The Legacy of Stevens Monuments: A Family Tradition of Craftsmanship
The story of Stevens Monuments begins with a father and son who shared a passion for craftsmanship and a deep respect for honoring the departed. What started as a small display of monuments in a funeral home has evolved into a respected business with nearly five decades of service to communities throughout Maine.
 
Early Beginnings
When Thomas A. Stevens was a teenager, he was already being introduced to the monument business through his father, Horace F. Stevens. Horace owned the Gray Funeral Home in Windsor, Maine, where he maintained a modest display of monuments for customers to view and purchase. This early exposure would plant the seeds for what would become Thomas's lifelong vocation.
Following his high school education, Thomas made a deliberate choice to pursue specialized training in monument craftsmanship. He enrolled at Spaulding High School Vocational in Barre, Vermont, a region renowned for its granite industry and craftsmanship. There, Thomas learned the intricate art of monument engraving, developing skills that would serve as the foundation for his future business endeavors.
 
Establishing the Family Business
The year 1975 marked a significant milestone in the Stevens family history. Thomas and his father Horace joined forces to purchase Page's Marble and Granite Works in Damariscotta, Maine. This acquisition represented more than just a business transaction; it was the beginning of a family legacy in the monument industry.
 
Just one year later, in 1976, they relocated the business to Route One in Newcastle, at what is now the location of Homeport Supply. This move allowed them to expand their operations and establish a more prominent presence in the community. For a decade, they built their reputation for quality craftsmanship and dedicated service from this location.
 
Growth and Development
As the business continued to flourish, Thomas recognized the need for further expansion. In 1986, he made a significant investment in the future of the company by building a house and relocating the business to 10 Lynch Road, slightly further south on Route One. This new location provided improved facilities for their monument work and created a more permanent home for the growing enterprise.

For nearly a decade, Thomas operated the business from this location, continuing to serve families throughout Maine with dignity and craftsmanship. However, in 1995, a decision was made to sell the business, marking what seemed like the end of an era for the Stevens family in the monument industry.

Rebirth and Expansion
The hiatus proved to be temporary. After two years, Thomas's passion for the craft and his commitment to serving the community led him to reestablish the business in 1997 as Thomas A. Stevens Cemetery Memorials. This rebirth represented not just a continuation of his earlier work but also an expansion into new territory.

With the reestablishment came a significant addition to the business model: Cemetery Restorations. Thomas A. Stevens Cemetery Restorations focused on resetting, repairing, and cleaning monuments in ancient cemeteries throughout the State of Maine. This specialized service addressed a growing need for the preservation of historical monuments and cemetery artifacts, with municipalities comprising the vast majority of the clientele.

This expansion reflected Thomas's deep respect for history and heritage, as well as his commitment to preserving the craftsmanship of earlier generations. The restoration work became an important complement to the creation of new monuments, allowing the business to serve both present and past needs of Maine communities.

The Next Generation
Throughout these years of business development and change, Thomas's son Casey was being introduced to the family trade. Growing up, Casey spent time at his father's side, learning the intricacies of monument crafting and cemetery restoration. This informal apprenticeship continued through Casey's high school years at Lincoln Academy.
After graduation, Casey explored other professional paths while still maintaining a connection to the family business, occasionally helping with projects and operations. This period allowed Casey to gain diverse experiences while still keeping the monument craft as part of his life.

A New Chapter: Stevens Monuments
After an impressive 49-year career in the monument business, Thomas A. Stevens made the decision to retire in 2024. Rather than closing the business, he chose to pass the legacy down to his son Casey, ensuring that the family tradition would continue into the future.

With this transition came a new name: Stevens Monuments. The simplicity and timelessness of this name were deliberately chosen to create a brand that could endure for generations to come, reflecting the family's commitment to continuing their service to Maine communities.

Continuing a Legacy
The story of Stevens Monuments is more than just a business history; it's a narrative about family, craftsmanship, and service. From Thomas learning the trade from his father Horace, to Casey now carrying forward the family tradition, the Stevens family has demonstrated a multi-generational commitment to honoring the departed and preserving history.
As Stevens Monuments moves forward under Casey's leadership, it carries with it nearly five decades of experience, skill, and reputation. The business stands as a testament to the enduring value of family tradition and craftsmanship in an ever-changing world.

The monuments created by the Stevens family over the years stand in cemeteries throughout Maine, silent witnesses to lives remembered and histories preserved. And now, with a new generation at the helm, Stevens Monuments is poised to continue this important work for many years to come, ensuring that the craft, care, and commitment that have defined the business for nearly half a century will endure for future generations.