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.
All of our facilities are climate controlled for our patron’s
comfort and well being.
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