History of Hollis | Hollis, NH

About Hollis, New Hampshire

Hollis is a picturesque New England town located in southern Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. The town was originally part of Dunstable, Massachusetts, and was incorporated as a separate town by Royal Charter in 1746 under the name "Holles" — named after Thomas Pelham-Holles, Duke of Newcastle.

The town's history stretches back to the earliest days of colonial settlement in New England. Rich agricultural land, abundant timber, and the strategic location along important travel routes helped establish Hollis as a thriving community.

"George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith &c. To all Persons to whom these Presents shall come Greeting. Know Ye that We of Our special Grace certain Knowledge and meer motion for the due Encouragement of settling a new Plantation within our Province of New Hampshire...have erected and ordained...a Township by the name of Holles..."

Today, Hollis maintains its rural New England character while being home to approximately 8,000 residents. The town is known for its historic town common, apple orchards, conservation lands, and strong sense of community.

History of the Wheeler House

The Wheeler House at 20 Main Street has been the headquarters of the Hollis Historical Society since 1968. But the building's story stretches back much further, intertwined with the history of Main Street itself.

In the early 1900s, the site was home to the Price Building, a commercial structure that housed various businesses. When the Price Building was destroyed by fire, the lot sat vacant for a time.

The current structure was built around 1914 and initially operated as the Cranford Inn, serving travelers and visitors to Hollis. The building featured a welcoming front porch and comfortable rooms typical of early 20th-century New England inns.

Almond Wheeler and Ruth Hills Wheeler

The building takes its name from Almond Wheeler and his wife Ruth Hills Wheeler, who acquired the property and made it their home. Ruth Hills Wheeler was a passionate historian and collector who amassed an impressive collection of Hollis artifacts, documents, and photographs throughout her lifetime. Her dedication to preserving local history laid the foundation for what would become the Hollis Historical Society's museum collection.

Becoming a Museum

When the Hollis Historical Society was looking for a permanent home for its growing collection, the Wheeler House was the natural choice. The building was acquired in 1968 and carefully converted into a museum while preserving its residential character. Today, visitors can explore five rooms filled with exhibits that tell the story of Hollis from its earliest days to the modern era.

The Building Today

The Wheeler House retains many of its original architectural features, including hardwood floors, period moldings, and a classic New England layout. The rooms have been thoughtfully arranged to showcase different aspects of Hollis history — from colonial-era tools and furnishings to 19th-century textiles and 20th-century photographs. Outside, the Lucie Beebe Memorial Garden provides a peaceful setting that complements the building's historic character.

History of the Always Ready Engine House

The Always Ready Engine House stands as one of the most recognizable buildings on the Hollis town common. Built in 1859, the building was constructed to house the "Always Ready" fire company and their hand-pump fire engine.

During the Civil War era, the building served as a gathering place for the community. Young men from Hollis enlisted in the Union Army, and the Engine House became a center for civic activity during those turbulent years.

Many Functions Over the Years

Throughout its long history, the Always Ready Engine House has served many purposes beyond fire protection. The building has functioned as a meeting hall, a storage facility, and even housed the town lockup — a small cell where those who ran afoul of local law could be held temporarily.

Preservation and Restoration

The Hollis Historical Society undertook a careful restoration of the Engine House to preserve this important piece of town heritage. Today, visitors can see the original "Defender" hand-pump fire engine, a horse-drawn hearse, Civil War memorabilia, and the restored lockup cell. The building is open on the first Sunday of each month from June through October, 1:00 to 4:00 PM.