Willowbrook Tavern, New Ipswich, Burns

Burnt to ground, loss $25,000

December 26, 1929

   The "Willowbrook tavern," part of which dates back 75 or 80 years, was burned to the ground Tuesday night. There were only one or two guests in the structure and they and the four employees had no difficulty in escaping. 

   Flames were discovered about 10:30 o'clock, being started from an overheated furnace. The New Ipswich pumper was summoned and aid was called from Greenville when it was found the fire had gained great head- way. The Greenville department sent a hose wagon.

   The structure burned rapidly and was soon a mass of ruins despite the firemen's efforts to save part of it. The loss is estimated at $25,000, partly insured. 

   The "tavern" was originally a dwelling house. About 30 years ago an annex was built and the property was bought by the Church of the Good Shepherd, Boston, and became a "fresh air home," girls from Boston being sent here summers for two weeks outings. 

   Later the building was purchased by James Barr, New York broker, and became known as the Willowbrook tavern. It had been conducted as a hotel for the past year. It was a two-story wooden structure. The main building contained eight rooms and the annex 10 or more.

Willowbrook Tavern (formerly Homestead Inn)

Burned on December 26, 1929. Photo is undated, but seems to be most recent photo taken before the fire.

James Roger diary entry

October 3^rd 1908 (Saturday)

Cool day but milder toward evening.  David finished ploughing the Davis field, and picked apples in afternoon.  I went to Depot at 2 for May and kids and at 7 for Berkley.  Finn dance at night.  I dug part of Davis lot.