In the late 1800s, eyeglass manufacturer George Washington Wells became the founder and owner of the largest eyeglass company in the town by merging with several smaller lens manufacturers in Southbridge, Massachusetts. By the early 1900s, Wells was running the largest eyeglass manufacturing company in the world, owning several factories in Southbridge and occupying more than 80 acres on both sides of the Quinebaug River. It was called the American Optical Company, known locally in town as “AO.”

© Wellsworth Hotel

A 19^th-century textile plant, built in 1833, was one of the largest buildings in Southbridge and became the company’s main factory, located on Mechanic Street along the south bank of the river. Like many industrial cities in New England, however, factories began to move their manufacturing to less-costly areas of the country and overseas, and AO’s largest factory in Southbridge eventually closed its doors in 1979. In 2001, the large brick AO eyeglass factory, with its beautiful Romanesque architecture, became The Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center, but, after major renovations to the property, has been recently renamed and rebranded as The Wellsworth Hotel.

© Wellsworth Hotel

George Washington Wells, who believed everyone who needed them, not just the elite, should have access to eyeglasses, would not believe his own eyes if he saw what became of his main factory, which today features 203 guestrooms and suites with all the modern amenities of a 20^th-century hotel property, including a fitness center with two racquetball courts, a half-court basketball gym, indoor pool, Shades Lounge and Visions Restaurant, and 24,000 square feet of meeting space.  Each of the spacious guestrooms is equipped with refrigerators, coffeemakers, high-quality bath products and premium linens. Complimentary, high-speed WiFi is available throughout the hotel. Preservationists will be happy to see the property saved the American Optical historic clock tower and the building’s façade, foyer and marble staircase.

© Wellsworth Hotel

“The Wellsworth Hotel draws on the original brand ethos that balances beauty, form, and function with rich historical significance and an innovative spirit,” said Steve Gardiner, general manager. “Our guests will find the same amenity rich ambiance as before but with a new flair and focus on its historic identity and namesake.”

Situated in the historic town of Southbridge on the same site as the original factory building, The Wellsworth Hotel blends historic touches with a modern feel, making it a great venue for business and leisure travelers. In addition, the town’s American Optical Historic District was recently placed on the prestigious National Register of Historic Places, a major step in the development of Southbridge’s unique, but still under-the-radar, tourist attraction. The interesting Optical Heritage Museum is just a mile up the road from the hotel, and nearby is Old Sturbridge Village, a well-known attraction depicting life in an early 19^th-century rural village setting featuring costumed historians, antique buildings, water-powered mills and a working farm.