A Distinguished Tradition
Theodore Logan and Son, Inc. is one of the oldest family-owned painting contractors in the United States. Now in its fourth generation, Theodore Logan and Son, Inc. has been redecorating churches, painting hospitals, universities, military facilities, public buildings, and specializing in historical preservations across the state of Maine for nearly 120 years.
The company had an interesting start. Theodore Francis Logan came to Portland from St. John, New Brunswick in 1877, where he served his apprenticeship training with one of three Germans who fled Germany during the Revolution. A church decorator by trade, he came to Portland to visit his sister. During this visit, he met a man by the name of Jose, who was involved in the painting business there with another fellow by the name of Lane. They persuaded Theodore to go to work for them. Three years later, Theodore met George L. Warren. Warren, who was connected with the Warren Silk Mills in Saccarappa (now Westbrook) where Theodore was doing a job, encouraged him to go into business for himself. Theodore took his advice and Theodore Logan and Son, Inc. was established in 1880.
When Theodore started the business, he worked by himself, gradually taking on help as his workload grew. In 1925, Theodore Logan and Son, Inc. was awarded the paint contract for Quoddy Village in Eastport, Maine. During that time, the company employed 100 painters, many of whom came from relief roles. Over the years, the company has employed up to 250 painters at one time.
The trade has changed dramatically over the years. In 1880, wages were running about $12.00 a week, and a painter had to be a “color man,” as he was limited for color to mix with pigments. In those days, dry colors were mixed with oil to tint the paint. Also, enamel finishes had to be made with imported French zinc and white DeMar varnish. DeMar varnish was non-drying so “sugar of lead” had to be added. Today, paint chemistry has evolved into a very technical field, and basic raw materials for paints are no longer in the painter’s hands. The range and type of coatings have become quite varied and specialized, requiring unique applications for each product. This technical evolution has changed the paint trade dramatically.
Originally located on Ashmont Street in the Woodfords section of Portland, Theodore Logan and Son, Inc. has had several locations throughout the city, including Forest Avenue, 73-75 Portland Street, and 971 Congress Street. In 1957, Theodore William Logan, grandson of Theodore Francis, opened Logan Paint and Decorating Center, a retail paint and wallpaper store. The bustling store served the area’s paint and decorating needs, and was also a well-known resource and information center for most residential projects. Logan Paint and Decorating remained until 1992 when Theodore closed its doors in order to focus solely on the contracting business. Theodore Logan and Son Inc.’s current location is at 40 Blueberry Road, Portland. John Logan, great-grandson of Theodore F. and son of Theodore W., is now the company’s President.
A substantial number of painting contracts in the state of Maine have been awarded to Theodore Logan and Son, Inc. over the years. Logan Paint, as it is sometimes known, has been responsible for painting, wallcovering, industrial spraying, acoustical textured ceilings, sandblasting, corrosion control systems, epoxy floors, pre and post-catalyzed system finishes, Acrovyn wall coverings, electrostatic finishing, faux finishes, maintenance, and restoration work throughout all of Maine and New Hampshire.