Lincoln Middle School A Brief History By Gene McClure

1897 - THE BUILDING is ERECTED
The building that now occupies Lincoln Middle School was erected in 1897 and was dedicated two years later (in 1899) as Deering High School. At that time there was a strong contingent of Portland citizens who opposed a structure of such magnitude, citing that the Deering area didn't warrant such a school.

A former student and lawyer, Fred V. Matthews, advocated the need for an institution in Deering of equal grade and standing. And so it was, the building was erected in 1897, on a parcel of land that was once known as Stevens Plains.

Prior to establishing the present site, the coed school once stood in the town of Deering, in Morgan's Hall at Morrill's Corner, 1874. Mr. William Palmer was the first principal of the one classroom school.

When the school moved to Stevens Avenue, F.E.C. Robins, and E.C. Woodford were administrators receiving a salary of $2,250.00 a year. The new four room edifice was known as "Maine's most magnificent high school building".

On January 30, 1899, principal William H. Marvin dedicated Deering High School.

1913 - ANNEX CONSTRUCTED
Within a fourteen year span, the enrollment increased from 140 to 400, making it necessary to build an annex of 18 classrooms.

1921 - TRAGEDY STRIKES
On May 21, 1921, a fire of undetermined origin dampened the enthusiasm and joy the Deering High students were experiencing. The inferno broke out in the library of the building on the main floor.

Portland's Fire Capt. James C. Kent was killed in the mishap, when part of the roof collapsed and burned him. Mr. Kent later died of internal injuries in the old St. Barnabas Hospital on Woodford Street. To complete the year, students attended classes in the Annex and in two local churches.

During the reconstruction, a MO Shane Bell from Baltimore, Maryland, was installed in the tower. This brass alarm system was circuited to the Portland Fire Department so to warn Deering residents of any fires.

1923 - HIGH SCHOOL BECOMES JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
By 1923, a new Deering High School had to be built to house the increased enrollment of about 826 students.

In 1925, Deering Junior High changed its name to Lincoln Junior High in honor of the 16th president of the United States. Lincoln's life size statue greets guests and students as they enter the main building. This became Portland's first junior high school.

1931- OLD MILL - A GIFT FROM STUDENTS
The class of 1931 gave a unique gift to the school, an indoor grist mill with a garden, located in the Annex atrium. Principal Roland Stevens (1925-50) and janitor Mac Hakins combined their ingenuity and expertise to assist the students in producing the old mill.

Each student signed and shellacked their own rock. A 75 gallon water tank occupied with salmon and trout, and ivy from George Washington's Mt. Vernon home added a touch of nature to this once vacant room.

1959 - PROPERTY PURCHASED
In 1959, property was purchased from the Goffs of 87 Leland Street for $11,500 to improve the rear entrance. Leland Murray, Cape Elizabeth, was the low bidder at $495 for demolition. Three years later, an off street tract of land, 90' by 136 ' was purchased from Ethel Meloon for $1,000. Physical education classes and soccer practices occasionally use the fenced in facility.

1962 - WAGNIS GYM BUILT
A much needed gymnasium was built in memory of Joseph J. Wagnis. The devoted teacher, coach and friend lost his life while fishing on Sebago Lake.

The same year, a teacher, Margaret Dole, suggested the name Leo Aureus for the yearbook, which "Golden Lion".

1981 - TALKS OF CLOSING LINCOLN
There was a brief period that the school department talked about closing Lincoln. However, the area residents united to keep this established edifice open. Within the very near future, this historic brick structure would be renovated.

1996 - RENOVATIONS COMPLETED
At the beginning of the school year 1994/95, the entire staff and student body were moved to the Stevens Avenue Armory to conduct classes temporarily during the renovation of the school building.

Although a major disruption in the flow of normal daily business, the faculty and students did a super job of carrying on the educational program.

In September 1996, the Lincoln Middle School faculty and students returned home from the Avenue Armory to a completely renovated facility.

The project, which was approved by the Portland City Council and the registered voters, took two years to complete at a cost of approximately $4.8 million. All systems were updated and the classrooms and hallways were brightened and redesigned to be a school that will serve students in this community

For many years to come. Renovations completed, this historic edifice has once again become a magnificent school building.