A view of Bowdoin Street in 1887, looking toward the Western Promenade, reveals several new homes recently built by John Calvin Stevens. After the death of industrialist John Bundy Brown in 1881, Brown’s heirs divided up the palatial estate of Bramhall on Portland’s West End, selling lots on the southern side of Bowdoin Street.

The second house on the left is the shingle style home of John Calvin Stevens himself, built by the architect in 1884.

This photograph was included in an album owned by William S. Edwards. Beneath the image is written, “Bowdoin Street. June 30, 1887.”