This book, placed in the Bangor Public Library as a memorial by the City of Bangor, contains the names of the one hundred and thirteen Bangor men who died for victory in World War II. It contains the photographs and biographies of one hundred and ten of these men. A page of the book is turned each day.

Report on the status of the Stillwater Park Project, Kenduskeag Stream Project, and York-Hancock Street Project.

To the Citizens of Bangor: It is our privilege to present herewith the revised Comprehensive Plan for the City of Bangor. In view of the significant economic, social, and physical change expected to occur in Bangor and the surrounding urban area during the next twenty-year period, we regard a sound long-range plan for guiding urban improvement, growth, and development as essential to our community well·being. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of general recognition and official sanction of the goals and objectives set forth herein. Although the Comprehensive Plan cannot be all things to all people, due weight and consideration has been given to all factors which might affect the economic, social, and Physical development of our community so that the ultimate plan would be as broad, inclusive, and realistic as possible in serving the interests, needs and desires of all of the people of Bangor. Only the key planning elements are presented in this report; further detail on any phase of the plan is available at the office of the Bangor Planning Department.

This report presents a condensed summary of activities in the Urban Renewal program in Bangor from the time of its inception in 1958 to the present day--a span of ten years. Bangor's program has been ambitious in scale; in attempting to renew the major portion of the central business district through the Kenduskeag Stream Project and in providing a new 130-acre subdivision development in the Stillwater Park Project area. Both projects have required a great amount of detailed planning and several innovative approaches have been developed to deal with the many unique aspects of these projects. Progress has been steadily maintained in both projects. The Stillwater Park Project is, for all intents and purposes, complete with the exception of land disposition. The demand for residential building lots has been slow since the first offering of land was made in 1966. However, the market picked up substantially during the current year and it is hoped that sufficient development will take place in 1969 to enable the Authority to make application for a major completion Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Introduction: Although the Maine State Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights is concerned with the entire scope of civil rights responsibilities in the State, most of its attention in the last two and a half years has been focused on denial of equal opportunity in housing to Negroes. Investigation of this denial of equal opportunity culminated in two Open Meetings, the first in Portland, Maine on March 25, 1963, and the second in Bangor, Maine on April 27, 1964. It is significant that Maine, geographically remote from the troubled South and temperamentally different from the large industrial centers in the North, should contain this problem. It is possible that many residents of this State, and of other States may be surprised to discover that denial of equal opportunity is not confined to any one section of the country but is to be found even in this New England State which is not traditionally regarded as a site of racial tensions. Unfortunately, the problem is not new in Maine. But it is only now that it has emerged as one that people in the State are recognizing, discussing, and trying to solve.

Review: 1965 was a year of intensive activity and progress in the Stillwater Park Project. Property acquisition was completed, as well as the relocation of families, businesses and individuals. Demolition of structures neared completion and a major portion of the planned public improvements was concluded under contracts to the City Public Works Department and private contractors. Preparations were made for property disposition and a program of voluntary and compulsory rehabilitation was instituted. Although poor titles hampered the acquisition program, negotiations were successfully concluded for all but 6 parcels out of a total workload of 211. The downtown renewal project entered the execution stage in 1965. Preparations were made for property acquisition, and by year's end, the Agency had acquired 4 commercial properties. Negotiations were held with potential developers, both the outside re-development specialist, and the local entrepreneur, as well as displaced businesses desiring land for relocation in the project area. Design consultants were engaged to assist the Agency in setting design objectives and criteria, which will be utilized in requesting proposals for redevelopment. At least 12 business firms had relocated into existing or new facilities.

The name "Bangor High School" harbors many proud traditions. Today, November fourteen, nineteen hundred and sixty-four we pass on the name to a new generation and to generations yet to come. That this new building may deserve to bear the proud name, Bangor High School, depends on how effectively it functions in housing its students and its teachers in the numerous social, academic, creative and extra curricular activities which comprise the program of the Bangor High School. We cordially invite you to a pictorial tour of Bangor High School.

Ask Yourself These Questions Before You Vote: 1. Do you want a $5,000,000 blitzkrieg for Bangor? With the demolition of 106 business buildings? 2. Do you want a government agency in control of a vast section of our downtown area? Or do you prefer civic improvement through private capital and initiative? 3. Are you willing to pay higher taxes if this project fails to replace existing businesses? The Wall Street Journal found that less than one third of the total area demolished by Urban Renewal has been put to productive use. 4. Why should we exchange what we have for promises of something that may not materialize? Expressions of interest and hopes for redevelopment are not guarantees ...

This booklet is presented with the compliments of Bangor's Official Urban Renewal Authority in the interest of Bangor citizens and taxpayers. Its purpose is to point out the need, the benefits and the urgency of this vital project. The documented facts will show that this is a now-or-never opportunity for Bangor to solve a serious community problem by accepting an outright Federal Grant, (not a loan) of $5,500,000 to accomplish this purpose. Most important of all, it will show that if we act now, this vital, multi-million dollar project can be completed with an expenditure of about $120,000 in city funds and with the aim of helping to hold down local taxes. Many misleading and frightening statements have been made about the impact of the downtown project upon the community. The information presented here is both factual and objective. The Bangor Urban Renewal Authority is interested only in the development and progress of the City of Bangor itself, and does not represent or speak for any private group or special interests. We urge every citizen and taxpayer to acquaint himself with the facts and figures contained herein. It will then be evident that Bangor's Urban Renewal Plan is beneficial both to Bangor now as well as to the Bangor our children will inherit.--Urban Renewal Authority of the City of Bangor, Francis A. Finnegan, Chairman

The year 1964 ran the gamut of local and federal approvals of the downtown projects from the filing of Part I of the Application for Loan and Grant in January to the execution of a Loan and Grant Contract in December. The Kenduskeag Stream project embraces 50.7 acres situated in the central business district. The plan provides for the acquisition of 135 buildings while retaining 63 for conservation and rehabilitation. The assessed valuation of real estate that would be acquired is $4,200,000. The principal objectives of the Kenduskeag Stream Urban Renewal Project are to preserve the economic vitality of the central business district as a retail center and wholesale market, to meet the demands for new retail floor space forecast in the Marketability Survey, to provide downtown sites for the relocation of existing wholesale uses, to develop new off-street parking areas which adequately support existing and new retail space, and to provide a circulation system which separates automotive from truck traffic and intercity from intracity traffic.

To the young we say: "Believe in Bangor". Vote for a city you'll be proud to live in. VOTE YES FOR URBAN RENEWAL. To the middle aged we say: "Believe in Bangor". Enjoy the benefits of living in an alive, alert, economically healthy and thriving city. VOTE YES FOR URBAN RENEWAL. To the elderly we say: "Believe in Bangor". Make your legacy to coming generations a thriving city they'll be proud to live in. VOTE YES FOR URBAN RENEWAL. To every citizen and taxpayer we say: "Believe in Bangor".

Program includes statistics, members of the Dedication Commitee, and photographs showing progress of the project: October 1961, Start of Construction of the Kenduskeag Plaza; February 1962, Erecting form for first section of West Wall; October 1962, Hot topping started on West Side; June 1963, Completion of Plaza Parking Project.

In accordance with the By-Laws of the Bangor Urban Renewal Authority, the annual report is hereby presented. The report reflects the continuing effort the Authority is making to improve the physical condition of our city and the environment to its residents through the urban renewal program. I respectfully submit that the execution of the Stillwater Project has proceeded expeditiously and with a minimum of hardship upon the residents in the are, and that the planning of our downtown project has been successfully concluded. We intend to vigorously pursue our role in the evolution of these projects, which will contribute so much to the betterment of the City of Bangor. Respectfully, Harold L. Thurlow, Executive Director

In May 1955, the Bangor City Planning Board received a report outlining Bangor's housing problems and prospects, "with a view toward establishing a local housing policy and program." Several of the recommendations of this report have been accomplished. A Housing Code was adopted. An Urban Renewal Authority was created. The City is about to execute its first redevelopment project. A section of this report is herewith quoted as a point of reference to evaluate the progress of housing, improvement in the past several years. "If Bangor's housing as a totality is to be kept from settling into a state or progressive degradation, means will have to be provided to assure; (1) the conversion of the precious existing supply of good dwellings and neighbornonds, (2) the rehabilitation of salvable dwellings and neighborhoods and (3) the studied elimination and redevelopment of certain cancer-like growths of blight and shums in existence in the community today.

More than 350 years ago the first white man excreted his wastes into the Kenduskeag Stream. Today, the City of Bangor offers its citizens the same sewage treatment facilities as that given to the crewmen of Samuel de Champlain's ship in 1604. This report attempts to describe the extent of pollution in the Kenduskeag Stream and point out the potential health hazard of this foul smelling watercourse that divides our city with the sewage of our citizens.

One of the major objectives of Urban Renewal in Bangor will be to provide suitable, safe, decent and sanitary housing in well-planned and maintained neighborhoods. The removal of substandard structures is not enough. Definite efforts must be made to raise the quality of living accommodations as well as the homemaking habits and aspirations of those segments of the population who now are living or formerly have lived in slum settings. A cooperative endeavor among public agencies, home builders, realtors, civic groups and others is involved. A Relocation Office will be established in the Stillwater Park Area to afford maximum accessibility to project site occupants. The office will be situated in a building slated for demolition in the final stage of the Relocation Program and will serve as a clearing house for information and service to site occupants. The Relocation Staff will work out of this office aiding in the social, psychological and physical adjustments required of families in their transition from one area of living, and one pattern of habits to another.

Your tax dollars provide: Eductation ... Recreation ... Welfare ... Sewere ... Sanitation ... Streets ... Parks ... Police ... Fire ... And many other services. Progress is our most important asset. When Bangor needs something done, business and civic leaders go to work. Successful united fund campaigns, neighborhood redevelopment projects, industrial park developments are examples of business and civic leaders working together on citizens committees for the good of the community. The willingness of Bangor citizens to assume their responsibilities assures a progressive outlook toward community development and a healthy climate for Bangor’s future growth.

Dear Mr. Businessman and Mr. Industrialist: We welcome your request for information on Bangor's facilities and services. In Bangor you will find space for growth and a willingness to assist new, as well as existing, industry. Many out-of-staters have found our City a good place in which to work and live the year around. The outdoor activities provided by the area's woods, mountains, lakes, streams, and coastaI waters is well known. People from other sections of the country have the erroneous idea that Maine is snow bound in winter. There was some truth to this beIief 50 years ago, but no more. Thanks to power ploughs and other modern snow removal equipment, we take winter in stride. A snow storm that would cripple a larger metropolitan area slows activities in Maine very little. The state's industrial climate is also good. The tax situation compares favorably with other states of northeastern United States. Also, this is true of labor management relatlonshlps. If you are associated with an industry that has plans to relocate, you might consider the Bangor area as a plant site. We welcome further inquiry and would be happy to provlde more specific details keyed to your needs. Thank you. Sincerely, Industrial Development Department

The Bangor Urban Renewal Authority of Bangor, Maine, was organized in August of 1958, making the year 1960 the second year of operation. This report reflecting its events for the past calendar year is in accordance with the By-laws of the Authority. It is the purpose of the Authority to deal directly with the Federal Government, through the Housing and Home Finance Agency on behalf of the City of Bangor for the partaking of Federal loans and grants to eliminate substandard, slum or blighted areas within the city. During the past year the Authority has met in twelve regular and three special sessions. All regular meetings were held on the second Tuesday of the month at 8:00 A.M. in the City Planning Office at City Hall and were open to the public.

This is the design for ‘59 ... Bangor’s year of destiny. The idea grew out of the thinking of a number of men who turned to Gordon W. Clapp, youthful public relations director of Bangor's daily newspaper. Clapp, soon to become chairman of the committee charged with working out a plan and effectuating it, picked up the ball and ran with it. The idea was simple--why not have a celebration honoring the 125th Anniversary of Bangor's incorporation as a city. Clapp started by calling together a group of civic-minded business men to discuss the thought and to "kick it around" and kick it around they did. The result wasn't just a plan for a celebration for one day, or a week or even a month--it was a gala, tremendous year-long celebration aimed at commemorating the City of Bangor's 125th birthday and providing the State of Maine and New England with the biggest promotion and fun filled event in their history.

An outline history of Bangor by the late Raymond Fellows, one time Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Maine and President of the Bangor Historical Society, and by the the reference staff of the Bangor Public Library. Twenty-five still visible objects of historic interest. Twenty-five sites of historic objects no longer standing.

Just over two years ago one of those modern marvels of construction machinery, a backhoe, crooked its steel arm into the air near the Bangor City Hospital and dug its steel fingers into the earth. It was the first ground broken for Interstate highway construction in the Queen City. Today, 3/4 of a million yards of earth later (plus quantities of concrete, steel and gravel equally as astronomical in their proportions) traffic is humming over the broad four lane highway of the Industrial Spur from the Main Street interchange to Odlin Road. Traffic recorders are busily clicking off over 6000 vehicles a day. The Spur will not only "tap off" thousands of vehicles a day from Hammond and Union Streets and relieve congestion in the downtown area, it will also make Bangor's new industrial areas near the Spur attractive to firms seeking new and more functional quarters. A modern highway to serve these industrial areas ha-s been a dream of the city's progressive citizens a dozen years or more. Now that dream has been realized in rugged, long-lasting asphalt, steel and concrete.

For two and one-half years a group of Bangor area citizens worked as a cohesive committee planning, organizing and promoting a year-long program in observance of Bangor's 125th Anniversary as an incorporated city. The Anniversary Committee was formed in April 1957 and worked together through the Anniversary Year, 1959. The objectives of the celebration were to focus local, regional and national attention upon Bangor, attract tourists and visitors to our city and instill in our citizens a greater pride in the community. We feel these aims were met through a year's program of events, conventions and daily tourist attractions. However, this would not have been possible without the complete cooperation given the committee by all that were called upon for assistance. These include city and state officials, news media representatives, individuals from every type of business and professional organization , as well as hundreds of civic club members.

Why an industrial park for the city of Bangor? Modern Industrial management wants to avoid the inherent difficulties of city locations, parking, crowding and lack of growth space, and still maintain the advantages of a ready labor market and of transportation that the city provides. Space for one story plants, off street parking and loading, and future expansion are relatively impossible to find in any decent sized city. The large city is by its very nature a crowded, densely populated area. Only a planned industrial park site can offer management what it wants ...