At the beginning of the 20th Century, Cape Ann was a popular destination for tourists. Gloucester’s grand hotels were the subject of “The Summer Hotel Guide,” published in 1905. Images and text are available through Archive.org:
“This little book will rejoice in the thought that it has accomplished its mission if in interesting you in Gloucester, it has added another to the long list of friends of this quaintly beautiful seaport town. If it could speak it would say to you, ” Gloucester welcomes you to her shores, and invites you to enjoy with us the delightful climate and varied attractiveness which she offers.”
To Reach Gloucester, Gloucester, Massachusetts— the place you come back to — is situated on that rugged promontory known as Cape Ann, where cooling ocean breezes blow continually from off the broad Atlantic. It is thirty miles from Boston from which it may be reached by Train, Steamer, Trolley or Automobile. About sixteen trains daily leave the North Station, Boston, via the Boston & Maine Railroad, direct for Gloucester, the Express Trains reaching Gloucester in less than an hour.
The Steamer trip on the finely equipped steamers of the Boston & Gloucester Steamboat Company is a two-hour ocean sail along the beautiful North Shore, with a varied scenic view of which there is no superior. By Trolley the trip is delightfully varied on account of the ever changing panorama of beautiful scenery of sea and shore, country and city. Only one change of cars is required between Boston and Gloucester. An Automobile Trip to Gloucester is made over a fine stretch of State Highway and Ocean Boulevard.”
Hotel Delphine
The Fairview“The Fairview is located at East Gloucester on elevated ground overlooking the waters of picturesque Gloucester Harbor”Brynmere“The Brynmere is located at Annisquam at a point where the River meets the open sea, where a fine view of Annisquam River, Coffin’s Beach and the sea, may be obtained.”The Oceanside Hotel, Gloucester MA, circa 1900.“The Oceanside is located at Magnolia, Mass., within a few minutes’ walk of Magnolia Beach and the open Ocean.The Pavillion Beach HotelThe Surfside Hotel, formerly Pavilion Hotel“The Surfside is located on Western Avenue, Gloucester, directly on the ocean front.”Colonial Arms: Built 1904 – by George Stacy, End of Niles Beach. 300 rooms – booked solidly for 4 seasons Burnt New Year’s Eve 1908, Beauport was being built next door – possible sparks from chimney started fireMoorland Hotel at Bass Rocks“The Moorland is located at Bass Rocks within a short distance of Good Harbor Beach and directly on the broad Atlantic.”“The Aborn Hotel and Cottages are located at Magnolia, Mass., within a very short distance from the Ocean and within a hundred yards of the famous Kettle Rocks.”“The Grand View is located on high land on Annisquam Point commanding a splendid view of Annisquam River and Ipswich Bay.”The Hawthorne Inn“The Hawthorne Inn’and Cottages are located at East Gloucester on the Harbor’s edge, affording a most picturesque view of Gloucester Harbor.”“The Beachcroft is located at Eastern Point within a stone’s throw of a beautiful bathing beach.”“The Edgecliffe is located at High Rocks, near Long Beach, right on the Atlantic Ocean, offering splendid opportunities for fishing and surf bathing.”The Hesperus Hotel in Magnolia“The Hesperus is located at Magnolia, Mass., within a short distance of Magnolia Beach and the open sea.”Hotel Thorwald“The Thorwald is located at Bass Rocks, two hundred yards from Good Harbor Beach with its splendid surf bathing.”“The Overlook is located at Annisquam on a commanding eminence offering a beautiful view of the waters of Annisquam River and the surrounding country.”The Harbor View Hotel was on Wonson Cove in East Gloucester. The large hotel was home to many summer artists, including Gordon Grant and Tom O’Hara (bellhop in the 20’s
The Rockaway House was built in 1896 on the homestead estate of William Rackliffe. This summer hotel was managed by Rackliffe’s son-in-law, Captain Frank Foster. Built on what Rocky Neckers called “Scandal Hill,” The Rockaway House is one of the rare, original hotel buildings from this period still standing in Gloucester. The large section with the dormers is now part of a condominium complex.
The Chicataubut Inn on Long Beach, as it appears todayThe Chicataubut Inn on Long Beach, circa 1900
22 thoughts on “The grand hotels of Gloucester and Cape Ann, 1905”
Thanks so much for including Harbor View House. I remember my childhood summers skipping over the rocks along the shore, and gleefully running along that marvelous veranda! Memories of my grandparents and parents and me enjoying two weeks together each summer in Gloucester while staying there came flooding back when I saw your photo. Lots of tears fell for its loss! Memories of feeding the gulls while waiting for delicious dinners at Headlands” Restaurant and visiting the lovely shops and galleries on Rocky Neck abound as well.
My Great-great grandfather Daniel William Fuller built the Hesperus in Magnolia and operated it until his fatal fall down a mine shaft in Leadville, Colorado in 1880. I would be interested in any and all info anyone might have about the Hesperus.
Thank you for adding The Rockaway. It is my understanding that my grandfather William A. Publicover, Sr. ran it for several years and owned it by 1898. If that is not correct please point me toward the historical information. Thank you, Robert Publicover
I remember when I got out of the Navy in 1954 or shortly thereafter they was a firebug burning them all down. My stepfather took care of the boilers in the Ocean Side for a couple of years, and he used to bring home the best dessert that was left over from some of their meals. Time Marches On.
Fascinating! Having spent my whole childhood there I was unaware that there were so many grand hotels in Gloucester. I should buy all 3 of those books!
Just wondering why the Harbor View Hotel in east gloucester on Wonson cove wasn’t included.
It was a big one and home to many summer artists such as Gordon Grant and Tom O’hara (bellhop in the 20’s). Perhaps it was under construction or unbuilt. I was under the impression that it was built in the late 1800’s.
Per[
Hello. My name is Ann Shaw. Would you have any photos/ information about The Chicataubut Inn that was on Long Beach? I believe it is now condos. Would love to know the history of it. Thank you, Ann
These are great. One mistake – Your “Moorland” photo is actually the Colonial Arms which was at the end of Niles Beach on Eastern Point.
Colonial Arms:
Built 1904 – by George Stacy
End of Niles Beach
300 rooms – booked solidly for 4 seasons
Burnt New Year’s Eve 1908
Beauport was being built next door – possible sparks from chimney started fire
I can send you images of both if you want, but can’t seem to attach them through this email system.
Thanks, I made the correction, added a photo of the Moorland and added your history of the Colonial Arms. I would appreciate any images you want to send–email historicipswich@gmail.com
Thanks so much for including Harbor View House. I remember my childhood summers skipping over the rocks along the shore, and gleefully running along that marvelous veranda! Memories of my grandparents and parents and me enjoying two weeks together each summer in Gloucester while staying there came flooding back when I saw your photo. Lots of tears fell for its loss! Memories of feeding the gulls while waiting for delicious dinners at Headlands” Restaurant and visiting the lovely shops and galleries on Rocky Neck abound as well.
My Great-great grandfather Daniel William Fuller built the Hesperus in Magnolia and operated it until his fatal fall down a mine shaft in Leadville, Colorado in 1880. I would be interested in any and all info anyone might have about the Hesperus.
Precious archive photographies and stories, thank you!
Thank you for adding The Rockaway. It is my understanding that my grandfather William A. Publicover, Sr. ran it for several years and owned it by 1898. If that is not correct please point me toward the historical information. Thank you, Robert Publicover
I remember when I got out of the Navy in 1954 or shortly thereafter they was a firebug burning them all down. My stepfather took care of the boilers in the Ocean Side for a couple of years, and he used to bring home the best dessert that was left over from some of their meals. Time Marches On.
Fascinating! Having spent my whole childhood there I was unaware that there were so many grand hotels in Gloucester. I should buy all 3 of those books!
where is the Conomo hotel in all of this?
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.essexma.org/pages/essexma_selectmen/CPR/HISTORY.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwj98K64wI_RAhWE6CYKHQA8A4IQFggrMAM&usg=AFQjCNGMFF9qTU6rmY4meBm4_6LRACQ_3g&sig2=6NuAnrW8zgZqFPqH-vS1bg
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~macessex/ehardy/eh017.html
Just wondering why the Harbor View Hotel in east gloucester on Wonson cove wasn’t included.
It was a big one and home to many summer artists such as Gordon Grant and Tom O’hara (bellhop in the 20’s). Perhaps it was under construction or unbuilt. I was under the impression that it was built in the late 1800’s.
Per[
Thanks for the information–I added the Harbor View.
Hello. My name is Ann Shaw. Would you have any photos/ information about The Chicataubut Inn that was on Long Beach? I believe it is now condos. Would love to know the history of it. Thank you, Ann
https://vintagerockport.com/2015/01/04/family-photos-of-long-beach-in-1920-and-1936/
Thanks Ann, I found some before and after photos and added them to the post.
Excellent! Thank you for your research and photos.
Love this! I know of so many of these (some are still standing). Thanks!
These are great. One mistake – Your “Moorland” photo is actually the Colonial Arms which was at the end of Niles Beach on Eastern Point.
Colonial Arms:
Built 1904 – by George Stacy
End of Niles Beach
300 rooms – booked solidly for 4 seasons
Burnt New Year’s Eve 1908
Beauport was being built next door – possible sparks from chimney started fire
I can send you images of both if you want, but can’t seem to attach them through this email system.
Thanks, I made the correction, added a photo of the Moorland and added your history of the Colonial Arms. I would appreciate any images you want to send–email historicipswich@gmail.com
I loved seeing these but kept expecting to see pictures of The Rockaway House Hotel on Rocky Neck.
Thanks, I added the Rockaway at the end of the story.
It’s there, a couple of entries just above.
Wish it was still the same as when we were all there 🙂