"A seven mile journey over hill and dale by stage coach was the only means of reaching the village. During the summer of 1856 a large party from the Wachusett House (then owned by John Brooks Sen.) went down to the Boylston Farm and bribed one of the farm lads to take the crowd back to the hotel in a two wheeled cart drawn by oxen and dump them at the front door. A minister was of the party to lend dignity to the occasion. Thus do we early learn of "Joy Rides."

In the spring of 1857 P. A. Beaman and Isaac F. Thompson hired the hotel of John Brooks and continued the business for two years, when Mr. Beaman purchased the property. The present Bowling Alley and Laundry building was erected in 1861. The large barn standing on the property was built in 1864. The house was enlarged by raising and placing a new story on the ground floor and building a large L in 1869-70. A more commodious dining room was added in 1873. The residence of Mr. A. T. Beaman was remodeled and enlarged as a 41 room annex" in 1883. The business grew to such proportions during this period that many guests lodged in nearby houses which were enlarged for this purpose. Two hundred guests were often entertained at week ends and many were turned away for lack of accommodation.

After the death of Mr. P. A. Beaman, Mar. 1, 1894, his sons A. T. and H. C. Beaman continued the business until the hotel was destroyed by fire Nov. 28, 1910."

"Summer tourists have long favorably known about the beautiful and healthful town of Princeton, Mass. The fact that many of the guests have returned season after season for the last 20 years furnishes a recommendation of the hotel, the value of which all will recognize. To the seeker after a cool, healthful place to spend the summer months, Princeton offers unrivaled inducements. The ridge on which the Wachusett House stands is all offshoot of Wachusett Mountain, the second highest elevation in the state, and as we stand on the hotel piazza we are 1,130 feet above the level of the sea. This elevation secures exemption from morning fogs and from mosquitoes; the air is singularly dry and bracing; even in the hottest weather there is always a breeze across the ridge, and the thermometer rarely indicates a temperature above 85 degrees.

The view from this house must be seen to be appreciated. Rates at the Wachusett will be found as reasonable as good accommodations and excellent cuisine will warrant, and special terms can be made by families who wish to make a long stay, and reduction of regular rates can always be had in June and September. The hotel contains 60 bedrooms, and its annex, the Wachusett Cottage, contains 20 more. This cottage is only a few steps from the hotel. P. A. Beaman & Sons are the proprietors, as they have been for many years."