Staff Writer

As buildings in York County are destroyed by fire, battered by harsh weather or torn down for the sake of economic development, pieces of history are lost along with posts and beams. A new book called “Lost York County” by Steven Burr tells stories of buildings that once stood, and some that still hold their ground, and the history surrounding the structures. 

Burr, 47, and a Kennebunk native, has been collecting photographs of old buildings for nearly 20 years. In an effort to compile the images, Burr said he decided to create a book of lost buildings and worked regionally, finding pictures of homes, hotels, summer businesses, industry, schools, churches and town views of York County.

“Too often we drive by these buildings without paying attention, until one day we pass by and realize they are gone,” Burr wrote in the book’s introduction.

For example, included in his book is a photo of St. Mary’s School and St. Mary’s Convent on the corner of St. Mary’s and Elm streets in Biddeford, which were torn down in 2001 after a century and replaced by a Dunkin’ Donuts. 

“Nobody does anything to try and save some historic buildings. There are a few still standing, but in my opinion they are endangered,” Burr said. 

As Burr compiled pictures he owned, borrowed from fellow historians and found at local historical societies, he also went into the communities to research. He said he looked at a picture of what used to be Shapleigh corner, but then realized because of demolished buildings and road construction it “just doesn’t exist anymore.”

“In some towns, it was surprising what did survive, but some losses were just staggering,” Burr said. 

In Newfield, Burr said it was interesting to see the number of houses lost in the regional fire of 1947 that burned to the coast. He said it was interesting to note houses right next to ones that burned down are still standing.

“To get out there and see what was really lost was just amazing, and it was more than what I expected,” Burr said. 

With one class left to complete his undergraduate degree in history, Burr said he is most interested in historic preservation, but has realized people in York County do not share his passion. He said Kennebunk recently lost a Greek revival-style farmhouse to build Stop and Shop on Route 1, but the community was “up in arms” about building a subdivision behind the Lord Mansion. 

“For some reason, there’s something about Maine and people not embracing historic preservation. If local people get involved things will happen. If people don’t care it’s a lost cause,” Burr said. 

As he traveled through communities, Burr said it is interesting to note changes in areas compared to historical pictures. In his book, Burr included a series of photographs of Dock Square in Kennebunkport “to give readers an idea of how it originally looked and how it has changed over the years.”

“Changes are sometimes subtle, but as you go back, it’s fun to look at what’s different,” Burr said. 

“Lost York County” is available for $19.99 at local bookstores and at the Landing Store in Kennebunk. Burr, who works at the Landing Store, said he will sign books for anyone who stops in. 

Staff writer Emma Bouthillette can be reached at 282-4337 ext. 237.