"About 1873 Dr. Samuel F. Conant, born in Topsham, October 5, 1827, built a photographic studio on this lot. He had previously traveled in about every state of the union selling his oil photographic process and hair crimpers, both being among several of his ingenious inventions. He was very successful in these enterprises and very much so as a photographer.

"In the late 70s he developed the system of disease elimination by Vapor Baths. This business grew so rapidly that he gave his entire attention to it. In 1881 his first photographic building was enlarged to the structure showing in the picture. Patients came from far and near, and those who could not be cared for here were quartered in the Quinnebasett Hotel at Norridgewock, which he leased for the purpose.

"Dr. Conant was an extensive advertiser and his bath cabinets and supplies were shipped all over America and to some extent through foreign countries. Among his notable customers was the Shah of Persia and in the Doctor's collection of letters and other mementos is a picture of the Shah and his personal secretary, sent by instruction of that oriental monarch.

"After Dr. Conant's death the business was continued by his son-in-law, C. Milton Lambert, and is now going on at the Pleasant Street home of his granddaughter, Mrs. Arthur R. Jewett, under the management of his lady and her husband.

"The building subsequently became the Somerset Hospital, and is now a lodging house, know as the Kenmore."

~ Roland T. Patten, Custodian of Historical Views, 1929