumPO Box 498, 5 Church Street, Searsport, ME 04974
(207) 548-2529
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