John Wotton French purchased Mount Holyoke, (not the college, the actual mountain), in 1849 for $1,100 and built a hotel and resort at the summit with considerable help from his father, Northampton carpenter Jabez French.
At one time, it was equipped with a tram which drew sled-like cars of tourists to the house at the top of the mountain. The last remnants of the tram were obliterated in the hurricane which struck New England in 1938.
French's house atop the mountain has been partially restored and is one of the most visible landmarks in the Pioneer Valley.
At one time, it was equipped with a tram which drew sled-like cars of tourists to the house at the top of the mountain. The last remnants of the tram were obliterated in the hurricane which struck New England in 1938.
French's house atop the mountain has been partially restored and is one of the most visible landmarks in the Pioneer Valley.
John Wotton French purchased Mount Holyoke, (not the college, the actual mountain), in 1849 for $1,100 and built a hotel and resort at the summit with considerable help from his father, Northampton carpenter Jabez French.
At one time, it was equipped with a tram which drew sled-like cars of tourists to the house at the top of the mountain. The last remnants of the tram were obliterated in the hurricane which struck New England in 1938.
French's house atop the mountain has been partially restored and is one of the most visible landmarks in the Pioneer Valley.
At one time, it was equipped with a tram which drew sled-like cars of tourists to the house at the top of the mountain. The last remnants of the tram were obliterated in the hurricane which struck New England in 1938.
French's house atop the mountain has been partially restored and is one of the most visible landmarks in the Pioneer Valley.
Inscription
Died on Mount Holyoke.
This boulder from their mountain home for forty eight years, was placed here by their adopted nephews and nieces.
Family Members
Siblings
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