“Hondar House Plaque” you whisper to yourself, a question hanging in the air. What story does this marker hold within Boston’s vibrant tapestry? The Hondar House Plaque commemorates a place steeped in history. It marks the Hampshire House, a turn-of-the-century mansion on Beacon Hill. Generations of Bostonians have enjoyed its elegant ambiance. They wined dined and danced the night away.
Bayard and Ruth Thayer commissioned the Hampshire House. This traditional Brahmin mansion was designed by Ogden Codman Jr. He completed construction in 1911. Codman was known for his designs on several Newport Mansions, including The Breakers and Land’s End.
Imagine this five-story Georgian revival townhouse. Italian marble adorned its halls. Carved oak paneling added warmth. Crystal chandeliers sparkled. Tall Palladian windows offered sweeping views. These windows overlooked the Victorian elegance of the Boston Public Garden. They also witnessed the secret social world of Boston’s elite.
Mrs. Thayer’s residence at 84 Beacon Street quickly became the preeminent salon in the city. It was a place to see and be seen. Gentlemen in top hats and tails and ladies in silk and satin ascended the grand staircase. They gathered in the Ballroom and Library for gala evenings.
The Thayer family continued to live here into the 1930s. By the late 40s, the owners of the Lincolnshire Hotel on Charles introduced the building to the public. It became a small private luxury hotel. They named the mansion the Hampshire House. Lincolnshire and Hampshire were both English counties.
Thomas A. Kershaw became the owner of The Hampshire House in 1969. He opened it to the public as a restaurant and eventually an exclusive event venue. The interior decor still captures the aura of those grand days. The days when the Thayers entertained in their magnificent mansion on Beacon Hill.
Consider the Hondar House Plaque as a portal. It connects us to a time of elegance and social gatherings. It reminds us of the families who lived and celebrated within these walls. It’s a reminder that even grand mansions evolve. They adapt to serve new purposes while retaining their historic charm.
The Hampshire House stands as a testament to Boston’s rich history. The Hondar House Plaque invites you to become part of that history. It invites you to step inside and experience the elegance. It invites you to imagine the generations who came before. This marker honors not just a building. It honors the stories within those walls.