In 1922, Earl Friend opened an auto sales business in a building that had once been used as a carriage shop (pictured here, photo dated 1885). During that time, the building was located where the Pittsfield Public Library now stands, on the corner of Library Street and South Main Street. As the business prospered it was replaced with the current brick structure now known as the town’s library. Originally named Pittsfield Motor Sales, the dealership was relocated at the northeast corner of Crosby Street and Lancey Street. Eventually, the original building was demolished and the current structure erected. Earl E. Friend opened a branch of Friend and Friend Garage in 1922 in this location. Later the establishment closed and moved to Skowhegan.

This Back in the Day was written from content on the website of the Pittsfield Historical Society (PHS). PHS was formed in 1983 in a community effort to preserve and protect some of the town's most valuable assets: its history and artifacts. From April through October, the Depot House Museum is open every Tuesday and Saturday, from 10 AM to 1 PM, or by appointment. To arrange a visit to the Museum during other hours, contact Tom Brown at 487-4926, or call the Museum at 487-3447 and leave a message. The Pittsfield Historical Society meets at 7 PM on the third Thursday of each month at the Museum, during the months of January through October. For more information about the Pittsfield Historical Society, and its many interesting historic facts and photographs, visit their website at www.pittsfieldhistoricalsociety.org or call 487-3447 to arrange a tour.