The first hotel--at that time called a tavern--was kept by Benj.
Rackliff. It was situated due south of the old poor farm, near the
north line of D. E. Loveland’s farm. Here the occasional traveller of
the olden times might find food and lodging.
In the village the first hotel was kept by Thomas Chandler. After his
death, the house was carried on by Mrs. Chandler and her son, Benjamin.
The house was near the center of the village, where Mrs. Chas. E.
Stevens’ house now stands. It was conducted as a temperance house.
The Hale Parkhurst house, now owned by L. P. Foster; the Jesse Whitmore
house, now owned by H. B. Rice; the Rufus Burnham house, now owned by
J. R. Taber; the Amos Webb house, now owned by Mrs. Mantie Gregg; and
the Stone house, afterward burned, were at different times used as
hotels, but when the Central House was built, these were discontinued,
except the Chandler House. For years the Central House has been the
town’s only hotel.
The Central House was built by Elijah Winslow. It was at first a small
one-story house, to which he made a two-story addition. He sold the
building to John L. Seavey, who afterward sold to Fred Burrill, he to
Daniel Dummer, he to T. J. Whitehouse and G. A. Hunt. It was burned
at this time. Mr. Whitehouse then purchased Mr. Hunt’s interest and
built the present Central House in 1878. It is now owned by Mr. F.
A. Whitehouse. This hotel was situated half way between Augusta and
Bangor, on the old stage road--hence its name.