Brookings-Smith.com is a funeral parlor and preplanning service for Bangor, Maine
Title
Brookings Smith Funeral Homes
Description
Brookings-Smith has been a funeral home since 1874, when the firm was originally established by the Able Hunt Estate. Years later, it became known as the Galen S Pond Company. After graduating from New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences with a degree in funeral service and having worked for J.S. Waterman & Sons in Boston, Gary W. Smith purchased what was known as Brookings Funeral home, 133 Center Street, Bangor, and renamed it Brookings-Smith. In those days there were 14 different funeral homes in the Bangor Region and in his first year in business Brookings-Smith completed 30 funerals. Right from the start there was a transformation in the grounds, facility, and level of service of what we have come to expect with the business known as Brookings-Smith. Throughout the years of service on Center Street in Bangor, and as the business grew, several homes were purchased adjacent to the funeral home. In 1988 a new chapel was added to the Center Street funeral home to accommodate additional seating. Closed circuit TV, a children’s room, an organ, additional rest rooms, and a visitation space was also added. With the involvement of focus groups through the Selected Independent Funeral Homes, it was learned of a new concept, having a dedicated facility for receptions. This gave birth to the building now known as the Brookings-Smith Family and Reception Center at 163 Center Street in Bangor. (This same building was originally known as Koritzsky’s Garage and later was owned by Darlings as a parts warehouse and motorcycle repair garage.) In addition to the family center a new chapel and expanded parking was added to the Center Street Funeral Home to better accommodate the needs of the ever changing consumer. The Family Center has allowed for a comforting space for receptions after a funeral. It is also a place for Hospice Volunteer training, and bereavement support groups to meet.
In 1975 the Harvard Clark Funeral Home on So. Main Street in Brewer was purchased to help meet the needs of the surrounding towns separated by the Penobscot River. The Piper Funeral Home business in Brewer was purchased, and with the chapel addition and renovation in 1996, this facility was brought to what is known today as the Brookings-Smith Clark-Piper Chapel. There were many interior renovations with this chapel addition such as an organ/keyboard, closed circuit TV, and a sound system. Reception rooms and a kitchen were also added.
In 1982 the Joseph R Labeau Funeral Home on Main Street in Orono was purchased to provide a continuation of service in the Northern Bangor Region. This building is registered as a National Historic Landmark and special care was taken to maintain its exterior. The interior was renovated to expand the chapel size to increase seating. A closed circuit TV and a sound system was also added.
Contact
- Brookings-Smith Funeral Homes
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- Bangor ME
- United States 04401
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- 207-942-8815
