On a rainy night in 1865, a stagecoach en route from Boston to Montreal hit a large mud hole and overturned on a back road in the small township of Whitefield, N.H. Two passengers climbed out and were told by the driver to follow the dirt road a half-mile until they reached a farmhouse. Despite the late hour, the travelers were welcomed at the home of William and Mary Jane Dodge, thus beginning a long tradition of Mountain View hospitality.
This fateful night led to the construction of the Mountain View House, which today is Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa. The video series below tells the fascinating story of our rich history, and is broken up into eight chapters, each highlighting a distinct period.
Chapter 1 begins the story of how Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa began. It also gives a brief history of the town of Whitefield, the surrounding area, and what life was like in 1865.
Chapter 2 - Mountain View House
Chapter 2 tells the story of Mountain View House and how it was formed, including the various extensions added over time. It also explains the significance of the railroad and how it impacted Mountain View House.
Chapter 3 - Van Dodge
Chapter 3 tells the story of Van Dodge, the second generation to run Mountain View House. This chapter gives a brief history of resorts throughout the world and also describes the opening of the golf course and the working farm on property.
Chapter 4 - Frank Dodge
Chapter 4 tells the story of Frank Dodge and his time managing Mountain View House. It also gives a brief history of chauffeurs. The impact of the Great Depression and World War II are discussed as well.
Chapter 5 - Schuyler and John Dodge
Chapter 5 tells the story of Schulyer and John Dodge, the fourth generation to run the hotel. This chapter lists the various celebrities and presidents that stayed at Mountain View House in the past. Hotel activities, such as ballroom dancing and tennis lessons, are described as well.
Chapter 6 - Sale, Auction, and Closure
Chapter 6 explains the sale of Mountain View House, the auction of the hotel's contents, and its closure in 1986.
Chapter 7 - Renovation and Re-Opening
Chapter 7 discusses the purchase of Mountain View House in 1998 by Kevin Craffey. This chapter explains the process that made the renovation possible, leading to its re-opening in May 2002.
Chapter 8 - Now and the Future
Chapter 8 discusses the many amenities available at the Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa today. It describes the Mountain View Academy program and its goals as well as the effort to recapture the agricultural history of the property.
