Impressions are the ground floor of any decision making. It is unlikely for people to make any choices that impacted their lives without first having experienced something long enough to get an impression. Buying a house, taking a job and starting a family are life events that have great impact. Making the right choice in location for any of these is essential.
Designated a historical downtown area, the city of Auburn has provided a welcoming place for families with its friendly neighborhoods and schools, and a prosperous venue for businesses in visible locations that provide accessibility.
Melanie Davis and her husband David became the new owners of the Munroe Inn Bed and Breakfast in April 2011, relocating here from Florida. On the National Registry of Historic Places, the inn is what Melanie says drew the couple and their 12-year-old daughter to Auburn.
“We had looked in North Carolina, Georgia – east of the Mississippi,” Davis said. “We saw the house online, came up and looked at it, and fell in love with it.”
People from other parts of the country have likened Auburn to other small, historic communities in other states, according to Dan Poulin, owner of Orphan Annie’s Antiques.
Even if you’re not a history buff, landmarks like the Foss Mansion, which houses the Woman’s Literary Union, and the newly remodeled Munroe Inn are impressive buildings on their own.
“We wanted to make sure we kept it as close to its original look as possible,” said Davis about why the couple chose to research the history of the Munroe Inn.
One of the hidden treasures of the city is the vast area the town encompasses, said Mayor Jonathan Labonte. Auburn has numerous residential areas for people who are relocating, and not all are visible from the main roads. There are communities that provide a charming, neighborhood feeling without sacrificing the convenience of being able to walk downtown.
Poulin, who lives on the top floor of the building from which he operates his business, has created a tranquil space in his backyard, just yards from busy Court Street. The yard and porch are secluded enough that it’s hard to believe downtown Auburn surrounds the space.
“I spend as much time as I can out there,” said Poulin.
Labonte also pointed out that there are a number of towns or cities with one characteristic or another, but not many that offer the diversity of Auburn.
“There is still a neat, natural landscape within the community,” he said, adding that for anyone who enjoys nature, the area is full of great hiking and walking trails.
“People from out-of-state, mainly Bates College parents, talk about the quaintness,” said Ken Blais, co-owner of Rolly’s (pronounced Roll-eez) Diner in New Auburn.
Recent renovations have made buildings such as Auburn Hall and the corner spot that’s home to Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub and Restaurant attention grabbing locations once more. Even more worldly tastes have begun to find the palettes of area residents at Naral’s, self-described Arabian-Greek cuisine. And all this within view of the Androscoggin River and Great Falls.
Kayaking, canoeing and fishing have become more attractive, something Blais attributes to the better river water quality and its cleaner surrounding banks.
The Riverwalk is something the Davis family say they enjoy and they encourage their guests to experience it for themselves.
“We tell people when they come, you can park your car here and walk downtown to explore,” Davis said.
“It helps bring people downtown,” said Poulin of the Riverwalk and the Great Falls.
The Community Concert Band on Wednesday nights throughout the summer months is also on the list for what makes Auburn a community for any age.
Davis said her husband has done some extensive research on the house and the area.
“When people visit we can tell them about what’s in Auburn. You know, people just don’t realize what a gem is sitting here,” said Davis.
Poulin said the summer months are certainly more outdoor activity-friendly, and the town boasts many 5K races, concerts, festivals and even a classic-car night once a week in the Rolly’s Diner parking lot, complete with a DJ. Year-round, just a short walk from Auburn Hall is the Community Little Theatre, a valued asset for the local thespians and theater enthusiasts alike.
“The old-fashioned downtown district kind of still exists down here,” said Blais. “They’re not all real visible, but right around us there are probably 30 little businesses operating out of the first floor of these buildings.”
It seems fitting that a town with a historical designation would also be home to an organization dedicated to the preservation of the area’s history. The Androscoggin Historical Society resides in Auburn on the top floor of the Androscoggin County building. And just a few hundred feet up Court Street, another source of information, historical and interest-driven, is the Auburn Public Library.
The amount of volunteerism and charitable events are numerous, which Labonte says stems from many of the local businesses and residents. Whether you are starting a family, relocating, retiring or opening a business, Auburn has a stable tax base, a dedicated workforce and neighborhoods that encourage community involvement and provide a welcoming, at-home atmosphere.
“You can’t create that, it’s part of the fabric of the community,” said Labonte.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
