The History of The Blacksmith Shop on Union Common
This building is thought to have been built around 1850.
One of its very early uses was as a blacksmith shop owned by Roscoe Miller, (b. 1847), who enlarged the building for that use, and evidence of that expansion can clearly be seen in the attic and basement. Ever since, the building has been known by locals as The Blacksmith Shop, and that reference has been made in all subsequent deeds.
Later uses include general store, post office, tin shop, tractor service shop, fire station around 1950, antique shop, and real estate office.
The building measures 24' x 39' and is of wood frame construction. The ceiling height on the first floor is about 9 feet, and on the second floor just under 8 feet. Between 2000 and 2006, the building was extensively restored, including jacking, concrete foundation, roof, rear and left side wall cedar shingles, plumbing, wiring, insulation, window and door replacement, skylights, drywall, wainscoting, and trim. The walls are either double studded or extra deep studded and very well insulated. The floors on the lower level are antique pine or hemlock, three boards thick, and the upper level is commercial grade carpeting.
Heat is by a Jotul gas stove on the first floor and Rinnai direct vented heater upstairs. Although it is currently used entirely by one tenant, it can easily be used by two. There is a side entrance to the second floor, and the LP can be divided by a simple connection change at the two tanks in the rear. There is, however, only one 100 amp electric panel and meter to the building. An eight station telephone system is included, and both floors are wired for Category 5 computer networking.
There is a mini-kitchen and half bath at the rear of the first floor, and second floor has been roughed-in to accept the same. The site is serviced by public water and a private septic system with a capacity of 145 gallons/day. The leach field is located on an abutter's land by deeded easement.
Its location on Union Common may well be the property's finest attribute. The Common has long been a favorite spot for public events, such as Founders' Day, farmers' markets, concerts, book and plant sales, and flea markets. In the holiday season, the Common is completely "decked-out" in Christmas trees, lights and decoration.
The property is located in the Village District, which is intended to be a mix of residential and small business uses, and potential uses can be professional office, art gallery, retail store, studio, craft shop, etc. Other businesses on the Common include The Badger Cafe, Camden National Bank, Common Market Grocery Store, U.S. Post Office, Humblewood Woodworking, Butler Maxcy & Heath Fuels, Union Historical Society, Common House of Pizza, and Union Antique Traders.
Geographically, the Town of Union is situated at the intersection of three numbered routes: 17, 131, and 235, about midway between the state capital of Augusta and the coast. It lies within the watershed of two scenic rivers, the Saint George and the Medomak. Some of the towns surrounding Union include Appleton, Hope, Rockport, Washington, Waldoboro, and Warren.
Perhaps due to location or maybe necessity, Union has become a sort of mini-economic center for the bordering towns, with an appropriate mix of retail, banking, light industrial, and service businesses within the town. It is an exceptionally pleasant place to live and work.
FMI about this property, contact Jim Ianello at Cates Real Estate at 207-975-0022 or jim@catesre.com