OUR HISTORY
1885: The Main House
The Inn's main Victorian-style building was built for John B. Thompson, a wealthy business man from New York City. In his wife Jennie's name, he bought and developed 11 lots in the area. The hilltop 'cottage,' now the main building of Anne's Washington Inn, was named, Sunnyside, at its completion in 1885.
1900s: McCarty Hospital
In 1900, after John Thompson's passing, Jennie sold the property to Dr. Richard H. McCarty. Dr. McCarty built the second building in 1906, as a residence for his family, and established his practice in the main building. A generous sign of the times upon the center gable proclaimed: "The McCarty Hospital, Free to the Poor Tuesdays and Thursdays." The hospital's specialty became labor and delivery of babies.
Photo credit: George S Bolster Collection
1943: Russells Purchase The Property
In 1943, Charles Russell, owner of The Hotel Russell then set at Franklin Square in downtown Saratoga, purchased the property. In 1944, The Washington Inn opened as a companion hotel for the overflow guests from The Hotel Russell. The Inn's name was a neighborly nod to the nearby Washington Baths (now the National Museum of Dance). The Inn welcomed guests for over forty years under the friendly direction of Charles's daughter, Anne (Russell) Bokan, and son-in-law, Joe Bokan.
(from left) Joe Bokan, Anne Russell Bokan
1985: The Next Generation Takes Over
Joe and Anne's son and daughter-in-law, Joe Jr. and Kathleen Bokan, take over as owner/opperators and continue their family tradition of Saratoga hospitality at its hilltop best.
(from left) Kathleen Heavey Bokan, Anne Bokan, Joe Bokan Jr.
2007: "Anne's" Washington Inn
Joe and Kathleen re-named The Washington Inn Anne's Washington Inn in honor of Joe's late mother.
(from left) Anne Bokan, Joe Bokan Jr.
2021: A Family Wedding At The Inn
In September 2021, Joe & Kathleen's oldest daughter, Madeleine, and now son-in-law, Jesse, celebrated their wedding reception at Anne's Washington Inn.
2024: Celebrating 80 years
The AWI continues to be run as a family business, with Joe & Kathleen running the inn, and their daughter, Madeleine Bokan Thares, growing the wedding & events arm of the business. Joe & Kathleen's youngest daughter, Isabella, son, Joseph III, and son-in-law, Jesse, can also often be seen helping out around the inn during the busy season. 2024 marks 80 years that the inn has been in the Russell/Bokan family.
