THE LOMBARD HOUSE
65 Elm Street

This house has two claims to fame. First, it stands as a monument to the city's world famous inventive genius, Alvin O. Lombard.

Second, there is a mysterious room in the basement. Directly behind the furnace there is a secret door in the wall. Behind the door was another room camouflaged to look like a storeroom. Could it have been used for secret invention data or a private laboratory? In 1964 Waterville Urban Renewal Authority acquired part of the property to make way for the Appleton Street extension. The section that housed the secret room was demolished but the basement door leading to it remains today.

This house, an example of a shingle style dwelling, was built for Lombard in 1908 with three marble fireplaces, ornate woodwork that reflects excellent craftsmanship, a slate roof, and a large basement with a 10 foot ceiling. This beautiful dwelling remained in the Lombard family until 1964 when the Waterville Urban Renewal Authority claimed it. The interior was remodeled for apartments in the 1940s.

Lombard was at the forefront of the lumber industry with his patented inventions. His most noted was the steam log hauler, which revolutionized lumbering. His invention was the forerunner of the Army tank used so successfully in World War I.

He also invented a bark stripper, a knot separator, a pulp crusher, and was the first person seen in Waterville to be driving a steam driven automobile. He considered his finest invention a turbine water wheel control.