Looking Back at Holliston in Photo's #2
This April 1872 photo of downtown Holliston shows "The Winthrop House" on the left. The bank building (completed in 1870) is also visible to the left. Most folks are familiar with the Hollis House (the tavern that stood where the Gulf station is presently located). The Winthrop house was located in the same spot BEFORE the Hollis House. The Winthrop burned down during the fire on May 26, 1875.
The Hollis House was built in its place shortly thereafter (likely utilizing salvaged pieces). The lot was empty for many years (after the Hollis House burned down in 1892) until the Gas Station was constructed (Gulf). The front "porch" of the Winthrop House can be compared to a well known shot of the Winthrop from about the same time.
Also notice that the Superette building (which would be to the right of the Winthrop House) did not exist at this time and was a regular house. There are dated photos at the present Casey's Crossing which show separate photos of the Hollis House and the Winthrop House. They are misdated as both being from 1880, as the Winthrop house was destroyed in 1875 and replaced with the Hollis House on the EXACT SAME LOT.
What a difference a century makes below circa 1973
