The original purpose of the building was to be a training and storage facility for the National Guard. When completed in 1923, the city had invested so much money into the structure, the majority of aldermen did not want to sign over the deed to the State Armory Commission. After a special referendum, the citizens of Lewiston voted to keep the building and “rent” it to the state. The National Guard used it for training until the 1940s, with home shows, circus performances and other activities mixed in.
One of the longest standing activities to take place in the armory is boxing. With the likes of Joe Louis, Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson having fought there, it is also where two time world champion Joey Gamache Jr. had many bouts. His father, Joe Sr., is in his third decade of running the Gamache Boxing Club in the basement.
Today, the floor, roof and much of the infrastructure has changed, but the ambience still exists.
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- A old, unused, cooler sits idle in the basement of the Lewiston Armory.
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- Aside from a new gym floor, not much has changed inside the Lewiston Armory in a long time.
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- One of several sets of keys that go to the various facilities that the Lewiston Recreation Department manages hanging in one of the back offices at the Lewiston Armory.
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- On the back wall of the stage at the Lewiston Armory is this single signature
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- A seal of unknown origin adorns the side of the stage at the Lewiston Armory
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- One of the old items found under the second floor balcony during a recent inspection.
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