Dublin Core
Title
Maynard Hotel Fire - 1921
Summer Street
Summer Street
Description
The ruins of the hotel fire with the Eagle Block in the background of the first photo.
Date
1921
Contributor
Pauline Foley Hirons
Identifier
1999.B129
1999.B130
1999.B131
1999.B132
1999.B133
Relation
Before There Was Memorial Park: The Story of The Maynard Hotel<br />
Long before neighbors gathered, and veterans were honored at Memorial Park, a grand and bustling hotel stood on Summer Street. Across from what is today the iconic Fine Arts Theatre, once stood The Maynard Hotel.<br />
The story began in 1867, when Peter Haley erected the hotel on Summer Street. Originally christened The Glendale House, the name paid direct tribute to the renowned Glendale Kills Blankets manufactured nearby by the Assabet Woolen Mills.<br />
Over the decades, the building was expanded twice to accommodate increasing demands. However, its wooden framework and bustling operations also made it vulnerable to misfortune. The Glendale House—later known as the Maynard Hotel—endured several fires throughout its lifespan.<br />
Over the years, the property passed through the hands of several owners and innkeepers, including Hugh McGrail, John Desmond, and finally Martin Peterson.<br />
The final chapter for the historic building came on January 29, 1921, when a devastating fire swept through the structure, burning it completely to the ground. Rather than rebuilding a commercial establishment on the site, the Town of Maynard saw an opportunity to reshape the downtown landscape.<br />
The Town purchased the property in 1922, and opened Memorial Park on November 15, 1925.<br />
Today, as residents stroll past Memorial Park or catch a film across the street at the Fine Arts Theatre, little physical evidence remains of the grand hotel that once stood on Summer Street. <br />
<br />
Text from Maynard Historical Commission<br />
<br />
see 2015.16 for view of Hotel before fire<br />
<br />
Still Image Item Type Metadata
Original Format
Photo prints
Physical Dimensions
Five 3.5 x 4 in.