Bethlehem in Grafton County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Cruft/Jackson Block

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 28, 2025

1. Cruft/Jackson Block Marker

Inscription.

Isaac Cruft, a wealthy Bostonian, had the 5-story structure built in 1880. The top floor had to be removed in 1893 because it was structurally unsafe. Over its storied history, it housed a jail, courtroom, harness shop, drug store, post office and The Echo newspaper printing shop. In 1927, it became the Jackson Block and housed Jackson's store for many years. Locals remember that in the 1940's and 50's several hundred people would pack the dance hall and the building would sway. The 133-year-old building collapsed after heavy rains and was torn down in 2013.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 44° 16.829′ N, 71° 41.234′ W. Marker is in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, in Grafton County. It is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 302) and Maple Street (New Hampshire Route 142), on the left when traveling east on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2113 Main Street, Bethlehem NH 03574, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: A different marker also named Town Building (a few steps from this marker); Mt. Agassiz Hotel and Fairlawn House (within shouting distance of this marker); Bethlehem, New Hampshire Bicentennial

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Jodo Karate (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bethlehem Heritage Center (about 400 feet away); Stream Meets Street (about 400 feet away); The Sinclair (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 a few steps from 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 . . .
1. Cruft Block (Bethlehem Historical Society). (Submitted on August 3, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. The Cruft Block (New Hampshire then and now, 2013). (Submitted on August 3, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 28, 2025

2. Cruft/Jackson Block 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 81 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 3, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.