Historical Inns in Littleton, NH

In the early 1840’s Henry L. Thayer was a successful Littleton, New Hampshire merchant with a dream to build a hotel more modern in equipment and character than others of its kind. Despite warnings of failure, the dream started taking shape in 1843 when he purchased the lot just east of his store. Although the exact year construction began is unknown, sources indicate January 14, 1850 as opening day for “THAYER’S WHITE MOUNTAIN HOTEL.” Success was soon established due in part to the coming of the railroads to Littleton in 1852, which helped shape the reputation of inns in Littleton NH as essential stops for travelers.

Dad Thayer, remembered as the figure behind the Historical Thayer Inn, built his success on the quality of service he offered “drummers” (salesmen) and other travelers to the area. For inns in Littleton NH, comfort was a defining feature, and Thayer’s approach set a high bar. Lackeys would deliver firewood for the fireplace or Franklin stove in order to heat the room, a candle to provide light, a pitcher of water for washing as well as the guest’s own personal “thunder jug.” Bed sheets were turned down just before the guest retired for the evening and heated stones were placed between the covers to warm the bed.

Stagecoaches were owned and operated by Dad Thayer to transport guests between the hotel and the train depot as well as on tours of Franconia and Crawford Notches. Inns in Littleton NH were often judged by the convenience they provided, and Thayers became well known for making travel easier with its stagecoach service. On the tours travelers could choose between a first, second or third class fair. All classes occupied the same seats until the stage came to a steep hill, whereupon first class passengers remained in their seats, second class passengers were asked to get out and walk, while third class passengers were required to get out and push.

Henry L. “Dad” Thayer and his son Frank operated the hotel into the late 1800’s. Originally named “THAYER’S WHITE MOUNTAIN HOTEL,” regular guests called it simply “THAYERS.” Through the years the hotel retained that label, dropping the apostrophe and the “WHITE MOUNTAIN” and finally in 1984 changing “Hotel” to “Inn.”

Littleton native Robert C. Hill, who served as the United States ambassador to five different countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Spain and Argentina), was among the many well known figures who stayed at Thayers. Other guests include P. T. Barnum accompanied by “General” Tom Thumb, Publisher Horace Greely, Henry Ford, the notorious millionaire playboy Harry K. Thaw, arctic explorer Commander Robert E. Peary, WWII General Tomoyuki Yamashita known as “The Tiger of Manila,” movie star Bette Davis, songwriter Ed Bruce (Mama Dont Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys) and author Michael Blake (Dances with Wolves). The stories of these visits highlight why inns in Littleton NH continue to attract travelers looking for history and character.