My initial area of research for this topic was the Nassau Inn, a building which still stands at the northeast corner of Race and Hamilton Street. However, discovering a connection with a hotel that had existed since the 1860s was an excellent opportunity to dig a little deeper and explore the history of the buildings and businesses that operated at this corner.
The story begins on November 12, 1867, when the Holyoke Water Power Company sold the land at the southeast corner of Race and Hamilton Street to David Herman. The property measured about 41 feet along Race Street and 108 feet on Hamilton Street. The structure was three and a half stories.
The 1870 Holyoke-Chicopee map shown below indicates no structure had been built on this land. In July 1972, the property passed into the hands of Holyoke attorney, Porter Underwood, and in July 1874, to John Michael Yoerg and his spouse, Wallie Yoerg. The Yoergs will be referred to in much of the conversations throughout these installments into the 20th century.
The actual construction date of the hotel could not be determined. However, activity dating back to 1873 was evident in news articles. The building was remodeled in 1974, and a dedication event was held. The hotel accommodated both transient and long-term lodgers. Food was served, and music and dancing took place in Germania Hall.
The Yoergs leased the business to innkeepers Frank Otto in 1975 and F. R. Kriemendahl for a short time, then took back operation of the hotel in 1877.
Holyoke City Directories showed Joseph Andrews was the proprietor in 1882, John Heinritz & Son in 1883, and the Yoergs from 1884 to 1887. The hotel underwent updates and improvements, and several rooms were added in 1887.
In 1886, the hotel was put up for sale. Onesime Viens was proprietor from 1888 to 1893, Mrs. Onesime Viens from 1894 to 1897, J. B. Fowles in 1897, and E. E. Sherman in 1898.
More changes were to occur, including a name change to the establishment in 1899. This will be explored in the next installment.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Daily- Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Holyoke Public Library History Room, online Price & Lee City Directories, Holyoke, Massachusetts.
MapGeo, Holyoke, Massachusetts, Assessors' Office
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. 1884 and 1895
Registry of Deeds, Hampden County, Springfield, Massachusetts
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