The President's House was built in 1872 on a campus consisting of two farms and 370 acres. This land was purchased for a price of $11,000 by Orono and Old Town and given to the State for the University of Maine. The house was completed in 1873 for the University's first President, Merritt Caldwell Fernald (1868-1871). In 1893, following some fire damage, the house was modified to a Victorian style with cupola, porches and bay windows. In 1930, a reception room, and butler's pantry were added and the sunroom was constructed. During President Winthrop C. Libby's term (1968-1973), a large family room was added connecting the house to the two-bay garage. In 1992, the decision was also made to change the color from what had always been completely white, to the Heritage Colors of historical Victorians, using a minimum of three, which is required by the National Organization, "The Painted Ladies". The house is on the National Register. (from:
www.umaine.edu/locator/BuildingDisplay.asp?id=136)
