Augusta’s Colonial Theater topped by work of artisans
A decorative element of the historic, but long-vacant downtown theater facade is a mix of replicated and original features.
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Steve Brown, left, Edith Gawler, Bob Bailey and John Gawler work on a roof line ornamental piece Tuesday at the Colonial Theater on Water Street in Augusta.
Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
AUGUSTA There’s no “1913,” or even “1926,” section at local hardware stores to turn to when you’ve got a prominent historic building in need of some new parts.
So when organizers seeking to put the long-vacant Colonial Theater in downtown Augusta back into use wanted to restore the art deco element that topped the theater since it was built, they turned to Maine artisans. Despite the element enduring more than 100 years of exposure to wind, rain and at least one fire, the artisans were able to restore some original aspects and replicate others using what was left of the originals.