Built in 1897 by industrialist William Sayer Jr. from New York (the same year as the famous Klondike gold discovery) this guest house served Bethlehem over the many years in different capacities. Sayer was a shrewd and successful businessman and president of the Rider-Ericson Engine Company in New York City. It was a manufacturer of state-of-the-art hot air pumping engines. The building was designed by Architect Edward Thornton Sanderson who designed a number of houses in the area as well as The Maplewood Casino at the east end of town. Sayer also constructed three other cottages just east of this first cottage between 1890 and 1898. All were individually designed by Sanderson. There is historical and architectural information about the building in the book "Summer Cottages in the White Mountains" by Bryant Tolles published in the year 2000. The building is notable for its extensive north and west facing porches. The building was used by Cuban dignitaries as a summer getaway in the early part of the 20th century. A couch on the premises has legitimate ties to Al Capone. As an aside, the sunsets viewed from the porch here can be quite wonderful!
Bethlehem, at the turn of the century, was once the main US summer destination for celebrities, politicians, industrialists and tourists alike, boasting over 30 hotels with 5 train stations serving the area daily. Fresh pollen-free air gave relief to those suffering from asthma and hay fever. The area has been advertised as being mosquito and gnat free! Many of the inns and beautiful private estates still adorn the area.
History :
1854 Main Street today
The Sayer Cottage
