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The Front St. Deli |
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| Welcome to the Front Street Deli and 1840 Lounge.
The granite walls, bricks and post & beam construction of this building have been
preserved since it was built in 1840. On February 5, 1837 the Great Fire in Bath consumed
more than 30 buildings on Front Street between the present YMCA building and Springer's
Jewelry Store. It was at that point, thanks to a brick wall and slate roof, that the fire
was finally brought under control. Despite the biting gale, citizens formed bucket lines
to the river to feed three hand pumps. A nor'easter raged and the engines became useless
as the thermometer fell. By 1840 most of the scars from the Great Fire had been erased.
New construction shaped Front Street as we see it today and this was one of the new
buildings. During the 1840's, Bath's Registry boasted of over 500 merchant sailing ships, ranking seventh in the nation. Everything needed to build and outfit a ship was available here. The development of sailing ships reached it's peak in the 1870's and '80's with the "Downeasters." These fast but efficient vessels were loaded with fish, furs and lumber for trading worldwide. In 1893, nearby Phippsburg launched the last wooden full-rigged ship in the country as steel replaced wood and the glorious sailing era was over. For over 150 years many businesses have used this store front, from clothing store to shoe store to grocery shop. Since 1976 the Front Street Deli has been famous for its generously portioned sandwiches and homey atmosphere - couches and coffee tables make it a relaxing luncheon meeting spot. The lower level is often used for family gatherings, birthdays, retirement parties, and other festive occasions. No matter what changes occur, the Front Street Deli aims to provide old and new patrons a warm and comfortable atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying lunch, dinner, or late night snacks in our living room. |
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