Sixty years ago...

Sixty years ago this week (June 23, 1952) - the Deer Park was destroyed by fire, right before it was to open for it's 65th summer season.

At that time, it was owned and operated by the Grimm and Derocher families of Newton, Mass. It is my understanding that owners Norman Grimm and Larry Durocher were best friends who had roomed together at Harvard University and also brother's in law as Mr. Grimm had married Mr. Durocher's sister.

Many of New Hampshire's grand hotels were lost to fire during this time due to their wood frame construction and lack of sprinkler protection.

Other hotels fell into decline because of costs involved in upkeep and were vacated and later demolished.

Deer Park Hotel Parlour...

Above is a postcard image of one of the elegant parlours in the Deer Park. Back in the day, guests didn't spend much time in their rooms, they would socialize with other hotel guests in rooms like this.

Deer Park Hotel 1920's...

Here is an old photo of a large group of people on the veranda of the Deer Park. Probably safe to assume sometime in the 1920's or so...just by looking at the old car on the right and the style of clothing that everyone is wearing...

Some of the women look as if they are dressed for a nice hike through the woods or climb up a mountain...