The Homestead Inn

An interesting feature of the New Ipswich of the present (i.e. 1900) is an admirable charity established there by the Rev. George Jarvis Prescott, rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Boston. This institution is the "The Homestead Inn," where wearied-out shop girls. and indeed women laborers of all sorts can get food, lodging, fresh air and restful quiet, for the small sum of three dollars a week. In many cases this amount is remitted, if it beyond the means of the applicant.  Mr.Prescott conceived of establishing this boarding-house where plain wholesome food and comfortable lodging could be offered to the army of pale faced worn-out shop girls at a nominal cost. Several ladies of Boston lent their assistance; and about five years ago (i.e. 1895) the "Homestead Inn" became a fact accomplished in New Ipswich. A long, rambling, wooden house was purchased, a dormitory was built, with little partitions dividing the tiny sleeping apartments, and as many comforts added as the scant amount of money in hand would allow. From the start the institution was successful. Shop girls, dress-makers' apprentices, typewriters, seamstresses, housemaids, cooks and washerwomen found peaceful refuge at the "Inn". Sometimes women broken in health and spirit, who could not leave home because of children, were taken with their families, though the place is particularly for unmarried women. The delicious soft inland air, the scent of pine cones, the generous supply of fresh milk and the abundant. substantial food soon bring back the color to faded cheeks and dim eyes, and it is common to see their vespers and nones for them; so ancient puritanism and modern ritual touch, even if they do not mingle in old New Ipswich. - The New England Magazine Volume 1022 (Mar 1900)

The Homestead Inn was located on the corner of Academy and Main Street

James Barr purchased the property and planned to reopen as a hotel but it burnt on Christmas Eve 1929

New England Magazine