While the city is formally called the Town of Randolph, it operates a city government. It’s one of several municipalities in the state that has been granted a city form of government, but chooses to keep “town” in the official name. Incorporated in 1793, this Massachusetts community was home to several large shoe companies during portions of the 18th and 19th centuries. The growing industry attracted workers from other parts of New England, as well as from Canada, Ireland, Italy and Eastern Europe. By the 20th century, the shoe industry began to decline and Randolph transformed into a residential suburb of Boston. To get a glimpse of the city’s past, make a stop at Stetson Hall. The former town hall is one of the area’s iconic structures. Built in 1952, it was designed in Greek Revival architectural style and features large ionic columns. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
Randolph is also known as the city that inspired the Great American Smokeout, which is an annual event held by the American Cancer Society. In 1969, Randolph High School guidance counselor Arthur Mullaney remarked that if he had a nickel for every cigarette butt he found on the ground, he could send all the school’s students to college. This inspired the class of 1970 to team up with the local Rotary Club to have smokers give up the habit for a day and use the money they would have spent on cigarettes to fund college scholarships. The Great American Smokeout went national in 1977.
When staying at one of our Randolph hotels, you’ll be close to the city of Boston, its many attractions and the Boston Logan International Airport. Enjoy convenient accommodations and great value by booking a room at one of our Choice Hotels!