Before cell phones, Portland was once filled with payphones, offering vital connections for communication. However, with the presence of smartphones today, these iconic fixtures have become increasingly rare. According to a report by Bangor Daily News in 2023, there are now fewer than 50 payphones remaining in the entire state of Maine.
One notable relic of this bygone era was the Monument Square mushroom, a familiar sight where locals could not only make phone calls but also seek shelter from rain showers or coordinate plans with friends before a night out. While the exact removal date of these nostalgic structures remains unclear, they were once a common sight across the city, often accompanied by matching bus stops.
Despite the dwindling numbers, there may still be a few scattered payphones tucked away in corners of Portland. However, locating them can be a sentimental treasure hunt in itself, serving as reminders of a time before constant connectivity.