Bethlehem in Grafton County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
Mt. Agassiz Hotel and Fairlawn House
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 28, 2025
1. Mt. Agassiz Hotel and Fairlawn House Marker
This hotel was built in 1870 by Cyrus Bunker who developed and managed other hotels in Bethlehem. This was the first hotel to cater exclusively to the summer boarder as opposed to the transients. In 1875, it was sold to Horatio Nye and in 1896, was purchased by John Mathes.
Located on the east side of the Sinclair Hotel, it became a very popular place among summer visitors because of its public ballroom. In the 1920's, owners Louis Michnoff and Abraham Spiwack re-named it the New Agassiz Hotel and added the neighboring Fairlawn House. It then catered primarily to Jewish clientele, with a kosher dining room. In 1936, it was integrated into the expanded Sinclair Hotel complex now owned by Michnoff and Spiwack. In 1946, the complex was taken over by Myron Herrman and David Spiwack. The original Mt. Agassiz Hotel was sold in 1976 to Joseph Ferringo and operated as the Villa West. It was again sold in 1980 and burned in July 1981.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1981.
Location. 44° 16.811′ N, 71° 41.242′ W. Marker is in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, in Grafton County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 302) and Agassiz Street (New Hampshire Route
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Regionally, this marker is in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cruft/Jackson Block (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Town Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Bethlehem, New Hampshire Bicentennial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sinclair (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bethlehem Heritage Center (about 400 feet away); Stream Meets Street (about 400 feet away); Jodo Karate (about 400 feet away); Durrell United Methodist Church (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bethlehem.
Other markers no longer nearby. Town Building (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Site of Sinclair Hotel (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Mount Agassiz House and Fairlawn (Bethlehem Historical Society). (Submitted on August 3, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 28, 2025
2. Mt. Agassiz Hotel and Fairlawn House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
