The A. B. Leavitt House: Sherman’s Architectural Treasure

The A. B. Leavitt House: Sherman’s Architectural Treasure

In the small northern Maine town of Sherman stands one of the state’s most distinctive historic homes: the A. B. Leavitt House (Currently Salted Butter Farm | 6 Gardiner Street). Built in 1890, this striking residence is more than just a piece of local history—it represents the late-19th-century trend of “catalog houses,” where aspiring homeowners could select architectural plans from a published book and bring them to life with the help of a local builder.

The A. B. Leavitt House was designed using a pattern published by Palliser, Palliser & Company, one of the most popular architectural firms of the era. Based on designs in the Palliser catalog (VIEW CATALOG), the house embodies the picturesque qualities of the Queen Anne and Gothic Revival styles. Hallmarks of the design include an asymmetrical façade, steep gables, and decorative details that give the home a bold yet elegant appearance. While the house closely followed the published plan, local builder Chester Coburn also added a carriage house in a matching style, creating a seamless extension that further elevates the property’s architectural significance.

What makes the A. B. Leavitt House so special is not only its distinctive style but also what it tells us about life in rural Maine at the turn of the 20th century. Catalog houses made high-style architecture accessible even in small towns, allowing families like the Leavitts to bring national design trends to their own communities. In Sherman, a community rooted in farming and timber, the Leavitt House stood as a symbol of aspiration, craftsmanship, and connection to broader cultural movements.

Recognizing its importance, the A. B. Leavitt House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This designation highlights its value as a rare and well-preserved example of mail-order architecture in Maine. Today, it serves as a reminder of the creativity and vision that shaped even the most rural corners of New England during a time of rapid change and growth.

For visitors and locals alike, the Leavitt House is more than just a beautiful old building—it’s a piece of living history. Its enduring presence in Sherman encourages us to look more closely at the stories behind our built environment, from the catalogs and craftsmen of the past to the families who made these houses their homes.

The next time you travel through the Katahdin region, take a moment to appreciate Sherman’s A. B. Leavitt House. It’s a testament to the power of design, the reach of mail-order architecture, and the resilience of Maine’s heritage.

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