The Historical Society’s examination of the history of the Bell Tavern continues, with a look at the property’s history from 1840, when the original tavern was town down, to the present.
The history resumes when leather manufacturer David Daniels purchased the property, tore down the existing buildings, and in its place put a building with multiple storefronts. By 1867, the building was moved to Walnut Street.
Alfred A. Abbott bought the Daniels property in July 1875. The Abbott family built a large home at number 4 Washington St., as seen below. The former location of the tavern (2 Washington St.) was a large green space at the corner during this time period.
When Josiah B. (J.B.) Thomas bought 2-4 Washington St., he had the existing home demolished. Construction started in 1897 on a new mansion for his grandson, Elmer Thomas, and this is the building that stands today.
J. B. Thomas might sound familiar, as he left money in his will for the creation of a local hospital. It would later be named J.B. Thomas Hospital, in honor of his generosity.
When the mansion was completed in 1899, the ornate estate was big news. The Salem News described the interior and exterior in great detail, as seen below, from a snip-it from Feb. 16, 1899.
Elmer Thomas was only 23 years old at the time of construction. Elmer, his wife, and their infant daughter lived in the home for a very brief time.
By 1900, Thomas O’Shea, a successful local tanner and real estate developer, resided at the home. This is why many today still refer to the building as the “O’Shea Mansion.”
O’Shea built two large commercial buildings still located at the corner of Main and Foster Street (today, No. 1 and 5-15 Main St.). At the height of his success, O’Shea was the largest individual taxpayer in Peabody.
In 1969, Mary O’Shea sold the property to Anthony Bettencourt. In 1992, the Bettencourts restored the woodwork in the building. The Bettencourts ran their popular furniture business out of this building for many years.
In 1998, Mercier Plumbing and Heating purchased 2-4 Washington St., and three weeks later applied for a demolition permit. For the next 23 years, various private owners and the City of Peabody engaged in back and forth over the future of this landmark.
