Main Street Skowhegan has been working for almost ten years toward a shared vision of downtown that is vibrant, beautiful, and economically sound. Join us in celebrating our upcoming Decade of Development anniversary with a tax-deductible donation toward the $10,000 fundraising goal before the end of the year.  We're more than 40% of the way there!

An example of our impact: new business at the old Masonic Lodge

The Skowhegan Masons have been meeting in their downtown lodge for almost 100 years and a lot has changed in that time. Though membership has decreased and their building has aged, this fraternal group has taken firm steps to turn around with our help. 

"If you asked me three years ago about the Lodge I would have said we'd be closed down by now," says Skowhegan Mason Frank Bolduc, "Fortunately we got a call from [Main Street Director] Dugan one day."

Building partnerships and facilitating connections is what we do! When entrepreneur Katie Quinn contacted us about kitchen space to produce her Ass Over Teakettle Bloody Mary Mix, we brokered a rental arrangement with the Masons to use their space.

Katie's business has been fast growing since she's been downtown. "We're even in Portland! It's been great. A lot of people out there are supporting their local stores," she said.

The new arrangement also benefited the Masons by creating a rental revenue stream and by increasing their exposure in the community. They have since hosted community events like the Rotary Club's Beer, Wine, and Food Tasting last March and an all-day conference by the Maine Downtown Center last June.

Mason Frank Bolduc has also reported a spike in new membership. "Young guys, younger than me," he said.