Weldon Hotel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Weldon Hotel
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 54 High St., Greenfield, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Area | 1.8 acres (0.73 ha) |
| Built | 1905 |
| Architect | William B. Reid |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000503 |
| Added to NRHP | August 6, 1980 |
The Weldon Hotel is a very old building in Greenfield, Massachusetts. It used to be a fancy hotel. It was built in 1905 and made bigger a few times. This building was special because it was one of the first in the United States made with "poured concrete." This means the concrete was poured into molds to create the building's shape. The Weldon Hotel was one of the most important hotels in Greenfield in the early 1900s. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 because of its history.
Contents
What Does the Weldon Hotel Look Like?
The old Weldon Hotel is located on High Street in Greenfield. It is a five-story building. It was made using poured concrete and concrete blocks. The building has a strong iron frame inside. Its floors and walls are also made of poured concrete.
How Was the Building Designed?
The lower parts of the hotel have a rough, textured look. The upper parts are smooth. Some corners of the building have curved window areas that stick out. There are also balconies on some of the rooms facing the sides.
A Brief History of the Weldon Hotel
The Weldon Hotel was designed by an architect named William B. Reid. He was from Holyoke, Massachusetts. The first part of the building was finished in 1905. It was first used as an apartment building.
When Did It Become a Hotel?
In 1907, the building was changed into a hotel. A man named F. O. Wells owned it. At first, people thought he was trying to do too much by opening such a big hotel. But his business got better in the 1910s. This happened when the Mohawk Trail opened nearby. The Mohawk Trail was a popular road for travelers.
Where Did the Name "Weldon" Come From?
People say the name "Weldon" is a shorter way of saying "Well Done." This might have been a way to celebrate the hotel's success.
How Did the Hotel Grow and Change?
In 1914, Mr. Wells added a dining room to the north side of the building. Later, in 1927, he added sixty more rooms above that dining room. This made the hotel much larger.
What Happened to the Hotel Later?
When fewer people traveled on the Mohawk Trail, the hotel started to lose business. It closed down in 1977. Since then, the building has been changed again. It is now a place where older people can live.
