The O’Neil Robinson House was sold to the Bethel Inn.

BETHEL – This month the Bethel Historical Society is marking the centenary of the purchase of the 1821 O’Neil Robinson House by William O. and Agnes Straw. They were the last owners to live there before its sale to the Bethel Inn in 1923 for $10,000.

The Straws purchased the property for $5,000 at a time when it was considered the most expensive property in Bethel. Agnes Hastings Straw (1837-1923) was the granddaughter of Amos Hastings, a veteran of the American Revolution and a founder of the town (the first town meeting was held in his barn at Middle Intervale).

She obtained her education from local schools and Gould Academy. She later taught music and art in the Colebrook, N.H., schools. In 1862, she married her first cousin, William O. Straw (1841-1909).

Will Straw was born in Guilford, attended local schools and graduated from Foxcroft Academy. After receiving his education, he was engaged in farming and stock growing. Later, he accepted a job as chainman with his brother-in-law and first cousin, Daniel Hastings (1840-1925) in 1881. Daniel Hastings was a civil engineer and the chief supervisor for the Northern Pacific Railroad line between Odanah, Wis., and Duluth, Minn. In 1883-84, Daniel and Will were assigned to survey a railway line across the Montana Territory from Billings to Fort Benton. It was during that time that they decided to obtain land in the Judith Basin in Montana. Each acquired a ranch of about 4,000 acres. The Straws raised hay and grains as well as horses and cattle and later sheep.

Agnes Straw had her own band of Dorset sheep which she cared for. As a result of his settlement here, Straw, Mont., was named for Will Straw, but does not exist today.

After making a fortune in Montana and investing it well, this prosperous couple decided to return to Agnes’ hometown. They were civic minded and generous with their means, contributing to the Bethel Library, the Congregational Church and Gould Academy. Will Straw died in 1909, but his widow continued on as a lady of broad interests and talents. She summered at Islesboro on the Maine coast and spent winters in Florida. A skilled artist, musician, and seamstress, she was a woman of distinct culture and refinement.

Following her death in 1923, her heir William S. Hastings sold the property to the Bethel Inn, which used the building for guest housing until selling the premises to Bethel Historical Society in 1998.

Further information about the society and its activities may be obtained by calling (207) 824-2908 or (800) 824-2910 or emailing:[email protected]