Launching July 2025!
The Centennial Block finished construction at 291-297 Lisbon Street in the Summer of 1876, originally constructed by Thomas Rice Herbest. In the 149 years since, Centennial Block has played home to over 60 businesses and local organizations across four retail and office spaces located in the building- From The Nuns of St. Dominiques', to Paris Adult Bookstore, From Herbest's Rooms and Wallpaper, to Stewart's Fish Market.
In the last 149 years, only 4 families and organizations have owned and maintained the building, from recent immigrants escaping persecution, to deeply engrained local organizations, The history of The Centennial Block reflects the history of Lewiston, Maine and The United States.
Throughout The Centennial Block, we explore this history through the lens and lives of the people and businesses who have spent their lives here. Join us.
Along the same vein as our podcast, we've also decided to release each episode online with visuals in the style of Ken Burns, interviews and voice over paired with still and moving images of Lewiston- and sometimes Auburn- over the last 149 years. New Episodes will be released on the same day as new PodCast episodes-First on Patreon, then a week later on Youtube!
Sun Journal Archives, (1988-2025) Newspapers.com
Lewiston Daily Sun Archives, (1850-1988) Newspapers.com
Lewiston Evening Journal Archives, (1850-1988) Newspapers.com
Lewiston Public Library City Archives (Individual sources listed in show notes for each episode)
Androscoggin Historical Society Archives (Individual sources listed in show notes for each episode)
Primary Source Interviews TBA
If you would like to support The Centennial Block, there are TONS of ways to do that and we're so thankful for your support!
You can Support the Centennial Block Podcast & Web Series by:
1. Shopping at NerdCore or Paris Adult Bookstore & Head Shop in person whenever you can!
2. Join our Patreon! Proceeds of funds through Patreon go to support maintaining the building and keeping Centennial Block in local hands.
Thanks! Since we are called 'NerdCore', we like a good nerdy habit.
Centennial Block is
researched, written & edited by Rebecca Emmons
produced by Malcolm Emmons
And Sponsored by Viewers like you!
The Podcast will be released on Spotify, Audible, Amazon, and Google!
The Web Series will be released on Patreon and Youtube, with clips posted on reels, shorts and Tiktok!