Last time I was up in Maine, we did a little exploring around the historic neighborhoods of Bangor. This of course turned into a half assed tour of sites mentioned in Stephen Kings books.
That list would not be complete without a visit to the standpipe from the book and movie “IT”.
At the end of the day, it was just neat to see because I have read so many of his books. His home is one of the nicer in the area….although there are some amazing Victorian Era mansions around every corner. The amount of money made by Maine fishermen and whalers must have been truly extraordinary during that time.
Here is the background on the standpipe according to my brobot.
Thomas Hill Standpipe: A Historical and Cultural Overview
Historical Background
The Thomas Hill Standpipe, an iconic structure in Bangor, Maine, was constructed in 1897 to address the city’s need for consistent water pressure and adequate emergency water storage. Designed by Ashley B. Tower of Holyoke, Massachusetts, the standpipe features a riveted wrought iron tank encased within a wooden frame jacket. The tank itself stands 50 feet tall with a diameter of 75 feet, capable of holding 1.75 million gallons of water. The encompassing wooden structure rises to 110 feet in height and 85 feet in diameter, crowned by a 38-foot flagpole. Construction was completed in approximately six months, utilizing 42,000 feet of hard pine and 220,000 cedar shingles.
Throughout its history, the standpipe has undergone various modifications. During World War II, it was painted olive drab to camouflage it from potential enemy aircraft targeting the nearby Dow Army Airfield. Post-war, the structure was repainted white, and decorative lights were added around the promenade deck, often referred to as “the crown on the Queen City.” The standpipe was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and continues to serve its original purpose of regulating water pressure and providing emergency water storage for Bangor.
The Standpipe in Stephen King’s Works
Stephen King, a Bangor resident, has drawn inspiration from the Thomas Hill Standpipe in several of his works. Notable mentions include:
- “It”: In this novel, the standpipe is reimagined as a haunted and dangerous water tower in the fictional town of Derry, where the character Stan Uris encounters the malevolent entity, Pennywise.
- “Dreamcatcher”: The standpipe is referenced as a significant landmark in Derry, with a memorial dedicated to the victims of the 1985 flood and the events involving “It.”
- “11/22/63”: The protagonist, Jake Epping, purchases a pillow featuring an image of the standpipe, which he uses to conceal a weapon pivotal to the storyline.
These references highlight the standpipe’s influence on King’s portrayal of Derry, serving as a symbol of the town’s eerie and ominous atmosphere.
The Surrounding Area
Situated atop Thomas Hill, the standpipe offers panoramic views of Bangor and its environs. The area is characterized by its quaint, tree-lined streets and historic homes, embodying the charm of a small New England town. Summit Park, located adjacent to the standpipe, provides a serene setting for visitors. It is reputed that Stephen King penned portions of “It” while seated on a bench in this park, drawing inspiration from the standpipe’s imposing presence.
The neighborhood’s tranquil ambiance juxtaposed with the looming structure of the standpipe encapsulates the blend of normalcy and underlying menace that permeates King’s fictional town of Derry
