Since 1812, some version of the building known locally as the Williams House has stood in the center of Williamsburg at the crossroads on Main Street. This building has known life as a hotel, inn, tavern, livery, store, and various restaurants. It’s been called by many names and had many owners. Today, in 2025, Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing is expected to open in the historic building.
The original building, built in 1812 by Gross Williams, was a bustling hotel and then a livery, when passed down through his family. It burned in 1873 and was then rebuilt. The “new” building was spared in the devastating Mill River Flood of 1874. Townspeople and travelers on foot and by carriage, stagecoach, trolley and more stopped at the establishment for food, refreshment, and a change of horses. Automobiles transformed that, but food has been served on and off for 200+ years.
The building has grown and changed over time. This postcard (Hotel Williamsburg Mass) shows the Williams House c. 1905, after electricity came to town, but before automobiles were common. (Deming’s Williamsburg town history tell us that after construction of the lines and buildings, lights were first turned on for a few users in June, 1903). Here we see the lines and poles, a cart leaning against the pole with a box, 4 carriages along the side of the building, 5 men on the wrap-around porch, a hand water pump in front, and one white horse peeking out of the barn.
Do you have more recent memories of the historic Williams House here in town? Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 1/16/2025