Abandoned Searsport Captain’s Home Being Torn Down
This more than 150-year-old home is being torn down.
If you've traveled Route 1 in Searsport, there's no doubt you've noticed this dilapidated, crumbling building. The photo below was captured in 2011 by Google. Since then the building has further sunk into the ground and more of the home has collapsed. Obviously the home isn't safe to reconstruct. As it's torn down, the property owner is trying to salvage as much of the building as possible.
According to the Bangor Daily News, owner Doug Brown was told to tear down the old sea captain's home two years ago. As he works to comply with the town of Searsport's demolition order, he's working to save as much as he can from the home. Among these items are antiques, woodwork and a cypress staircase.
The home was built in the 1860s by Capt. Joseph Loomis Park. The home has been abandoned for more than 20 years.
The Bangor Daily News also reports the town is weary of the slow, two-year demolition progress. Town officials may seek to knock the building down this fall. The town has concerns that someone may get injured trying to get too close to the building.
Note: The building is obviously very unstable. While it may be tempting to get that last photo opportunity, do not enter or stand near the structure. It's very dangerous and you're trespassing.