Bay State House dates from 1854, at 291 Main street corner of Exchange street. At one time the Worvester Theatre was nearby at 16 Exchange street.

My grandfather, John Conroy, owned this under the name Hotel Mayfair. I still have many pics of the interior - the ballrooms, bar,-I have sketches of patrons by Al Banx. I have menus and an autographed picture of W.C. Fields that says, "To John Conroy, Make mine 2 pints!"

The Bay State House was where the people, organizers and racers signed up and coordinated the Dead Horse Hill races held in the early 1900's. They held receptions there as well. To Katie- please post your pixs for the world to share - they sound awesome.

Thanks so much for this photo, info above. My ggfather HB Lewis was a reporter on lecture tour, spoke here Dec 28,1896 re: Sino-Japanese War & his experiences in Japan. Great to see how it looked then.

Katie, I am doing research that includes the Bay State House. Can you email me pictures of the interior under your Grandfather's ownership as the Hotel Mayfair? StewartBon@aol.com

The building still stands, although in a sadly altered state. Some time ago, pre 1960's for sure, the upper two floors were removed. If you look closely at what's left you can still see architectural elements of the old building, mainly in the windows at the sides of the building.

I haven't looked at this is in so long! I will definitely post some pictures soon! I have been speaking to a colleague who works with the Antiquarian society - I am thinking of donating the large b&w photos for their museum!

Hi Don - Im sorry but you are mistaken - the building is long gone and would have sat in between where the Palladium is now (261 Main St) and where the Gilman Bldg was(now Worc Courthouse) (225 Main St). Just a memory.....

I take that back - thats what I get for not having my glasses on - the address of the Bay State House was 283 Main St. I have compared the 2 story building there now with the pictures of the Hotel and doubt if it is the same building. So many differences and it would be consuming to remove the top stories - unless of a fire. To be continued with further research!

Hi Julie... When I lived in Worcester I worked on the 1970's survey of Worcester's historic and architecturally significant buildings. (See "Worcester's Best" Vol I & II). Believe me, the bottom two floors of the building that was the Bay State are still there as they have been since the 1850's.

Wow - Thanks for the info Don! Must have been a cool project!

I've been researching the Greene family from Grafton MA - the oldest girl in the family, Harriet Adelaide Green, married William Mathews who, with his brother Henry, ran a plumbing manufactury, H. Mathews and Brother, Plumbers. Judging by the value of their real estate as noted in the census, it was quite a successful operation. Some of Harriet's brothers also worked for them. There is an ad in the 1860 Worcester City Directory for the business - it's actually the last page - and it gives the address and adds, "Under the Bay State House." Which is how I ended up on this page! I'm such a research geek!

On Tuesday, February 7, 1860 The Great comic singer Sam Cowell gave a performance in the great hall of the Bay State Hotel to an audience of around 1000 people. Would any of you have a lead on an archive that might confirm details of this performance? Who bought the property? where the archives may have ended up? etc. Any tips greatly appreciated! :)

My great great grandfather, Maurice Carey, was arrested in a Federal prohibiting raid at the Bay State Hotel in 1930. I'd love to see more photos from this era for context.

My grandfather, Daniel Austin Howe, had a coffee/tea shop very close to the Bay State House in the early 1900s. I've wondered if it could be where the Dead Horse Hill restaurant is now. The name was D. A. Howe & Sons, I think. He sold Red Rose Tea. Any photos?

My grandfather, Louis Chase, owned a hotel in Worcester. At one time, I remember looking through a book of sketches of the interior of the hotel. The only name that I can recall is The Worcester Hotel -- but that may not be correct. Does anyone know anything about such a hotel? I also know I saw photos of the hotel when I was a child -- it looked something like the Bay State House -- that's what made this old memory spring to mind.

Susan Chase: in case you haven't found this - look up "Worcestery Lesson Green Book Hotel". The article includes a photo of your grandfather's hotel and some interesting historical context.