History




		The Historic Worthen House – Lowell’s oldest Tavern & Restaurant The Worthen House is a unique building located within the Lowell City Hall Historic District, at 141 Worthen Street, Lowell, Massachusetts. It sports a triangular floor plan and has had numerous changes and functions over the last century and a half. It wasn’t always a tavern and was more popularly known as THE OLD WORTHEN” from 1942 until 1989 when it was purchased by Manny Silva, who not only restored the building but returned it to the name, “Worthen House.” Original Owners The building site was purchased in 1832 by Henry C. Johnson and Hiram Nichols from Locks and Canal Company. There was a stipulation that no building erected on the site should be more than 12’ in height and the material be brick or stone and the roof slate or some other incombustible material. The initial restriction was kept and a single story building was built and the “West India Goods Store” was built. It was documented as havening a trapezoidal floor plan, which is the shape of the front portion of the current building. Other part owners and partners in a few changes included a Thomas Dodge in 1835 and a Plympton in 1836. In 1847, a pair of carpenters, Stephen Hodgkins and Edward Gannett, became the new owners. Although the original restrictions were repeated in the deed, the carpenters added the second floor soon after the purchase. Work rooms occupied the first floor and they resided on the upper floors. The Gannett family continued to own the building throughout the 1880’s. During this time, the rear additions were completed and thus the unique triangular shape of the building was realized. In 1889, John O’Donnell became the new owner. He was a liquor dealer. This was the time that changed the building from a dry goods store to a Hotel and Tavern.

The Fan System

The fan system is one of only four in the United States and is the only one existing in the original site. It is pulley driven and is beautifully restored. In its early days, the fan was propelled by steam. It was used to keep flies off the dry goods and made a whirring sound. It is amazing to see the intricate series of belts and pulleys each helping to operate the next decorative paddle fan. It is now electrified and will be turned on at a patron’s request.


	The Outside The outside building materials reflect the work of masons and carpenters. The ground floor is brick and features a central entrance, flanked by two large multi-panel windows. The second story façade on Worthen Street is constructed of wood clapboards with six windows, three gabled dormers appear on the front slope of the roof. A stuccoed brick wall hides the outside southern wall on the ground floor. This is a fragment from Hadley’s stable, which formerly occupied the site that is now a parking lot. The second floor has been restored to clapboards, replacing metal shingles and dilapidated wood. All of the windows have been restored. Artifacts The 1989 restoration revealed many interesting objects. Old bottles, dishes and coins were found and are now used as part of the interior décor. The bar and floor which had been sinking was raised almost two feet and the mahogany bar restored. The interior retains a pressed tin ceiling on the first floor, the late nineteenth century bar and the system of belt-linked ceiling fans. The upper floors are currently in the restoration process. It is said that a clever hiding spot in the attic could have protected run-away slaves. It may have been a way station in the Underground Railroad. Prohibition & Secrets O’Donnell remodeled the building and in 1898 opened the original “WORTHEN HOUSE.” At that time, the tin ceiling and bar were built. The building was used as a tavern and a hotel until Prohibition. During Prohibition, the city directories listed many occupants, among those were “Mathew J Stowell Beverages,” “Arthur J. Sency Soft Drinks,” “John D. Shines Restaurant” and “Arthur J. Turcotte Real Estate.” One or more of these businesses could have maintained the tavern’s traditional use. This is evidenced by a piece of paneling that when removed, reveals a secret hiding place for various bottles of spirits. This panel is located behind the bar on the right side, just above an old built-in icebox. This era lasted from 1924 until 1933. From 1933 until 1941, the building was known as Adelard N. Gerard’s Restaurant. The “OLD WORTHEN” name was applied to the restaurant in 1942. The term OLD was applied to many proper names after Prohibition, example ‘Old Mr. Boston.’ Patrons & Personalities The place began as a neighborhood bar with O’Donnell in 1888, an Irish bar. Now there are many people from every walk of life. The clientele are students, professionals, artists, writers, and because of the proximity to City Hall, politicians. Artists and creative people are a major part of the recent history. Patrons have included famous people including Jack Kerouac, Allan Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, Jimmy Breslin and Ed McMahon. The interior décor contains memorabilia reflecting some of Lowell’s famous and infamous. Present Owners In December of 2002, Nick and Penny Hamourgas purchased the historic Worthen House. They welcome you with delicious food, fine spirits and an opportunity to experience history in a friendly atmosphere.