Alton Hotels
Alton History | Alton Newspaper Articles
ALTON HOUSE
The original Alton House [hotel], a substantial frame building, was
constructed in 1832 by Johnathan T. Hudson, and was located on the
northeast corner of Front and Alby Streets in Alton, where
previously a French Trading House stood. Among the early proprietors
of the Alton House were Andrew Miller, Mr. Delaplain, Samuel Pitts,
and Washington Libby. The original Alton House was destroyed by fire
on July 16, 1837. Fire had been discovered the day before in the
garret of another building attached to the hotel, which was
extinguished by Alton firemen and citizens working together. The
next morning fire broke out again, and so rapid was the fire that it
could not be controlled. Only part of the furniture of the hotel was
saved.
Mr. Underhill, a clerk working for Benjamin Godfrey and Winthrop
Gilman, was asleep in an upper room in their warehouse nearby, when
he heard the cry of fire. He sprang out of bed, and accidentally
fell through an open scuttle into the cellar, breaking a thigh bone
and sustaining other injuries. He was alone in the building, and was
not discovered for some time. He died the next day.
The Alton House was rebuilt by Calvin Stone, 50’ x 25' and 3 stories
high. The new hotel opened in December 1837. In 1839, it was touted
by a traveler as "one of the best conducted establishments of the
kind west of the Allegheny mountains."
In the year 1840, Daniel Webster, the great orator, gave a campaign
speech on the porch of the hotel. Champagne had flowed freely, and
when Webster rose to speak, he had to hold tightly to the railing to
maintain his equilibrium. In 1844, Major B. T. Burk of Carlinville
purchased the hotel and remodeled and enlarged the building. It was
kept for many years by Amos T. Corson, who added a large brick
addition onto the building. In 1858, during the Lincoln - Douglas
debates, Stephen A. Douglas stayed at the Alton House.
Amos Corson was succeeded in 1866 by William Siemens, who was the
proprietor when the Horse Railroad Festival was held at the hotel in
1867. This supper and festival was held in honor of the completion
of the Alton & Upper Alton Horse Railroad.
The second Alton House building burned down on January 8, 1870. In
1905, Dr. G. Taphorn purchased the property, which at this time was
filled with weeds. He planned to improve the property, but never
did. In 1905, John H. McPike, son of Henry Guest McPike, purchased
the property, and began clearing away debris and weeds. He
constructed his paper mill on the foundations of the old Alton
House. The McPike Paper Mill opened in 1907. McPike moved his mill
to St. Louis in 1911. This site then became the Illinois Corrugated
Paper Mill, and later the headquarters for Mississippi Lime Company.
The mill building still stands, and is currently housing apartments.
ALTON HOUSE BURNS DOWN
(This is the original Alton House)
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 19, 1837
We are sorry to state that the Alton House in this place, occupied
as a hotel by Mr. W. Libby, was burnt down at an early hour on
Sunday morning last. A fire had been discovered on the afternoon of
Saturday, in the garret of a back building attached to the
establishment, and promptly subdued by the energetic and well
directed exertions of the firemen and citizens, without doing any
material damage except to the roof, which was partially consumed.
Between two and three o'clock the next morning, however, it broke
out afresh in an upper part of the main edifice, at some distance
from the spot where it had previously occurred; and so rapid and
destructive were its progress, that in spite of all that could be
done to arrest its destructive career, it was not checked until
after the whole house, with the exception of the kitchen and the
part injured on the preceding day, were reduced to a heap of ruins.
We understand that the building, as well as the furniture - a part
of which was saved - were fully insured. We much regret to add that
Mr. Underhill, one of Messrs. Godfrey & Gilman's Clerks, who was
sleeping in an upper room in the warehouse of these gentlemen, on
hearing the cry of fire, sprang out of bed in order to ascertain the
cause; and missing his way, fell through an open scuttle into the
cellar, breaking one of his thighs, and otherwise sustaining much
injury. As he was alone in the building, his situation was not
discovered until after the conflagration was over; consequently, he
must have suffered intensely before he obtained any relief. P. S. We
regret to state that Mr. Underhill died this morning about half past
3 o'clock.
THE ALTON HOUSE OPENED AGAIN FOLLOWING THE FIRE
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 27, 1837
The reader will observe, by a notice in another column, that this
establishment, which was burnt down last summer, has been rebuilt,
and is now again open for the reception of the public, under the
superintendence of Messrs. Miller & Fish. Although the main building
is still unfinished, the accommodations are nevertheless excellent;
and when we say that the senior member of the present firm is the
same gentleman who had charge of the Alton House a few years since,
we need not add that nothing is omitted which can contribute to the
comfort and satisfaction of the guests. The situation commands an
extensive view of the river, and is at a convenient distance from
the public landing; and after the completion of the principal part
of the edifice - which is of brick, presents a very handsome
appearance, and is in a state of great forwardness - we think the
establishment will compare advantageously with any other in this
section of the Union.
ALTON HOUSE REBUILT
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 2, 1839
The subscribers having taken this spacious building, are now ready
to accommodate travelers and the public generally, and no pains will
be spared which will contribute to the comfort of those who may
favor them will a call. The senior partner having formerly kept the
Alton House, and received a large share of public patronage, would
tender his thanks for past favors, and hopes that they will be
continued to the present firm. Signed Miller and Fish.
ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 24, 1839
The following testimony to the excellent accommodations &c., to be
found at the above establishment, was enclosed to us a few days
since by the writer, who is now on a visit to the western states,
with an earnest request that it might appear in our paper. It is
entirely correct and fully confirmed by every traveler who has
occasion to call at the Alton House. This city is now very well
provided for the entertainment of visitors and others - two or three
very good hotels, besides the above, having been established here
within the last twelve months.
To the Editor of the Telegraph -
Sir - In my tour through the Great West, I had the pleasure of
visiting your city for a few days. I cannot with justice to the
public and the attentive proprietor of the Alton House, leave your
city without acquainting travelers and the public generally with the
accommodations to be found in the above hotel for comfort, a
well-supplied table, the best the country can afford, polite and
attentive servants, and though last not least, good clean beds,
rarity to be met with even in your much-boasted St. Louis. I have no
hesitation in saying it is decidedly one of the best conducted
establishments of the kind west of the Alleghany mountains. I am
sir, with respect, your obedient servant, A Traveler.
INAUGURAL BALL AT THE ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 27, 1841
We understand that a splendid Ball will be given at the Alton House
in this city, on Thursday evening next, in honor of the Inauguration
of "the people's President." This memorable event will also be
celebrated in the same mode at Mr. Squire's Hotel, Six Mile; and in
almost every city, town, and village throughout the Union.
NEW OWNER OF THE ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 03, 1841
Mr. A. L. Corson, the new proprietor of the Alton House, has
thoroughly repaired the same throughout, and his unremitting
attention to the traveling public, together with his excellent and
bountifully supplied table, renders the Alton House among the best
in the western country. We wish him that success, which his
exertions to please so richly merits.
REGARDING THE ALTON HOUSE BAR
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 7, 1843
Mr. Editor - Although a fad in drunkenness, it is with gratification
that I notice the neat, tasteful, and well-conducted bar, lately
opened by F. Gray, Esq., connected with the well-known Alton House.
Strangers and others visiting our city, who love good cigars "or a
little wine for the stomach's sake," can there find every variety of
the choicest refreshments appertaining to such establishments. The
habits of the day are such as in courtesy to strangers who visit us
demand one such bar in the city, and no better location could be
made therefore than at the Alton House. Signed H.
ALTON HOUSE TO LET
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 3, 1844
The undersigned will lease, for a term of years, that well known and
valuable stand in the city of Alton called The Alton House. It is
believed that this establishment offers greater advantages to an
attentive and experienced landlord, than any other in Southern and
Western Illinois, and the present is an opportunity such as seldom
offers to an active and enterprising businessman to realize a
competency, with a small outlay, in the course of a few years. The
terms will be easy and accommodating. The furniture, most of which
is new and in good order, will be sold cheap. Signed by Amos L.
Corson.
NEW YEAR'S BALL AT THE ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 27, 1845
A New Year's Ball to be given at the Alton House on Wednesday
evening, December 31, 1845. Managers: G. T. M. Davis, William
Martin, W. C. McElroy, Norton Johnson, C. P. Heaton, N. G. Edwards,
Lewis Parsons, Mark Dickson, H. P. Hulbert, J. A. Buckmaster, J. E.
Broughton, W. Libbey, Robert Dunlop, A. Clifford, G. W. Prickett, G.
C. Lusk, Charles Murray, John Campbell, James Frost, Thomas Carroll,
J. J. Gillham, Jeremiah Job, Laurist Robbins, J. L. Ferguson, E. S.
Brown.
GRAND CONCERTS AT THE ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 6, 1846
The celebrated Campanologian Band of Swiss Bell Ringers, whose
surprising performances have been received with enthusiastic
applause in all the principal cities of Europe and America, and have
received the highest encomiums from the leading journals of both
continents, will give two grand concerts on Monday and Tuesday
evenings, June 8th and 9th. Admission 50 cents; Children under 12
years of age, half price. Doors open at 7 1/2 o'clock. Commence at
8. No postponement on account of weather. Change of program each
evening.
ALTON HOUSE CHANGES HANDS
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 11, 1848
This well-known and old established hotel, kept for some years past
by Mr. A. L. Corson, has passed into the hands of Mr. A. M.
Blackburn, late of Woodburn, Macoupin County, who has put it in
complete order and is now prepared to entertain his former friends
and customers in his usual good style. This city is provided with
two first-rate hotels, besides several others conducted on a smaller
scale, which likewise afford excellent accommodations on moderate
terms; and travelers, or transient persons, desirous of spending a
few days, weeks, or months in the neighborhood of the Mississippi,
can nowhere find a more pleasant and healthy residence or more
comfortable quarters than in Alton.
ALTON'S ALTON HOUSE (ADVERT.)
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 28, 1853
Alton House - Amos L. Corson, Proprietor. The undersigned, grateful
for the very liberal patronage heretofore extended in the above
well-known and long-established hotel, respectfully informs the
traveling public and the community in general, that he is still
prepared to entertain them at all hours, in the very best manner,
and on the most reasonable terms. His table will be constantly
supplied with the choicest delicacies to be procured in the market;
and no pains or attention, on the part of the proprietor, or his
able assistant, Captain Pilts, will be omitted to give entire
satisfaction to all who may favor him with a call. Connected with
the establishment is a large and commodious stable, where a good
stock of horses, carriages and buggies will always be kept in
readiness for the accommodation of travelers and others. Funerals
will also be attended to at short notice, and in the best and finest
style.
ALTON HOUSE TO BE ENLARGED
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 18, 1853
Our citizens and the traveling public will be gratified to learn
that the Alton House is to be immediately enlarged by the addition
of an extensive wing. The new building is to be of brick, will
contain a magnificent dining hall and some thirty or forty airy and
convenient rooms, together with a balcony on the west. It will front
on Alby Street, and make a tasty and desirable addition to the
building. The fact that our public homes are too contracted to
accommodate the tide of travel passing through Alton, and which must
continue rapidly to increase, has been for some months apparent to
all, and we have no doubt that the contemplated improvement in the
above old and well-known stand will go far towards remedying the
evil.
ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 15, 1853
We learn that Captain S. Pitts has recovered from the affliction of
his eyes, and has again connected himself with Mr. A. L. Corson in
the management of the Alton House. Captain Pitts enjoys the
well-deserved reputation of being one of the most attentive and
accommodating landlords in the country, and under his auspices, the
Alton House will continue to be what it is – all that the traveling
public can wish.
ALTON HOUSE TO HAVE BRICK ADDITION
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, June 17, 1853
We learn that it is the intention of the owner of the Alton House,
or its leasee, Mr. Corson, to build a large brick addition, or wing,
to the main building this season. The business of this hotel has
been very heavy the past winter and spring, and fully justifies this
enlargement.
ADDITION TO THE ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 30, 1853
We have already mentioned that arrangements were being made for
greatly enlarging the present dimensions of the Alton House. We are
informed that the contract for building the addition has been let to
Mr. Z. Lowe of Upper Alton, and that the grading for the foundation
has already commenced. The new building will be 65 feet deep by 30
feet wide, and four stories high. The basement will be arranged for
sitting rooms, barbershop, &c. The second floor will form one large
and commodious hall to be used for dining and other purposes. The
upper stories will be divided into fine, airy rooms for families and
single gentlemen. With these improvements, the Alton House will be
one of the pleasantest and most commodious in this section of
Illinois. It is intended to have the addition completed and
furnished throughout by October 20.
ALTON HOUSE HAS NEW MANAGER
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 6, 1861
It will be observed by a notice in another part of our paper that A.
L. Corson has taken the entire charge of this old and popular House.
This will be good news to the traveling public, for it is a
generally conceded fact that no man in the West has succeeded any
better in entering to the taste of epicurus than Mr. Corson. He has
been engaged in this business the most of the time for the last 30
years, and is personally and well known to all this region of
country. No further commendation of the Alton House is needed, than
the mere announcement than it is now in the hands of a man so well
known as a popular hotel keeper as Mr. Corson. If you want to find
the place, look for the large American Flag floating at the top of
the house, directly fronting the river.
ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 14, 1862
We take pleasure in being able to speak of the prosperity of this
old and popular hotel, under the management of Mr. A. L. Corson, who
has the sole charge of it. Mr. Corson has kept this house the most
of the time for the last eighteen years, and is well known to the
traveling public in all this section of the state as one of the most
accommodating and gentlemanly landlords in this region.
THE ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 20, 1862
The Alton House has been fitted up in excellent style, and is now
inferior to none in the state. The proprietor, Amos L. Corson, Esq.,
has been long and favorably known to the traveling public, as a
successful landlord and obliging gentleman, and we need only say
that the management of the business of the house is under his own
eye, to recommend the house to a discriminating public.
ALTON HOUSE HAS NEW OWNER
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 6, 1866
This popular and well-known hotel has changed hands – Mr. Corson,
who has presided over this house so long, and is so generally known
in tis section of Illinois, having disposed of it to Mr. William
Siemens, who is to take charge of it today. We understand that the
entire building will be overhauled, repaired and put in splendid
order. It is the determination of Mr. Siemens to make it in every
particular, equal to any other house in the West, not only in regard
to the table, but in all respects. He has had much experience in the
business, and is every way well qualified for the position. We wish
him abundant success, and most cheerfully commend the Alton House to
the patronage of all of our friends, and the public generally.
ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 22, 1866
Yesterday afternoon, as we were passing by this old and favorite
hotel, the gentlemanly proprietor, Mr. Siemens, gave us a polite
invitation to look through the house. We knew what it looked like
before Mr. Siemens took charge, and expected to find its general
appearance somewhat improved, but were not prepared for so great a
change as has been wrought under the new regime. All the old
carpets, bedsteads, chairs, bureaus, etc., have been replaced
throughout by new furniture of the most elegant styles and finish,
and the old paper-hanging and glazing has been removed, and the
newest and most beautiful designs now charm the beholder. One would
almost believe, in wandering through the beautiful rooms, that he
had strayed into the gorgeous palace of an Oriental prince.
In the dining room, we noticed the greatest change. The old, long
tables have been taken out, and the family table system adopted,
enabling family parties or friendly groups to take their meals
without being disturbed by the impudent stare, which is only one of
the many evils of the old system. This dining room is the most
cheerful one we were ever in, and no person can help eating, after
going in and taking a good square look at the fixtures.
Mr. Siemens has followed hotel keeping for some time, and is in
every way fitted for the business, as he is agreeable and
accommodating to all. We take great pleasure in noticing this
decided change for the better in this hotel, which is decidedly one
of the best in the State. It is finely located, the rooms are all
large and airy, and the tables supplied with every luxury of the
season. We bespeak for the worthy host an abundant patronage, as he
has shown, by the liberal and enterprising spirit displayed by him
in refitting and refurnishing the whole house, that he is eminently
deserving of it.
MYSTERIOUS DEATH AT ALTON HOUSE
WIFE OF CONFEDERATE GENERAL FRAZER FOUND DEAD
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, November 5, 1868
Last evening a woman arrived in this city from Springfield, on the
Chicago train, and put up at the Alton House. She registered her
name as Mrs. Frazer. This morning she did not make her appearance at
breakfast, and an attaché of the hotel was sent to call her. As she
did not respond to the call, the door was opened and she was found
lying dead in her bed. A jury was summoned by Justice Quarton,
consisting of Messrs. A Breath (foreman), A. L. Chouteau, H. C.
Sweetser, James Barr, James Meachen, M. P. Caldwell, Albert Wade, M.
P. Breckinridge, Richard Flagg, T. M. Boyle, I. E. Hardy, M. D., and
John W. Hart, who returned a verdict that the deceased came to her
death by convulsions, the immediate cause of which was unknown to
the jury. It appears from evidence furnished by a young man who was
in her company, which was confirmed by a Springfield gentleman, that
she had been spending the last few days in Springfield; that she
represented herself as the wife of a rebel General Frazer of
Louisiana, now in Europe. These representations, it is judged, are
correct. It was found, through documents in the possession of the
deceased, that she had two children at the Convent of the Sacred
Heart, St. Louis. Justice Quarton has telegraphed to that
institution of the event. The deceased was a woman of about
thirty-five years of age; she was small of stature, but it was
difficult to tell much of her personal appearance on account of her
face being distorted by her struggles in the convulsions. The
remains were taken in charge of by William Brudon, undertaker, and
placed temporarily in the Cemetery vault.
Source: Library of Congress; Nashville Union and American,
Nashville, TN, November 10, 1868
From the St. Louis Republican, Nov. 6 - On Wednesday evening last, a
lady, apparently thirty-five or forty years of age, left the
southward bound Chicago train at this point [St. Louis] and went to
the Alton House. She had no baggage, except a small handbag, and was
accompanied by a man of respectable appearance, who seemed to be
acting as her escort. After some conversation with him in the
parlor, she was shown to her room on the second floor of the hotel,
and is supposed to have retired at an early hour. One of the
boarders stated that in passing the door of the apartment which she
occupied, about 9 o'clock, he saw a light burning and heard voices
inside. But beyond this nothing is definitely known of what
transpired within. Yesterday morning the servant knocked at the door
several times, but elicited no reply, and on trying it found that it
was locked or bolted. Calling the proprietor, an examination was
made by looking through the transom light, when the woman was
discovered in bed and so wrapped up in the clothes as to hide her
face completely. Obtaining no answer to his questions, and fearing
that something was wrong, Mr. Siemens then procured a ladder and
entered the room from the outer court through a rear window. The
unfortunate inmate was found dead, and from indications must have
been so several hours. Her body was drawn up, the features horribly
distorted, the hands partially clenched, and she appeared to have
died in the midst of a sudden and violent convulsion, produced by
some unknown cause. Justice Quarton was immediately notified, and
summoning a coroner's jury, an inquest was held upon the remains.
The companion of the deceased, a Mr. Roberts, was sworn, and
testified substantially that he had met the lady in Springfield,
Illinois at the St. Nicholas Hotel a few days before, and there for
the first time made her acquaintance; that she represented herself
to him as the wife of General Frazier of the Confederate army; that
her husband was in Europe, and that she had two daughters in the
Convent of the Sacred Heart in St. Louis. He stated that she had
procured money from the Catholic clergy in Quincy as well as in
Springfield, to pay her expenses to St. Louis; also, that he took a
walk with her to Oak Ridge Cemetery and elsewhere, during their
sojourn at the St. Nicholas. According to his account he left
Springfield on the same train with her, but did not know she was
onboard until his arrival at Carlinville, when she spoke to him on
the platform, and expressed her pleasure at meeting him again. He
says that she urged him to stop off at Alton and continue his
journey with her to St. Louis in the morning, and that he finally
consented to do so. Previous to retiring for the night, she
complained to him of feeling ill, but that he saw nothing more of
her from the time she left the parlor until he was informed of her
death next morning. Roberts gave the jury most accurate information
in regard to the effects of Mrs. Frazier, money, jewelry, etc.,
etc., which subsequent investigation proved to be correct. Nor was
anything brought forward to invalidate the remainder of the
testimony or to connect him in any way with her decease. There were
no traces of violence on the body, and no signs of poison having
been administered, and Dr. Hardy, City Physician, gave his opinion
that she died of convulsions. The jury rendered a similar verdict,
and the corpse was conveyed to the receiving vault of the city
cemetery to await further developments. One hundred and one dollars
in currency, a number of railway passes, a quantity of Catholic
relics, crosses, etc., etc., were found among her clothing, but
nothing which could lead to a complete identification. A telegram
has been sent to the ladies of the Sacred Heart, asking that the
children might be brought here; and should they arrive, it is to be
hoped some clue may be found to unravel this melancholy and
mysterious case.
NOTE:
This is one mystery I have been unable to solve, as many of the
Telegraph newspapers are missing in this time period. However, the
newspaper did believe that she was the wife of Confederate General
John Wesley Frazer. She was buried in the Alton City Cemetery. The
name in the newspaper articles was spelled both Frazer and Frazier.
FIRE DESTROYS THE ALTON HOUSE
Source: Intelligencer, Thursday, January 20, 1870
From the Alton Telegraph, January 14 - One of the most disastrous
conflagrations which ever visited this city took place January 8, in
the destruction of the Alton House, one of the largest, oldest and
most popular hotels in the Western country. The fire broke out about
eight o'clock and was first discovered on the roof of the east wing,
at a chimney, near the cupola [dome], and undoubtedly, originated
from some defect in the flue. When first seen, the flames had
already made considerable progress and were sweeping rapidly over
the dry shingles of the roof. Attempts were at first made to
extinguish the flames with buckets of water, but it was soon found
that this method would be of no avail. The alarm was promptly
sounded all over the city, and as the report spread from one to
another, "the Alton House is on fire!" multitudes hastened to the
scene. The engines and the Hook and Ladder were promptly on the
ground, but the morning was bitterly cold and some delay was
occasional from that cause, in getting the engines in operation.
Still, it was apparent, from the first, that it would be impossible
to save the building, and the work of removing the furniture,
fixtures, etc., was soon commenced. A large number of citizens
entered the burning building and commenced the removal of all that
was movable. The furniture of the office, parlors, dining room,
kitchen, and of nearly all the apartments on the first and second
floors was removed outdoors, though much of it was in a damaged
condition. A part, also, of the furniture was removed from the third
and fourth floors - some carried down, some lowered, or thrown, from
the windows. More of the furniture of these upper stories could have
been saved had not the main stairways soon taken fire and cut off
access thereto.
The fire engines were playing full streams wherever they could do so
most effectively, and firemen and citizens were exerting themselves
to the utmost in noble efforts to stay the course of the
conflagration, or to save valuable property. The Washington engine
was stationed on Alby Street at a cistern on Captain Ryder's
premises, and the Altona at the cistern in Jarrett's stables. So
cold was the atmosphere that the water turned to ice whenever it
struck outside the burning building. Many of the firemen were
completely coated with ice from the spray freezing on their
clothing. The wind was blowing at the time from the northwest,
carrying the greater part of the sparks and cinders towards the
river. This was a fortunate circumstance, for the residences north
of the hotel would otherwise have been much endangered. In spite of
all efforts, however, the fire slowly and surely fought its way
downwards, from story to story. The flames made slow progress from
the fact that they burned downwards and against the wind, and it was
not until about eleven o'clock that they reached the basement floor,
having destroyed every vestige of woodwork in their progress.
The livery stables of William Jarrett, adjoining the Alton House on
the east, were in imminent danger during the entire progress of the
fire, but the main portion of them were saved by tearing away the
stable adjoining the House. This was thoroughly and effectually
accomplished by the Hook & Ladder Company, aided by citizens. The
roofs of the stables, also, were kept well saturated with water. Mr.
Jarrett's horses were all promptly removed to a place of safety, and
his rolling stock taken into the street.
Of the hotel, nothing was saved but one or two out-buildings. The
fire demon made the work of destruction complete. On the north, a
dwelling house, belonging to Mrs. John Mullady, had a narrow escape.
It was saved by being kept deluged with water. It was occupied by a
man named Hogan. All the furniture was removed from it, with but
little damage.
The Alton House was a spacious and convenient edifice, with ample
and comfortable accommodations for two hundred guests, and has, in
times past, accommodated three hundred. Under the able management of
Mr. Siemens, the host and lessee, it had acquired a wide spread and
enviable reputation for the excellence of its accommodations. It was
owned by Hon. B. T. Burke, of Carlinville, who valued it at $40,000
[note: in 2008 this would be $673,080.90]; some place the value at
$50,000. The loss on the building is total. Insured for $16,000. Mr.
Siemens states that the furniture he had in the house cost him
between $13,000 and 16,000. Insured for $7,000.
NOTES:
The original Alton House, located at the northeast corner of Alby
and Front Streets, was a substantial frame building constructed in
1832 by Johnathan T. Hudson. Originally on this property was a
French trading post, as early as 1807. The hotel was destroyed by
fire in 1837, and was rebuilt and enlarged. This popular hotel was a
favorite of visitors and dignitaries. The hotel was destroyed by
fire for a final time in 1870. Later, the McPike Paper Mill was
erected on the site.
DR. G. TAPHORN PURCHASES OLD ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 18, 1905
The old Alton House site on Front and Alby streets has been
purchased by Dr. G. Taphorn from the Burke estate heirs for $5,500.
The property is 150x99 feet. Dr. Taphorn said today that he is
undecided what he will do with the property, but that he intends to
improve it and will erect a building upon it, the nature of which
has not been determined. The Alton house was destroyed by fire
thirty-five years ago. It was at one time the best hotel in the
western country, but since its destruction the property has been
vacant and nothing but tall weeds have occupied it. The place has
been an offense to the eyes of the community and a burden to the
owners. For many years the property was taxed at a valuation of
$1,500, but a few years ago Mr. John Elble, who was a member of the
board of review, had the valuation raised to $6,500.
RUINS OF OLD ALTON HOUSE BEING CLEARED BY NEW OWNER
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 16, 1905
J. H. McPike, the purchaser of the old Alton house site at Front and
Alby street, began work a few days ago clearing away the debris of
the building which was destroyed by fire thirty-five years ago. Mr.
McPike said today that according to the best information he could
secure, the building was destroyed thirty-five years ago by fire on
January 1, and he expects to have the building site cleared on the
35th anniversary. The entire site will be cleared down to the rock
foundation. Mr. McPike expects to be able to use the foundations for
a new building, as they are in good condition, so far as they have
been uncovered. The workmen have been keeping a careful watch for
interesting relics which may have survived the fire, but up to this
afternoon none has been found. A bone was picked up which was
believed to be the bone out of the arm of a child, but no one
identified it fully as such. An old-fashioned iron stove was found
buried deep in the debris of the building, and some little iron
trinkets were also found. Mr. McPike said that no attention would be
paid to any objects found above the layer of bricks which formed the
walls of the building, and which fell in, covering over the ruins.
Mr. McPike has not definitely decided what use will be made of the
property, but he intends to do something with it that will make a
marked improvement in Alton and will be a benefit to the property in
the neighborhood. The clearing of the old site has aroused much
interest among the old inhabitants. Young people do not remember of
anything on the site except a forest of weeds and piles of rubbish
dumped there by people in the neighborhood. At one time the building
was one of the stately hotels of southern Illinois and entertained
many of the prominent men of the day. It was a good hotel in its
day, and was widely known for its quality.
ALTON HOUSE HOTEL - MEN WORKING IN RUINS UNCOVERED LONG BURIED
METALLIC SUBSTANCES
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1905
The workmen who are cleaning away the ruins of the old Alton House,
thirty-six years after the building was destroyed by fire, are
coming upon some interesting relics which passed through the fire
but have well night succumbed to the ravages of time and the
elements. The men have been keeping a sharp lookout for any objects
that might be of interest, and some interesting discoveries have
been made. The building seemed to be a checkerboard of interesting
stone walls, and there were numerous cisterns and sewers in the
place. Three cisterns were dug into by the workmen, some of them
being full of water and it being necessary to siphon them out with a
hose to prevent the water flowing out and rendering the ground so
muddy the men could not work. Yesterday the men came across an old
sewer that must have drained the kitchen sink where dishes were
washed. Shot seems to have been used by housekeepers in those days
for cleaning bottles, as it is somewhat now used. The workmen found
where a large quantity of shot had collected in one old sewer and
had formed a solid mass that was very heavy. The shot must have
fallen into the drain from the sink while being used for cleaning
out bottles, and must have been collecting there during all the
years the hotel sink was being used as a place for bottle washing.
Some old spoons, a butter knife and a lot of broken crockery ware
were picked up, and a pile of decayed coal, evidently what was on
hand at the time of the fire in the hotel coal bins was found.
MADE GAVEL FROM HISTORIC ALTON HOUSE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 31, 1918
One of the interesting exhibits Madison county will have this year
at the centennial celebration, and which will later fill a place in
the Illinois State Historical Society's building, is a handsome
gavel, made of walnut, handle and all. The walnut from which the
gavel is made was taken from a residence at Union and Henry streets,
built 80 years or more ago, and the wood is as sound today as when
it was in the tree nearly a century ago. The house was remodeled
some time ago, and Contractor E. G. Yungck, who was doing the
remodeling, secured a piece of a walnut porch post. He had the gavel
turned from this by Ginter & Wardein, and made a fine job of it. It
is a very handsome gavel, and Mr. Yungck says he intends turning it
over to W. D. Armstrong for exhibition at the centennial
celebration, and later will have it turned over to Hon. Norman G.
Flagg to be presented to the State Historical Society. There is
history connected with the gavel, and the house from which the wood
came, in that it was the home of United States Senator Trumbull,
when he was a resident of Alton. The house is owned and occupied by
Mrs. Alice Rodgers. Contractor Yungck says a great deal of walnut
lumber was used in erecting the building, which of itself makes the
building an interesting one. Walnut lumber then was cheaper than
sycamore lumber now, but now walnut is worth its weight in gold
almost.
BRADLEY BOARDING HOUSE
The Bradley Boarding House was located at the southwest corner of
Third and Langdon Streets. The building was constructed before 1830.
The boarding house was ran by a woman named Mrs. Bradley, and later
was purchased by John R. Wood, a Justice of the Peace and banker,
who used the building as his home. Later, Patrick Kane, a grocer,
purchased the building and razed it in 1901. A new home was
constructed on the lot.
BRADLEY BOARDING HOUSE BEING TORN DOWN - WAS HOTEL IN 1830
Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, February 14, 1901
Contractor Lancaster has a force of men at work today wrecking the
building at the corner of Third and Langdon Streets, the property of
Patrick Kane the grocer. The lot upon which it stands will be graded
and a fine double brick residence built thereon. It is said that no
one in Alton can remember when the house that is being torn down was
built. It came into the possession of Mr. Kane in 1865, he
purchasing it from John R. Wood, a justice of the peace and banker,
who used it as a residence for many years. A woman named Bradley
used it as a hotel or boarding house in 1830, and it then was far
from being a new house. The lower story (or basement) is of rock,
and the masonry still gives evidence of the master hand of its
builder. All of the wood part of the building is of oak and is yet
sound. It is believed to be the oldest building in the city.
BRENT HOUSE
The Brent House was located at the northeast corner of Broadway and
Piasa Streets. This hotel opened in June 1877, by Mr. Thomas W.
Knight.
THE BRENT HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 7, 1877
On June 15, Mr. Thomas Knight, one of our most popular caterers,
will open a new hotel in this city, named the Brent House, in
Armstrong’s new building on Piasa Street. Mr. Knight will occupy the
south room on the ground floor, and seven rooms in the upper story,
with the addition of three rooms in the second story of the
adjoining building, on the northeast corner of Second [Broadway] and
Piasa Streets. He will therefore have a pleasant, roomy
establishment, convenient of access, and no doubt will do a
prosperous business.
THE BRENT HOUSE IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 5, 1877
This new hotel in Armstrong’s block was opened today by the popular
proprietor, T. W. Knight. The event was signalized by a splendid
banquet, which was partaken of by a large number of guests, in
addition to Knight’s regular patrons. The bill of fare comprised a
long list of substantials and delicacies, enough to make an
epicure’s mouth water. All the viands were prepared in the most
palatable style, and served in an elegant manner. We predict a
successful career for the new hotel. It contains a large number of
pleasant sleeping rooms, and a pleasant and commodious dining hall,
all fitted up in first-class style. It will be liberally patronized
both by our citizens and the traveling public.
CENTRAL HOTEL
The Central Hotel was more of a boarding house. It was
located at Broadway and Washington Streets in Alton. It opened in
1911, and had furnished rooms with a bath, lighting, and heating.
John Hurley and Peter Fitzgerald were the proprietors.
CHILD HOUSE
The Child House was located at the corner of Third and Market
Streets. It was operated in 1876 by Mrs. N. C. Blair.
CITY HOTEL
The City Hotel was located on Broadway, near the corner of Market
Street. It was in operation as early as 1838. On July 19, 1855, the
City Hotel was listed for rent or lease. The owner at that time was Peter
Gutzwiller and P. Wendt. I could find no further mention of this
hotel in the newspaper, and may have gone out of business.
CITY HOTEL
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, June 17, 1853
The City Hotel has its many patrons, and we believe is doing well,
judging from appearances. There is a need for another and larger
hotel, we believe. The Chicago and Mississippi road will be
connected through to Chicago soon, and also cars [railroad] will be
running to Hillsboro on the Terre Haute road, and the increase of
travel through our city will be great. The present business overruns
our hotels at times, and a new and large one is certainly very
desirable, and would be a good investment. There are two fine
locations for such a hotel now in our mind. One of them is the
corner of State and Third streets, a large lot, cornering, and
facing on both streets. It is owned by the Edwards estate, and is to
be sold at public sale on the 15th of this month (next Wednesday).
The other lot to which we refer is owned by O. M. Adams, Esq., and
located opposite the Madison Mill. Mr. A. has long intended this
spot for that purpose. Such a hotel as we have reference to would be
a great benefit and credit to the city.
COLEMAN HOUSE/PIGGOTT HOUSE/LANGDON HOUSE
The Coleman House was a 2-story hotel, constructed in about 1830 by
James Coleman. It was located at the northwest corner of Front and
Alton Streets. It was conducted by James Colman, and later Addie
Piggott and William Sonntag. The hotel caught fire in 1894, but had
minimal damage. The original building was razed, and a new building
erected in 1898. The hotel was razed for a final time in 1920.
COLEMAN HOUSE AND AIRDOME TORN DOWN
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 13, 1920
What is probably the oldest building left in Alton is nearly its
end. What in recent years was known as the Coleman House, but which
away back was one of the earliest hotels in Alton, and it has had a
continuous existence as a lodging place until very recent date when
ownership in it passed into the hands of people who desired to use
the site, but had no use for the old wreck of a building. Mayor
Sauvage is promoting a great amusement enterprise, the site of which
will take in not only the Airdome, but also the site of the old
building that is being torn down. The Airdome will be torn down too,
just as soon as the wrecking crews can get to it. "The Airdome has
seen its last show as an Airdome," Mayor Sauvage said today. "I am
not saying, he continued, "that it has had its last amusement, for I
have some big plans for an amusement house there that will cover 128
feet on Front Street, 60 feet on Broadway, and have a depth of 198
feet from Broadway to Front Street.
E. P. Wade, the oldest living native resident of Alton, said today
that the old building goes back beyond his memory. He thinks it was
erected prior to 1830, and it must therefore be over ninety years of
age. He said that he understood that in the very early days of
Alton, Andrew Miller conducted a hotel there, prior to his
conducting the Alton House at Front and Alby Streets, and the Alton
house went back to the year 1830. The father of Thomas Long, former
city engineer of Alton, was one of the early day owners, if not the
earliest of the place. In tearing down the building, a sign was
found which indicated that at one time the place had been known as
the Langdon House, but Mr. Wade was of the opinion that this was of
comparative modern time. The workmen engaged on the building found
it near impossible to get it apart. The heavy oak and walnut timbers
in the building had been mortised and pinned together and they are
so hard and so thoroughly seasoned that it is impossible to do much
with them in the way of cutting them or driving nails in them. The
high-grade white pine lumber in the place is being carefully
preserved, and the heavy timbers too are being laid aside.
Mayor Sauvage said that he is not quite ready to give a statement of
his plans for the place of amusement that will occupy the site of
the Airdome and this old-time hotel. He is awaiting advice of some
expert construction engineers. In addition to erecting the amusement
place on Broadway and Front Streets, Mayor Sauvage is planning to
build a large apartment house with quarters for about twenty-four
families. He says he does not believe the price of building will
ever be any cheaper, and he plans to go ahead with building
operations on this apartment property that will be the largest, or
in fact the only apartment house in the city of such pretentious
plan. He considers that there is a good opportunity for building
now, and that he who builds first will have a great demand for
renting of his property. In addition to the improvements mentioned,
he is deeply interested in the river front park and the Belle street
sewer projects.
COLONIAL HOTEL
The Colonial Hotel was located at 19 East Third Street in Alton -
just east of the Illini/Stratford Hotel. This hotel was established
in May 1948, and was formerly an apartment building known as the
McMillen Apartments, and then owned by Mrs. Verna C. Riggs. The
buiding was razed in October 1960, and then used for a multi-level
parking garage for the Stratford Hotel.
DAWSON HOTEL
The Dawson Hotel and Saloon (also referred to as a boarding house)
was erected by John “Jack” Dawson in 1893. The hotel was located at
1322 East Broadway, at the northwest corner of Broadway and Plum
Streets. Behind the hotel was the Illinois Glass Ice House (which
was destroyed by fire January 27, 1914). Dawson worked since his
early manhood as a glassblower at Illinois Glass Works on Broadway,
and was a kind-hearted friend to all. In 1900, a large brick
addition was added to the hotel.
In August 1907, during a scuffle, Dawson was knocked through a plate
glass window at a store on Broadway. Several days later, he died –
either from his injuries or from taking an overdose of a sleeping
potion. He left behind a wife (Julia Dawson) and six children – Mrs.
David Blackwell of West Virginia; Mrs. Adele Dawson Ernst of
Pennsylvania; Miss Florence Dawson of St. Louis; and John, Julia
Dawson Glynn, and Elmer Dawson of Alton.
Julia Dawson remarried a Mr. B. H. Payne. She tried to sell the
hotel, but was unsuccessful. Finally, the hotel was rented to
Charles Cairns, who ran the business until January 1912. Mrs.
Tapliff then took over the business, but only for a short time. She
established a new boarding house on East Broadway, taking with her
all the boarders. Julia Dawson Payne died in October 1918, and the
hotel was sold to the Illinois Glass Works to house their male
employees. The company remodeled the building, and installed
showers, toilets, and washstands to modernize the hotel.
Approximately 50 men were housed in the hotel, which included a
clubroom and cafeteria.
DAWSON HOTEL SOLD TO ILLINOIS GLASS –
WILL BE USED AS HOME FOR GIRLS WHO ARE EMPLOYED IN ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 4, 1918
The Dawson Hotel on East Broadway has been sold to the Illinois
Glass Co. by the owner, Mrs. Margaret Dawson, and she will conclude
her labors there in a few days. Mrs. Dawson said today that she sold
the hotel for $12,600. The plan is to remodel the building and make
it sleeping quarters upstairs and downstairs. It is planned to
conduct under the auspices of the Young Women's Christian
Association, with a matron in charge. The young women who are
working in the factories will be provided with nice quarters in the
building at reasonable terms. The Dawson family have conducted a
hotel for twenty-five years. Mrs. Dawson herself has been in charge
for seven years. She established a name in the boarding house
business and has a high reputation. The building she has sold is
susceptible to being greatly improved and made into a comfortable
place where young women may be housed. The Illinois Glass Co. is
increasing the number of women it employs and they are taking the
places of men more and more.
FIFTH
AVENUE HOTEL
The Fifth Avenue Hotel was located at the corner of Fifth and Piasa
Streets. In 1876, it was owned by M. Brown.
FLAMINGO MOTEL
The Flamingo Motel was located at 501 E. Broadway in Alton, at the
foot of Langdon Street - just east of the former Clark Bridge entrance.
Part of the land the motel was constructed on was formerly the
Hapgood Plow Company. The original owners of the Flamingo Motel -
Earl Reuter and Harry Beck - held their grand opening in July 1954.
They advertised 36 rooms in a fireproof building, all
air-conditioned, with phones in every room. A popular restaurant,
the Port Room, was in the lower level. In 1978, Germania Financial
Corporation, which was next door to the motel, purchased the
building from owner Charles D. Summers, and converted the building
into office space.
FRANKLIN HOUSE/ST. CHARLES HOTEL/LINCOLN HOTEL
The Franklin House was located at 206 State Street in downtown
Alton, and was constructed in 1836 by Mr. Blakeley. A stable was
located in the rear. The hotel was afterwards purchased by Captain
Benjamin Godfrey, who built an addition onto the hotel. During this
time, W. A. Holton conducted a general store on the first floor. It
was next owned by George W. Fox.
Ephraim Bliss bought the hotel in
1852, and operated it for four years. Bliss repaired the hotel,
erected another addition, and bought new furniture. Next the hotel
was owned and operated by Samuel Pitts. After 1861, Edward S. and
Rufus H. Lesure owned the hotel for a short time, and then it was
owned by W. H. K. Pile. This hotel has a rich history in Alton. On
September 22, 1842, Abraham Lincoln (then an attorney) and James
Shields arrived in Alton, took their breakfast at the Franklin
House, then took a small boat to Sunflower Island, directly across
from Alton, to hold their duel. This duel was cancelled while on the
island. In September 1852, a large dinner was held at the Franklin
House in honor of Captain Benjamin Godfrey, who was instrumental in
the building of the Alton and Sangamon Railroad. In 1853, the entire
Illinois State Legislature and Supreme Court visited the Franklin
House. In 1856, the Franklin House was remodeled by Mr. Samuel
Pitts, in preparation for the 1856 State Agricultural Fair, held in
Alton. On October 15, 1858, Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary, took
their meals at the Franklin House before the debate with Stephen
Douglas. Sometime after 1868, the hotel's name was changed to the
St. Charles Hotel. In April 1875, when the hotel was owned by
Captain Benajmin Godfrey, a fire broke out in the laundry and
storeroom. The hotel was repaired after the fire. In 1903, the
hotel, which was part of the Benjamin Godfrey estate, was sold. In
1907, William Sonntag, who had a business next door, purchased the
hotel. He remodeled the building and hired George Miller to operate
the hotel, and renamed it the Lincoln Hotel. By 1912, Sonntag used
part of the building as offices, with a grocery store on the street
level. In 1950, the hotel was sold to N. S. Wittels. In 2007, the
hotel was remodeled once again, and turned into an apartment house.
The name was changed to Lincoln Lofts, and still stands today.
FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, Friday, June 4, 1852
Franklin House, State St., Alton, Illinois. E. Bliss, Proprietor
(formerly of American House, Springfield, Ill., would respectfully
inform the citizens of Alton and vicinity, and the traveling
community, that he has taken the above-named House, which has
recently undergone a thorough repair, and an extensive addition, and
that he has furnished it entirely with new furniture suitable for
the wants and comforts of his guests. The House is situated in the
most central part of the city, and is now open for the accommodation
of boarders and transient customers. The proprietor flatters himself
from past experience in Hotel keeping, and from a strict personal
attention to the wants and comfort of his guests, that he will be
enabled to accommodate all who call upon him in a satisfactory
manner. There is also in connection with the house, a large and
commodious stable, where traveler's horses will receive proper
attention; also, Carriages, Buggies, and Saddle Horses furnished at
the shortest notice.
BANQUET HELD AT FRANKLIN HOUSE FOR GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURES
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 12 & 13, 1853
The Governor, members of the Legislature, and other dignitaries to
whom an invitation has been extended, are expected to arrive this
evening on the cars. A complimentary supper will be served up by the
host of the Franklin House, under the direction of a committee, and
when that has been suitably discoursed, a superb band of music will
be introduced, and those accustomed to “trip it on the light
fantastic toe” will have an abundant opportunity for enjoyment. The
supper will be served in the large hall on the first floor, and the
usual dining room will be appropriated to dancing.
Given by the citizens of Alton, to the Governor, State officers,
members of the Legislature, Judges, &c., at the Franklin House last
evening, agreeably to previous arrangements, was more largely
attended than any other entertainment ever before prepared in Alton.
Three large tables, each extending the entire length of Franklin
Hall, and loaded with every delicacy of the season, had been spread
by Mr. Bliss in his usual good taste, to which ample justice was
done by the company. After this was over, the company repaired to
the spacious ballroom overhead, and the dancing was kept up until a
late hour, when they separated for their homes highly delighted with
the evening’s entertainment.
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 17, 1853
The correspondent of the Missouri Republican gives the following
graphic account of the Governor and guests entertained in Alton.
“We arrived at Alton and as night was dropping her curtain, and were
politely received at the stopping place and conducted to the
Franklin House, where a complimentary supper awaited us, I could but
approximate toward doing justice to those who prepared the sumptuous
repast. Suffice it to say, that the “bill of fare” included upwards
of sixty varieties of eatables, and then there was a little
something outside of the bill of fare, something that ____ one feel
particularly social and merry, and warms up in his heart generous
emotions. It is no use for me to attempt mentioning the different
kinds of these latter _____ to the bill of fare, for I am not
posted. I can only say that it made our hearts joyouse, and we felt
it was good to be there. Toasts and responses went off with most
brilliant credit, but I will put Colonel Buckmaster against the
world for an impromptu toast. He is peculiarly classic, drawing
forcible figures from the book of books. The Colonel was entitled to
the hat. There were sentiments and responses from Gov. Matteson,
Judges Turnbull and Eaton, Messrs. Dente, Painte, Lopan, Snyder, and
hosts of others.
Now the music struck up, and we went to the hall where we found that
Alton had gathered “her beauty and her chivalry,” and “then there
was moving to and fro,” and all hearts beat gladly. We do not
profess to be a connoisseur in matters of beauty, having from great
timidity, avoided _____ in the neighborhood of the fairer sex, but
something seemed to meet our eye on that floor that admonished our
impregnable heart that it was judicious to keep at a distance. If
these ladies were Alton ladies, we must give Alton the credit of
raising some of the most ______, buxom ladies we have met in one
body together. But for _____ - well, I’ll shut down here, my poor
heart palpitates at the pictures my memory calls to mind. We did not
shake the “fantastic toe” ourselves, for we had no notion of being
lost in such a whirlpool of beauty, but we enjoyed the dance most
cordially, because everybody seemed to be so happy.
The whole went off with most perfect order and decorum, and we
assure the people of the great Sucker State that they may depend
upon some good results over and above the penitentiary movement from
this visit to Alton. Animosities were buried in the desire of
rendering each other happy, and it would be with great difficulty
that the members could get into a quarrel right off, after their
hearts had been tuned to harmony.
I leave Alton with my warmest thanks for her liberal hospitalities,
and shall always remember their generous treatment, and love them
for their noble, high-minded enterprise. Adieu, Alton, may you ever
as favorably find yourself esteemed by your guests. Signed Vide.”
FRANKLIN HOUSE (ADVERT.)
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 28, 1853
Franklin House - State street, Alton, Illinois - E. Bliss,
Proprietor (formerly of the American House, Springfield, Ill.) would
respectfully inform the citizens of Alton and vicinity, and the
traveling community, that he has taken the above-named house, which
has recently undergone a thorough repair, and an extensive addition,
and that he has furnished it entirely with new furniture, suitable
for the wants and comforts of his guests. The House is situated in
the most central part of the city, and is now open for the
accommodation of boarders and transient customers. The Proprietor
flatters himself, from past experience in hotel keeping, and from a
strict personal attention to the wants and comfort of his guests,
that he will be enabled to accommodate all who call upon him in a
satisfactory manner. There is also in connection with the house a
large and commodious stable, where travelers' horses will receive
proper attention, also, carriages, buggies, and saddle horses
furnished at the slightest notion.
FRANKLIN HOUSE MASQUERADE BALL
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, March 19, 1853
The last Masquerade Ball of the season will take place at the
Franklin House in Alton, on Monday evening, March 28. The managers
will use every exertion to make this the Ball of the season.
Costumes can be procured at W. B. Buckmaster’s. Tickets $4.50.
Tickets can be obtained from: J. Bruner, G. H. Nappleton, C. A
Murray, W. B. Buckmaster, W. H. Turner, J. H. Blair, L. D. Sidway,
H. G. McPike.
GENERAL SHIELDS AT THE FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 01, 1853
General Shields arrived in Alton on yesterday, and has taken rooms
at the Franklin House. He is in excellent health, and is looking
well. We understand he will remain here several days.
INFANT ABANDONED AT THE FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 14, 1853
Yesterday, a well-dressed and respectable young woman, who came down
on the cars from Springfield, left her infant, a very hearty and
fine-looking male child, only a month or two old, fast asleep in the
parlor of the Franklin House, and went on down to St. Louis onboard
the Altona. The facts in regard to this mysterious deposit are
entirely unknown, nor is there thus far any clue by which they can
be unriddled. The following bill of lading was found pined to the
clothing of the sleeping innocent:
“To all to whom these presents may come: Be a friend to the
fatherless. Cast your bread upon the waters and after many days, you
shall gather it again. Wishing you God speed, I remain yours truly.”
The babe is dressed in fine, if not costly clothing, and when it
awoke, laughed outright in our face. A carpet sack well filled with
clothing for the child lay upon a sofa in the parlor. We understand
that Mr. Bliss, the humane proprietor of the Franklin House, has
taken charge of the foundling, and will keep it, “until called for.”
Could the truth be known, we venture to say, a romantic, if not an
affecting story of the heart lies behind this affair, but what it
is, who can tell?
THE FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, June 17, 1853
The Franklin House also has been doing a large business during the
time mentioned, and, under the control of Mr. Bliss, and his
right-hand man, Mr. Lestre (sp?), is conducted in excellent style.
During several months’ past, many a night have we seen Mr. Bliss
compelled to apologize to travelers for the want of the wherewith to
accommodate them - his rooms, beds, sofas, blankets and buffalo
robes being occupied by guests, many of whom were compelled to sleep
on the floor. Were the Franklin House located differently, so as to
admit of enlargement, its press business would imperatively demand
it.
FIRE AND SMOKE AT THE FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 20, 1861
A small quantity of the former and a prodigious amount of the latter
was found at the old Franklin House building, second and third
stories, about 9 o’clock this morning. The alarm bells were rung and
the city Fire Department were promptly on the ground. Lafayette Hook
and Ladder Company was at hand and useful in examining into the
case. The fire was at first completely hidden in mysterious smoke,
but a careful and successful search revealed a large flue is built
inside the walls. It resting on the floor of the second story of the
building. From the bottom of the floor there is a iron drum
extending through the floor to receive stove pipes from the room
below. This drum was so large as to touch the floor joist on each
side. The stove pipes lead into it – and this morning a hot fire
having been built below, the soot in and about the pipe and drum
took fire, heating the drum red hot, and firing the joists, rafters,
etc., in its vicinity. The fire ran up to the ceiling of the room,
and then the floor of the upper story. Timely arrival of a few pails
of water extinguished the flames – a little more delay and the
building would have been hopelessly on fire. Had this happened in
the night, probably the entire Franklin House block would have been
destroyed.
The two great fires which devastated Second Street [Broadway]
several months since, are believed to have originated from almost
precisely such a cause as the one of today, and hence we are more
particular in describing it. It well becomes our City Fathers to
have our old-style building, with their unsafe, outside-of-the-wall
flues, fully examined. The Franklin House is insured in Messrs.
Kellenburger’s Agencies to the amount of $7,000.00, and the Illinois
Mutual $2,500.00. Loss on building supposed to be about $400. Mr.
Shroeder, cigar and tobacco dealer in the first story, met with but
a nominal loss, his goods being quickly carried out, in good
condition.
FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 9, 1862
The repairs on the Franklin House are now nearly completed, and it
will be opened to gentlemen well qualified to make it one of the
best hotels in the West. It is gratifying, after a year of
stagnation, to observe the many evidences of renewed business
activity, which is now manifest in our midst.
VISIT TO THE FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 30, 1862
We visited the Franklin House this morning and were surprised of the
change. It has been remodeled and thoroughly repaired throughout,
and newly furnished from cellar to garret, and will soon be opened
under the supervision of our old friends, E. B. Lescse(?) & Co., who
intent making it a first-class hotel. From what we know of the
gentlemen personally, we are satisfied they will spare no expense to
make their guests feel at home in the Franklin House. The traveling
public are so well acquainted with the proprietors (one of them at
least) as to need no recommendation from us. His experience in
keeping hotels dates far back in the past, and he will be
remembered, especially by the former patrons of the house, as the
polite and obliging clerk who officiated at the desk in years gone
by.
THE FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 4, 1862
This large and conveniently located hotel has been thoroughly
repaired, enlarged and refurnished, under the careful supervision of
the prince of landlords, E. S. Lesure, Esq., and was opened today to
the public. The house is situated very conveniently, being near the
steamboat landing – only a short distance from each of the railroad
depots – and in the heart of the business portion of the city. The
table will be supplied with all the luxuries of the season, and be
served with the best and most attentive waiters. The guests will
receive every attention during their stay at the Franklin House.
MAJOR GENERAL McCLERNAND GIVES SPEECH AT THE FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 12, 1862
Our people, having ascertained on yesterday that Major General
McClernand, one of the prominent heroes of the hard-fought battles
and bloody victories of which Kentucky and Tennessee have been the
theaters, was in our vicinity on private business, sent for him
requesting the honor of a speech upon the aspect of the war, and his
views in reference to its successful prosecution.
Notwithstanding the storm in the early evening, and the threatening
clouds pertending, our citizens, such as are not absent upon the
tented field, rallied in large numbers at the call of Murphy’s
splendid band, which played in superior style the glorious national
airs, to which the national heart has beat and our national troops
have marched for a century. The 77th Ohio and 70th Illinois
Regiments in full uniform marched down from camp and swelled the
crowd to a large concourse.
General McClernand appeared upon the balcony of the Franklin House
in company with Hon. George T. Brown, Sergeant-at-Arms of the United
States Senate, who welcomed the General substantially as follows:
“General, on behalf of the people of Alton, I take pleasure in
extending to you a cordial welcome. Our country, lately so united
and happy, struggles with a giant rebellion, nearly as causeless as
that which resulted in the driving of the Evil One and his followers
from the presence of the Almighty, and destined, we hope, to as
signal a failure. In this day of gloom and disaster to our arms, we
hail with no ordinary gratification, the presence of a distinguished
son of Illinois, fresh from the glorious battlefields of the
Southwest. To the Northwest, the present contest is of more
importance than to any other section of the Union. While the loyal
States are united in fighting for the preservation of the Union, we
of the Northwest are fighting for that and much more, an access to
the markets of the world. The soldiers of the Northwest, under your
gallant leadership, and that of your brother officers in command,
have already shown what victories loyal hearts and strong arms can
accomplish. In the future conduct of the war, we think we only need
a few more of the same kind to crown our efforts with lasting
victory and subsequent peace. Accept sir, for yourself and the brave
men you have led to battle at Belmont, Ft. Donelson, and Shiloh, the
heartfelt gratitude of the people whom I represent.”
As the General stepped forward to reply, cheer upon cheer greeted
him from the assembled multitude, but from no other part of the
crowd so heartily as from the gallant soldiers whose greater
sacrifices, solemn pledges, and sufferings, render them far more
conscious of their country’s peril than those can be who have only
heard of the war of cannon, the rattling of musketry, and the groans
of the dying. The General said he would not attempt to find words to
express the emotions which filled his soul as he saw the multitude,
who in spite of the thunder, lightning and rain, had assembled in
the open air to welcome so humble an individual as himself. He was
aware that they came to welcome him as the representative of a cause
sacred above all causes to them, and to the friends of
constitutional liberty throughout the world. A cause now fearfully
imperiled, and calling for the speedy employment of all the moans
which God has placed in our power. It had been justly observed by
the speaker introducing him, that this Rebellion is a causeless one.
Even Mr. Toombs, now a General in the armies of the Rebellion, said
but a short time before the war that the peculiar constitutional
rights of the South had never been more faithfully observed than
then, and yet at that time men high in position in the execution of
our laws and having access to and control of our arms and treasure,
had prostituted their trusts, perjured themselves and poured a flood
of treason, anarchy and demoralization over the proudest and fairest
land and the happiest people that ever the sun shone on.
Mr. Brown had been pleased to refer to the battles of Belmont, Ft.
Donelson, and Shiloh. In each of those battles, the gallant Illinois
troops had done their duty and had carried the banner and proud name
of their state in the forefront of every struggle. But the rebellion
is not suppressed. Recent success has flushed the Rebels, and more
audacious than ever, they are marching their massed legions
northward. The man of the northwest in addition to the many vita
interests which is imperiled in common with the people of the whole
country, have the additional motive of preserving to their intense
posterity untramancied by treaties or customs the great inland sea,
by which God has connected their commerce with the whole world. This
must be done, and to this end the Rebellion must be put down, though
the war lasts five hundred years. Let the troops of the north be
massed for battle, no longer guard Rebel property, private or
public, and let them be rolled upon the foe as any mighty,
irresistible projectile. [The rest of the article was unreadable]
THE 10TH KANSAS BAND PLAYS AT FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 15, 1864
The 10th Kansas band daily discourses the sweetest music in front of
the Franklin House, and are decidedly the best musicians we have
listened to for many days. We understand they are practicing one or
two new pieces which they will shortly produce.
FRANKLIN HOUSE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 23, 1864
This well known house, which has been standing vacant for some time,
has at length been leased to an experienced and popular hotel
keeper, and opened for the accommodation of the public. Another good
hotel has long been much needed in Alton, as the Alton House does
not possess sufficient room to meet the increasing demand for hotel
accommodations.
FRANKLIN HOUSE GAINING FAVOR WITH THE PUBLIC
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 23, 1866
This old and well-known hotel, under the superintendence of its
gentlemanly proprietor, W. H. K. Pile, is fast gaining favor with
the traveling public, as well as our own citizens. Mr. Pile has
spared neither labor nor expense to make the Franklin the hotel of
the place, and he has the satisfaction of knowing that his efforts
to please are appreciated. He sets a number one table, and none but
the most accommodating persons are employed by him. Obliging and
attentive waiters, clean and comfortable beds, &c., all combine to
make the Franklin a popular hotel with the traveling community.
Pe4rsons staying in Alton overnight, or desiring to get an excellent
dinner, will find that the above hotel cannot be surpassed by any
house in this section of country.
REBEL COLONEL ROBS FRANKLIN HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 5, 1868
The ex-Rebel Colonel, who lately married the esteemed proprietress
of the Franklin House, has sloped for parts unknown, taking with him
such valuables as he could lay hands on. The lady whom he has so
basely robbed and deceived has the sympathy of the community. The
financial embarrassment occasioned by the disappearance of the
Colonel will be but temporary.
FRANKLIN HOUSE DINNER TALE
Source: Waterville, New York Times, February 20, 1873
The Missouri Republican is responsible for the following:
"Once on a time there dwelt in our sister city of Alton a worthy but
rather irritable gentleman, who was the host of a famous hotel
there, known as the Franklin House. Numerous citizens daily drew
their rations from his liberally furnished table, and not a few
visitors from the rural districts preferred the substantial fare of
the Franklin House to the more pretentious board of the Alton House.
One d a y, in addition to all the good things with which the dinner
table was loaded, there was at the lower end a nice roast pig that
would have tickled the palate of the gentle "Elia," who discourses
so eloquently of that savory visited. At the conclusion of the meal,
this roast pig remained intact, when along came a belated drover,
who sat down beside it, and having a good, wholesome appetite, soon
devoured the whole of it. The landlord looked on amazed, and was
puzzled to see where his profit was to come in after deducting a
dollar and-a-half-pig from a fifty-cent dinner ticket. Giving vent
to his disgust, he said very sarcastically to the drover, "Isn't
there something else you would like to be helped to?" "Wal - yes"
drawled out the drover, "I don't care if I take another of them
little hogs.'' This was too much for the equanimity of the landlord,
and to keep himself from "spontaneously combusting," like Dorothea,
he was compelled to rush out in the open air, where he could give
vent to a few unorthodox expressions without being overheard by the
elect, of which he was one.
NEW OWNER OF ST. CHARLES HOTEL
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 18, 1873
Mr. T. B. Graham, on Thursday, sold to Mr. T. H. Kingsley the
furniture, fixtures, lease, etc. of the St. Charles Hotel in Alton,
possession to be given immediately. Mr. Kingsley intends to keep a
first-class hotel – one that will be popular with the public and a
credit to the city. He is a genial and accommodating gentleman, is
possessed of business tact and energy, and will doubtless be
successful.
ST. CHARLES HOTEL STABLE DESTROYED BY FIRE
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 12, 1874
Thursday evening about 9 o’clock, the frame stable on William
Street, in the rear of the St. Charles Hotel, caught fire and was
entirely consumed with its contents. Being located in the center of
the block, it greatly endangered the adjoining buildings. The hotel,
Wise, Blake & Johnston’s warehouse, Henry Hart’s warehouse, and
other buildings were in great danger, but were saved by the
exertions of the firemen and citizens. The steamer, as usual,
rendered splendid service. Mr. J. M. Rilea threw the first stream on
the fire from a Babcock’s extinguisher. Mr. Henry Hart, fearing the
fire would spread, removed all the horses and carriages from his
livery stable. The fire was, probably, the work of an incendiary.
The stable was of but little value. It was owned by the Godfrey
estate, and used by the hotel for the ‘bus horses. The loss is
small, but the escape from a conflagration was a narrow one.
ST. CHARLES HOTEL IN ALTON IN FLAMES
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 15, 1875
At half-past three o’clock Monday morning, a fire broke out in the
laundry or storeroom of the St. Charles Hotel, back of the office,
and directly in the center of the building. The flames spread
rapidly, and soon enveloped several rooms and passages. The
proprietor, on being aroused, rushed out into the passage, and was
greeted with a gust of flame which singed his hair. The alarm was
given at once, and every effort made to arouse the inmates. There
were in the hotel at the time about forty persons, including the
guests, proprietor’s family, and the servants. These all rushed out
without stopping on the order of their going. All escaped safely
except a little Hungarian boy, who was sleeping in a room directly
over the fire. He was half suffocated and so bewildered, that he
could not find his way out. He was rescued by two firemen, Ben Garde
and William Platt.
The steamer arrived promptly on the ground, and the firemen went to
work with a will, and splendid work they performed. The fire was
almost inaccessible, but the firemen at length got their hose to it,
through blinding smoke and intricate passageways, and drove it from
room to room, until in less than an hour, every vestige of fire was
extinguished. Several rooms and passages were gutted by the flames,
and in one place they penetrated the roof. It was as brave a fight
with fire as was ever made, and never was the gallantry of our
firemen, or the efficiency of the steamer, more strikingly
demonstrated. Had the firemen been less prompt or worked with less
efficiency, not only the hotel, but the entire block would probably
have been consumed.
Meanwhile, other firemen and citizens were busy removing the
furniture, fixtures, etc., from the hotel, and lively work they made
of it, the usual scenes on such occasions being repeated. Captain
Moore declares that he saw one man pitch a looking-glass out of the
window, and then turn and carry a feather bed carefully downstairs.
The books, papers, goods, and valuables in the express offices
underneath the building were removed without injury. Kelley’s
barbershop was likewise soon relieved of its furniture and fixtures.
The question of losses and damages is rather hard to figure on.
Captain Moore thinks his total loss on furniture, stock, etc., from
fire, water, and removal, will aggregate about $2,000. Still, he can
hardly estimate as yet.
The building belongs to Mrs. Rebecca Godfrey of Monticello, and is
insured in McKinney’s agency for $8,000. The loss is estimated from
$1,000 to $2,000.
The express company’s goods were removed with little or no damage.
The origin of the fire is unknown. Captain Moore will not be able to
resume business for nearly a month, and his most serious loss will
be in the interruption of his business while the repairing and
refurnishing of the hotel is going forward. The guests of the hotel
scattered in various directions and found accommodations where they
could. Their personal losses were small, with the exception of Mrs.
Davis from Litchfield, who lost $100.
Two guests at the hotel distinguished themselves by their coolness
at the fire. They occupied a back room, and when the alarm was
given, instead of throwing the wash bowl out of the window and then
following it themselves, they quietly arose, stopped up the keyhole
to prevent the smoke entering, lowered the bed mattress out of the
window onto the roof of a house below, dropped their baggage down
onto it, and then lowered themselves down by means of the sheets
which they converted into ropes. The gentlemen were Prof. Diggett
and a friend from Denver. Their coolness at a time of general panic
was noticeable.
For the next few weeks, Alton will be without a hotel. The question
is, what are the citizens going to do about it? If this fire shall
have the effect of rousing them from their lethargy on this subject,
it will not have been an unmixed calamity. What is wanted is prompt
and decisive action, either in assisting Captain Moore or in such
other course as is deemed best.
ST. CHARLES HOTEL REPAIRS
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 29, 1875
Mrs. R. E. Godfrey of Monticello [Godfrey], owner of the St. Charles
Hotel building, has commenced repairing the damages done by the late
fire, and in the course of the next two or three weeks, she will
have the building completely repaired and renovated throughout. Many
additions and improvements will be made to the building, her design
being to convert it into a first-class house for the entertainment
of the public. This design will meet with the cordial support of the
public. The people are anxious to see the proposed improvement
carried out in a complete manner. At the present time, money
invested in a hotel here cannot fail to make good dividends. The St.
Charles is centrally located, and Mrs. Godfrey intends to make its
internal arrangements and its surroundings as convenient and
attractive as possible, so that the traveling public may find it a
pleasant place to sojourn.
FIRE AT THE ST. CHARLES HOTEL
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 17, 1882
The thrilling sound of the fire alarm bell was head at 10 o’clock
Saturday night, caused by a blaze at the old St. Charles Hotel on
State Street. Willie Crossman saw a reflected light from the hotel
in the alley at the rear of the place, and by tracing the cause,
found that an attic room of the building was one fire. The firemen
of Hose House No. 2 started out with their usual promptness, so
hurriedly in face that Assistant Engineer Beckman tore off a
fingernail in quitting the engine house. Engineer Smith, with Hose
No. 1, and the horse, was on hand soon after the Market Street
Company. The fire was soon extinguished, the house being but little
damaged, a hole in the roof being the most perceptible injury. It is
uncertain whether the fire originated from flying sparks or from a
defective flue. The building is only partly occupied.
ST. CHARLES HOTEL SOLD IN GODFREY ESTATE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 25, 1903
Master in Chancery James A. Lynn today sold at public sale the
remaining realty of the Godfrey estate, consisting of the old St.
Charles Hotel property and one building on the north of the hotel
proper. The property extended from State street to William street.
There was sharp competition for the property. William Sonntag bid
the property in for Theodore Cabrilliac for $6,450. The new owner
will improve the property. The old St. Charles hotel was one of the
first hotels in Alton, and its palmy days was known as the Franklin
House. It was the resort of many of the prominent men of the day.
Few old residents can remember when the property was much better
than it is now, but old citizens say it was a grand hotel in its
day.
OLD ST. CHARLES HOTEL WILL BE REMODELED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 7, 1905
The old St. Charles hotel building on State street will be remodeled
within the next sixty days and made into a forty-room hotel. The
contracts for the work will be awarded at the office of Lucas
Pfeiffenberger, Saturday morning. Sixteen rooms will be added in the
back, a complete alarm system will be placed in the building, and
water and baths will be placed on each floor. The property is owned
by William Sonntag, and will after the improvements be rented for
hotel purposes.
ST. CHARLES HOTEL TO BE OPENED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 26, 1907
The old St. Charles Hotel, at one time one of the finest hotels in
Southern Illinois, the terminus of stage coach lines before the days
of railroads and a place where prominent men stayed, will be
reopened September 6 by George Miller, who has been conducting the
hotel formerly known as the Alton House. William Sonntag purchased
the old St. Charles hotel when it had fallen into the lowest depths
of a squalid tenement. He has remodeled it and made it a neat
comfortable place, which will be attractive to a good class of
people. It will furnish rooms for many transients in the city who
frequently have trouble getting hotel accommodations.
FREEMONT
HOUSE
Nothing further could be found on this hotel other than the article shown
below.
ROBBERY AT THE FREMONT HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 29, 1864
We learn that a thief entered the Fremont House in Alton last
night, through an open window from an alley, and purloined $200 from
the pantaloons pocket of the landlord, which he had carefully put
away under his pillow. The robber, or robbers, also succeeded in
obtaining $80 from the pocket of a crippled soldier in another room
of the same house. We have also been informed that the proprietor of
the Piasa House had stolen from him last night some $70 or $80. We
have heard no particulars in this latter case.
GUM
HOTEL
The Gum Hotel was located on the northeast corner of East Third and
Henry Streets in Alton. Perry Gum purchased the old Seely residence
in 1895, and converted the building to a 31-room hotel. In 1911 Gum
passed away, and the hotel changed hands several times. Throughout
its existence it was enlarged 2 times, and included a frame annex to
the north. At one time it was called the Stahl Hotel.
In 1955, E. K. Elfgen purchased the old Gum Hotel, and in 1957 he
had it razed in order to build a modern structure. Elfgen also owned
the old Weigler Drugstore and Hall building, located just to the
south on what many call the "Wedge," at the corner of Broadway and
Henry. The Honke Drugstore was located in the new building where the
Gum Hotel once stood.
HAWLEY HOUSE
The Hawley House holds the distinction of being the first hotel in
Alton. It was located on Broadway, a few doors east of Piasa Street,
and was erected in 1818 by Daniel Crume and William G. Pinckard, at
the request of Colonel Rufus Easton, founder of Alton. Two hewn log
cabins were erected, and combined into one to formHAWLEY the hotel.
Crume and Pinckard were paid $50 dollars for each cabin erected -
one half of which was paid in cash, and the other in goods. Thomas
G. Hawley occupied part of the building, and used it as a hotel and
ferry house. The building was torn down in 1868, and the logs were
used by Henry G. McPike at Mount Lookout (his home), to build a
small room onto his house for curios and relics of the early days of
Alton. It stood until 1910, when it was destroyed.
HERMANN'S EUROPEAN HOTEL/CENTRAL HOTEL/LAFAYETTE HOTEL
Hermann's European Hotel was located in the Biggins building, at 105
Piasa Street, near the intersection of Broadway. The hotel opened in
October 1891, with Joseph Hermann is its proprietor. In 1886, the
hotel was renovated and reduced rates to $1.50 per day. Sam
Williams, the proprietor, changed the name to the Central Hotel. In
December 1896 Williams suffered a heart attack and died, leaving a
widow and three children. Later, this became the Lafayette Hotel.
HUNTER’S TAVERN
Major Charles Hunter purchased land in 1818 from Joseph Meachem, to
the east of what would become Alton. In 1840, he erected a two-story
brick
structure
at the northwest corner of Broadway and Central Avenue, and called
his settlement “Alton on the River.” He planned to make his
settlement overshadow the settlement of “Lower Alton.” His tavern,
or hotel,
was made of bricks made on the site. He used part of it as
his residence, and opened rooms for travelers. It was advertised as
a temperance hotel (no alcohol). In 1842, Hunter sold his hotel to
Peter Gutzwailer, who later sold it back to Hunter. Hunter then sold
it to the Alton Marine and Fire Insurance Company. In 1847, it was
sold to William Churchill, who sold it two years later to William
Russell, who then sold it back to Hunter. In 1852, Hunter sold it to
George H. Silvers, then bought it back again. Hunter relinquished
the property permanently in 1855, when R. Smith and E. Blankenship
bought the tavern. Next the building was used as a hospital by the
Sisters of Charity. Julius Haas purchased the building and moved
into it in 1893, when the Sisters moved out after their new hospital
(St. Joseph’s Hospital) was completed. The building was then used
for apartments The building was razed in 1951 to make way for
Reilley Brothers Auto.
ILLINI HOTEL/STRATFORD HOTEL
The Illini Hotel, located at the southeast corner of Third and
Market Streets in Alton, was named in a local contest by Mrs. A. M.
Jackson, wife of the head of the Western Military Academy. The hotel
opened in 1909, and was built by a group of Alton businessmen. The
25,800 square foot hotel cost
$141,000, and attracted business
conventions, society events, wedding receptions for prominent
citizens, and formal balls in the Sky Room. It was designed by
Barnett, Haynes and Barnett, a St. Louis architectural firm. The
bricks used in the construction came from the Alton Brick Company.
No expense was spared for its grand opening, where furnishings and
china embossed with Illini Indians were made to order. The kitchen
was considered to be one of the best of its kind in the country.
There were five stories in the main building, and two stories in the
dining room and kitchen annex. In 1926, a major improvement was the
addition of 16 new bathrooms. More were added after the Gaylord
family purchased it in 1948. Other improvements and additions were
made in 1927 – a state of the art refrigeration system was installed
in 1928.
In 1925, the Illini Hotel name was changed to Stratford Hotel by E.
J. Lockyer, the new owner. Lockyer said Stratford-on-Avon, made
famous by William Shakespeare, was near the town of his birth.
In 1995, the hotel was purchased by Bill and Veria Moyer.
In 1998, the Stratford was chosen as the site for a major part of
the filming of the Hollywood movie, “The Big Brass Ring,” starring
William Hurt and Nigel Hawthorne. The building still stands.
ILLINI HOTEL TO OPEN TOMORROW
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 3, 1909
Tomorrow the new Illini hotel will be thrown open to the public.
Alton people especially are invited to attend the opening, and many
visitors from out of the city are expected also. The rush and hurry
of the past week to get the hotel in readiness for the formal
opening tomorrow has kept everyone busy. Night and day men and women
have been at work, finishing up what was not done and cleaning up.
Furniture has been coming in on hurry up shipments, and the hotel
has been a scene of hustle and hurry from morning to night and then
back to morning again. Manager August F. Ratz said he would have
everything ready for the opening tomorrow, and would be ready to
receive the public.
The kitchen will be given its first trial, the first meal will be
served in the dining rooms, and the whole hotel will be thrown open
to the public to take a look at it. No expense has been spared in
the furnishing, nor in the building of the new hotel. As an
illustration of the disregard for expense, it may be cited that the
china was made to order, decorated with Indian heads and the hotel's
name, and the silver is similarly marked. The hotel, as it will
stand completed, exclusive of furnishing, cost $141,000, and more is
to be added to it, as Manager Ratz says the owners have promised to
build a palm garden on the roof of the dining room where conventions
may be held and dancing parties given in the summer time. To those
who may be interested to know what kind of a building has been
provided for the public by home capital and home enterprise, the
Telegraph gives the following description:
The Illini hotel is the first expensive enterprise ever carried out
in Alton by Alton people in the spirit of trying to boost the city
along without any immediate prospect of getting good financial
returns. The owners, however, believe that in the future their
confidence in this city will be shown to have been justified by good
financial returns from the property. At the present they will be
content to wait and look to the future for their reward. It is a
handsome addition to Alton's real estate, an ornament to the city
and a monument to Alton enterprise. It is not doubt a beginning of
other and greater things for the beautifying and advancement of
Alton, and the new Illini may be denominated the emblem of Alton's
new spirit of progression. The Illini hotel consists of five stories
in the main building, and two stories in the dining room and kitchen
annex. It is 111 feet on Market street and 105 feet on Third street,
the entrance being on Market street. The building is constructed of
vitrified paving bricks, laid in cement mortar, and all the floors
and the roof are made of thick concrete and the whole building is
fire proof and rat proof. The contractors say it is absolutely
incombustible, a fire, if started in the draperies or bedding of any
room, being unable to get outside of the room. It is said that a
fire might be willfully started in any room and no damage could
result outside of the place where it began. The building was erected
by the C. L. Gray Construction Co. of E. St. Louis, with A. P.
Garwick as general superintendent of construction. It was started
almost a year ago. The builders of the hotel are the Merchants Hotel
Co. of Alton, consisting of Alton investors exclusively, and the
hotel is operated by the Illini Hotel Co., a separate corporation.
There are 67 bedchambers in the hotel above the main floor, all on
the second and third floors being equipped with baths, some private
and some semi-private, having two rooms opening into the bath room.
Above the third floor the rooms have no private baths, but there are
two bath rooms on each of these floors. In every room of the hotel
is a telephone and both hot and cold water and stationary wash
stands. All the bed rooms are handsomely papered, and the ceilings
are tinted, there being no two rooms in the hotel having the same
pattern of wallpaper. There is also a wide diversity in the carpet
patterns in the rooms. The furnishings of the rooms are in
conformity with the finish of almost all of the wood work in the
hotel, mahogany, and the mahogany scheme of finish is observed
throughout in the furnishing. The beds in the rooms are heavy brass
frames and are equipped with fine mattresses and with box spring
mattresses in addition. Almost all the rooms have immense closets
and those not so equipped have large wardrobes in them. In the
bedchambers the finish is in pure white, an enamel paint imported
from Germany being used in the decorative work, which gives a glassy
finish.
To the visitor entering the new hotel, the appearance is a great
surprise. At the very entrance into the lobby of the hotel, a
beautifully designed portal of terra cotta gives an impression of
striking beauty. The lobby, lighted by immense windows in the day
time and by electroliers of handsome design at night, presents a
scene of beauty. The floor of the lobby is laid in mosaic tile. The
mural decorations are in olive green. Down the center of the lobby
are four large pillars with marble design in decorations. In the top
of the lobby is a light court opening from the parlor floor, the
sides of which are richly ornamented and the rail is of mahogany.
The marble stairway leading from the lobby to the second floor, and
marble steps at the entrance and the wainscoting in the lobby,
complete a picture of elegance. Opening from the lobby are the
buffet, in the rear, of pretty design and richly furnished, writing
and rest rooms for ladies and for gentlemen, telephone booths and
the hotel office, with a private office for the manager. The counter
at the hotel office has a marble top and the woodwork is mahogany
finish. The dining room has been declared by those who know one of
the most beautiful to be found anywhere, its dimensions are 36x61
feet. On the west side are three oriel windows giving a "tavern"
effect. The floor is of a highly polished hard wood, the ceiling is
beamed and decorated with ornamental plaster. The lighting of the
dining room is very complete and attractive. The furnishing is in
mahogany with brass trimmings. The walls are decorated with ground
leather paper.
But the pride of the main floor, to Manager Ratz, is the kitchen,
and there his mind continually adverts. He tells you it is the most
modern kitchen in the country. When he looked at the kitchen at
first, he demanded that it be enlarged, and the owners of the hotel
did so at a heavy expense. Now it is large, light, roomy and
sanitary, and will admit of the very best work being done with the
least trouble. All the cooking will be done by steam and gas, and
there will not be a coal fire in the building, outside of the fire
that will serve for furnishing the steam for the hotel heating plant
and the kitchen use. The heating plant to furnish the steam consists
of two sectional boilers so that in event of one going down, the
other could continue its work. But to get back to the kitchen. There
are rows of steam cooking apparatus, and on the other hand there is
the immense refrigerating plant that will render ice unnecessary for
preserving food in the kitchen. All the cooking utensils are of
aluminum. There are big cooling boxes and big warming ovens, and
even a machine for dishwashing that will do the work without
breaking the dishes, and will turn them out cleaned and dried.
Manager Ratz is very, very proud of his kitchen, because like any
good hotel keeper, he knows that a hotel’s popularity lasts as long
as its kitchen continues to furnish forth the kind of food the
public wants. In order that there may be the utmost cleanliness of
the kitchen help and other employees in the hotel, underneath the
kitchen are baths and toilet for the help, and the strictest
cleanliness will be insisted upon. None of the help in the hotel
will remain in the building overnight.
In the ladies parlor, upstairs, a place of comfort is provided with
the finest of willow fibre chairs and settees.
There are two fast elevators in the hotel, one at the office for
passengers and the other at the rear for freight. In the rear is a
flight of concrete steps leading from the basement to the roof, and
absolutely fire proof. There is no front flight of stairs above the
second floor. Every detail of the building and furnishing of the
hotel was decided upon to give the utmost beauty and convenience,
combined with durability, and the hotel may well be pronounced one
of the finest in the state of Illinois and a great credit to the
city of Alton.
NEW TAILORING ESTABLISHMENT IN ILLINI HOTEL
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 29, 1917
H. Greenstone today rented the room in the Illini Hotel next to the
Telegraph building, and will open a fashionable custom tailoring
establishment. He has started the preparation of the room, and will
be open in a few days.
KIRRY HOTEL
The Kirry Hotel was located at Broadway and George Streets in Alton.
In 1900, Mrs. M. Kirry was the proprietor.
KIRRY HOTEL
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 15, 1900
This well-known hotel on the corner of Second [Broadway] and George
Streets, handsomely remodeled and fitted with all modern
conveniences, will be furnished and opened within a few days. The
patronage of the public is solicited; light airy rooms, baths,
sample rooms, etc.; in face, everything that goes to make a modern
hotel. Mrs. M. Kirry, proprietor, late of Mattoon.
KOSSUTH HOUSE/EMPIRE HOUSE
John Frederick Hoffmeister, born in Basle, Switzerland in 1813. He came
to Alton in 1835, and opened a bakery in a small building on State
Street, adjoining “Sugar Alley.” In 1848, he purchased two lots on
the south side of Third Street for $3,000, and erected a building
three stories high. He named it the Kossuth building, and moved his
bakery there, and rented out the remainder of the first floor for
other stores. The second floor was for living apartments for the
families of the storekeepers, and the third floor was used as
Kossuth Hall, where public meeting and entertainments were held.
Hoffmeister was given the contract for feeding the troops which
mobilized at Alton during the Mexican War, and made enough profit to
complete the payments on the building. He left Alton in 1853, having
purchased a nursery in the country, and rented out his building as a
boarding house, where a room could be rented for $1 a day. He became
one of the best-known horticulturists in Southern Illinois, and was
an authority of raising fruit and farm products. He died May 27,
1900 at the age of 86, leaving behind nine children. He is buried in
the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. His wife, Theckla Walter
Hoffmeister, died in 1888.
In 1863, J. G. Schmid purchased the building, remodeled the boarding
house, and renamed it the Empire House. In 1872, the boarding house
was purchased by Charley Benton, and in 1883, Dick Busse and Company
purchased the boarding house. Busse also ran a restaurant and saloon
next door. The Empire House was razed in 1906, to make way for the
Commercial Building.
THE EMPIRE HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 4, 1862
The Empire House has lately undergone a thorough renovation from
garret to cellar, and has been remodeled and much improved in the
internal arrangements. J. G. Schovid & Co., proprietors, will spare
no pains to please customers. The table is supplied with the best
the market affords.
EMPIRE HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 7, 1862
This house (formerly known as the Kossuth House) is situated on
Third Street near State. It has recently been remodeled, and put in
the best possible conditions, and no pains will be spared to render
its patrons comfortable. The table is supplied with the best the
market affords. The traveling public are respectfully invited to
give us a call.
THIEVES FOUND AT EMPIRE HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 16, 1865
Mr. Andrew Clifford missed a suit of clothes worth some $100 from
his room yesterday afternoon, and supposed they had been stolen.
About 11 o’clock last night, a man was arrested in the Empire House
who was acting rather suspiciously, and he dropped his bundle, out
of which rolled a watch. Mr. Clifford went into the House at the
time, and at once found his coat in the bundle. The fellow denied
having stolen the articles, but upon the close application of a
half-inch rope to his windpipe for a short time, he confessed that
the articles were stolen by another man, who had divided the spoils
with him. He gave information where some articles had been disposed
of, and they were found as he stated. The man whom he implicated was
also arrested this morning at the Empire House, where he came very
deliberately to get a drink of lager. They are both in cells at the
City Hall. We learn that others have lost articles lately in a
mysterious manner, and it is quite likely these gentlemen can
explain the matter.
WILL QUIT THE BUSINESS AT THE EMPIRE HOUSE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 27, 1900
Dick Busse [owner of Empire House and Busse Saloon] is going to quit
the hotel business and will dispose of the Empire House as soon as
possible. He will devote all of his time to his wholesale liquor
business.
WRECKING OF EMPIRE HOUSE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 16, 1906
The wrecking of the old Empire House, on the south side of Third
Street, to make place for a modern business block marks the passing
of one of the oldest boarding houses in the city of Alton, which has
a remarkable history in that during the entire time that the
property was rented by its owner, J. F. Hoffmeister, and later by
his estate, a period of fifty-three years, the property never lost
the owner but one month's rent. The building was erected by J. F.
Hoffmeister, and completed in 1848. Mr. Hoffmeister came to Alton in
1835, and he first started a baker shop in the little building on
State Street adjoining Sugar Alley, now used as a pawn shop. Later
he bought for $3,000 the two lots on which the Empire House was to
stand, and he erected a building three stories high in the west end,
of which he had his bakery, and the remainder of the first floor he
rented out for stores. The second floor was for living apartments
for the families of the store keepers, and the third floor was the
old Kossuth Hall, which was for many years the only entertainment
hall in the city and all public meetings were held there. Mr.
Hoffmeister was given the contract for feeding the troops which were
mobilized at Alton for the Mexican War, and he made enough profit
out of his contract to complete payments on the buildings he erected
and which were completed just about the time the Mexican War closed.
Mr. Hoffmeister left Alton in 1853, having bought a nursery in the
country, and he rented out the property in town for a boarding
house. The Empire house was never a high-priced hotel, but was for
many years a third-class boarding house, charging about $1 a day. F.
W. Hoffmeister says that the place was very profitable, and that
rents were always paid by the tenants with the exception of one
month in the more than half century it was rented out.
LaSALLE
HOTEL
The LaSalle Hotel was located at 208 E. Broadway. It was ran by
Albert Schmidt from as early as 1923 until his death in 1931. It was
then sold to Gus Mehilos. In 1932, Mehilos sold it to Mrs. Frank
Weiss and Mrs. D. H. Harlow of West Alton. In 1941, it was owned by
James L. Stiff, and in 1949, Tom Fleming sold the business to Carl
Wendle, who owned Wendle Tavern also. The building still stands, and
is home to Sam’s Pawn Shop.
MADISON HOTEL/DOLLY MADISON HOTEL
The Madison Hotel opened in 1883 at the corner of Broadway and
Easton Streets in Alton. It was one of Alton's finest hotels, with
modern conveniences. The Y.W.C.A. leased the building in 1918 for
young women coming into Alton to work in the factories. The name was
then changed to Dolly Madison. Union Electric later used the
building, and then razed it for new offices in 1951. Currently
Gentelins on Broadway occupies the property.
DRAWING COMPLETED FOR NEW MADISON HOTEL
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 30, 1881
Mayor Pfeiffenberger has completed the drawings of the plans for the
new hotel to be erected at the northwest corner of Second [Broadway]
and Easton Streets. It promises to be an imposing structure, and an
ornament to the city. It will be four stories in height, constructed
of brick with stone trimmings, iron columns in front of the first
story, plate glass in the windows of the stores, which will be on
the ground floor. The first story will be about 12 feet in height,
there being some variation on account of the unevenness of the
ground. The second story will be 16 feet, and the third and fourth,
12 feet each, making a total height of about 52 feet to the eaves of
the building. The cellar, which will extend under the whole except
the billiard hall, will be 6 ½ feet in depth. The structure will
have a gravel roof, will be heated by steam, lighted by gas, and the
elevator run by water power. The front dimensions will be 100 feet
in length, the east side 108 ½ feet, including an ell, 33x51 ½ feet.
There will also be an ell at the north side at the west end, 18
1/2x33 feet, the main building being 57 feet deep.
The plan includes four store rooms on the first floor on Second
Street, two on each side of the main entrance. At the rear of the
main entrance, the barbershop will be located. The billiard hall
will occupy the ell at the northeast corner on Easton Street, 33 x
51 ½ feet. The ladies entrance will be on Easton Street. Boiler room
and closets in the northwestern ell, laundry and dry room on the
north side of the court, adjoining the billiard hall on the west.
On the second floor at the head of the main stairway will be placed
the office, clerk’s room, and baggage room. The ladies stairway and
elevator at the east side, gentlemen’s stairway west side, and a
sample room on each side. Ladies parlor will be at the southeast
corner, gentlemen’s parlor adjoining, connected by sliding doors.
The lobby, which will give access to the front balcony, will be
around the head of the main stairway. There will be two large
reading rooms at the southwest part of the building on this floor.
The rotunda will be between the east and west entrances, the main
entrance and the office, being about the center of the second story.
From the rotunda, a large double door, in an archway, leads to the
dining hall, over the billiard room. From the dining hall, an iron
bridge will lead to the park. The kitchen, carving room, pantry with
the necessary closets will be immediately at the rear of the dining
room, while over the boiler room in the northwest ell will be
located the washroom and closets.
The third and fourth floors will contain 46 sleeping rooms, 23 each
story, and 6 dark rooms with bathrooms and closets.
By examination of hotel buildings and plans, and by consulting the
best authorities on the subject, it is confidently expected that the
new hotel will combine all the latest improvements, and be a model
of the kind. Work on the structure will commence as soon as
possible, and be pushed to completion.
MADISON HOTEL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 13, 1881
A crowd of deeply interested spectators are congregated most of the
time at the corner of Second [Broadway] and Easton Streets,
witnessing the hydraulic process of removing the earth from the
hotel site. The sewer that carries the earth and water is 450 feet
long, made of 12 inch pipe, and by an experiment, it was found that
an object floating on the stream passed through in just
three-quarters of a minute. The excavation will extend seven feet
below the level of the pavement at that place, and the work will
progress rapidly when all the arrangements are completed.
CORNERSTONE LAID FOR NEW HOTEL IN ALTON
(Madison Hotel)
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 17, 1881
The work of removing the earth from the new hotel site will probably
be finished this week. The company have struck a bonanza in the rock
quarry found at that place, as they will be enabled to procure
enough first-class material on the spot, with which to lay the
foundations of the edifice, the whole structure being founded on the
underlying ledge of rock. It may be of interest to those
contemplating matrimony to state that the bridal chamber will be in
the southeast corner of the building. It might be good policy to
offer a prize of a chromo to the first “happy couple” accorded the
bridal chamber after its completion, and thus encourage a healthy
matrimonial competition.
The foundation stone of the new hotel was laid at the southwest
corner, Wednesday, by Mr. Homer Stanford, President of the company,
quite a large assemblage being present, including Mayor
Pfeiffenberger, Aldermen Curdie, Ryan, Weigler, Hardy, Bissinger,
City Engineer Rutledge, Rev. Father Zwiesler, Mr. H. Watson,
manager, and Mr. George R. Hewitt, Secretary of the hotel company.
Mr. Stanford handled the trowel in an artistic manner, so much so as
to meet the approval of all present. There were no formal speeches,
but after a burst of eloquent silence, three cheers were called for
by Mr. James Cousley, and given enthusiastically for the hotel
company, and also for the architect, Mayor Pfeiffenberger. At the
close of the laying of the stone, the workmen and all others were
treated to refreshments by Mr. Stanford, President of the company.
PLANS COMPLETED FOR THE MADISON HOTEL
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 22, 1881
Mayor Pfeiffenberger has completed the drawings of the plans for the
new hotel, to be erected at the northwest corner of Second
[Broadway] and Easton Streets. It promises to be an imposing
structure, and an ornament to the city. It will be four stories in
height, constructed of brick, with stone trimmings; iron columns in
front of first story; plate glass in the windows of the stores,
which will be on the ground floor. The first story will be about 12
feet in height, there being some variation on account of the
unevenness of the ground; second story 16 feet, third and fourth, 12
feet each, making a total height of about 52 feet to the eaves of
the building. The cellar, which will extend under the whole, except
the billiard hall, will be 6 ½ feet in depth. The structure will
have a gravel roof, will be heated by steam, lighted by gas, and the
elevator run by water power.
The plan includes four store rooms on the first floor; two on each
side of the main entrance; at the rear of the main entrance the
barber shop will be located; the billiard hall occupying the ell at
the northeast corner on Easton Street. The ladies’ entrance will be
on Easton Street. Boiler room and closets in the northwestern ell;
laundry and dry room on the north side of the court, adjoining the
billiard hall on the west.
On the second floor at the head of the main stairway will be placed
the office, clerk’s room, and baggage room; ladies’ stairway and
elevator at the east side, gentlemen’s stairway west side; a sample
room on each sides. Ladies’ parlor will be at the southeast corner,
gentlemen’s parlor adjoining, connected by sliding doors. The lobby,
which will give access to the front balcony, will be around the head
of the main stairway. Two large reading rooms at the southwest part
of the building on this floor. The rotunda will be between the east
and west entrances, the main entrance and the office, being about
the center of the second story. From the rotunda, a large double
door, in an archway, leads to the dining hall, over the billiard
room. From the dining hall, an iron bridge will lead to the park.
The kitchen, carving room, pantry, with the necessary closets, will
be immediately at the rear of the dining room, while over the boiler
room, in the northwest ell, will be located the washroom and
closets.
The third and fourth floors will contain 46 sleeping rooms, 23 each
story, and 6 dark rooms with bathrooms and closets.
By examination of hotel buildings and plans, and by consulting the
best authorities on the subject, it is confidently expected that the
new hotel will combine all the latest improvements, and be a model
of the kind. Work on the structure will commence as soon as
possible, and be pushed to completion.
THE NEW HOTEL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 14, 1882
Through the courtesy of Mayor Pfeiffenberger we were given an
inspection of the new hotel, of which he is the architect, having
been also one of the originators of the project. The structure looms
up in proportions quite imposing, and is a credit to projectors,
architect, and builders. The place now is busy as a beehive, the
handiwork of carpenters, plumbers, gas and steam fitters is seen on
every side, and the building rings with the sounds of hammer and
saw. The hotel is located at the northwest corner of Second
[Broadway] and Easton Streets in a commanding position, the upper
stories affording magnificent views both of the city and the
surrounding country. It is a beautiful panorama, embracing the
fields, forests and plains of both Illinois and Missouri, the mighty
Mississippi River occupying the foreground, while in the distance
the “meeting of the waters” of the two greatest streams of the world
is seen. A view, however, is necessary to a full appreciation of
this panorama.
As to the structure itself, we will suppose that it is finished and
access is desired. A wide, roomy stairway with fine balustrades
leads from the middle front to the second story. On the east side of
the stairway hall is a cigar stand, to the rear of this the tiled
billiard hall, store rooms occupying the rest of the ground floor in
front. At the head of the main stairway is the tiled rotunda, the
baggage room, office; the lobby is at the sides of the upper part of
the stairway, with an iron balcony in front. In addition to the
front, there is an entrance at the east side, principally intended
for ladies. In immediate proximity to this is an elevator, leading
from the cellar to the upper (fourth) story, with two cages,
elevated by hydraulic pressure, one for passengers, the other for
baggage, so that a person can use them or the stairways, broad,
elegantly balustered, and with such an easy incline that it is a
pleasure rather than a toil to ascend them. There are the requisite
number of suitable parlors and drawing rooms, 52 bed chambers,
necessary closets, etc., all well ventilated and with plenty of
light wherever needed. The clerk’s office on the second floor is
connected with each story by a speaking tube and button bells, by
which the guests can make their wishes known without leaving their
rooms. The baths and water closets on each floor are at the north
side, a thirteen-inch brick partition wall practically separating
these as well as the engine room on the ground floor from the other
parts of house. A large pipe connecting with the main, with hose on
each floor, will supply abundant water in case of fire. Nothing has
been neglected that will tend to the comfort or security of the
patrons of the hotel. The gas pipes are of unusual size, so that in
case of necessity, a generator can be put in and gas manufactured on
the spot.
The parlors are elegant apartments, spacious and airy. The bedrooms
are large and inviting. Several of the rooms are en suite, making
them very attractive for families.
In putting up the edifice, special care has been taken to give it
strength and solidity. The wooden partitions are securely braced,
and the heavy timbers, of two or three thicknesses, enclose iron
bars, making the whole firm enough to stand the storms of centuries.
Every part will be steam heated, two low-pressure boilers furnishing
the steam for that purpose. The hotel will be well lighted and
ventilated. At the east side will be a 16-foot sidewalk, with steps
leading to the park on Easton Street.
The embankment at the rear will be graded from the lower part of the
rear doors of the second story, with a gradual incline to Third
Street. This will be improved by shade trees and other appliances,
thus rendering it a pleasant adjunct to the hotel, an iron bridge
leading to the park from one of the doors. Large pipes carry the
water from the gravel roof to the sewer, which leads directly to the
river. The refuse from the sinks about the establishment being
carried off in the same manner. It will thus be seen that every
hygienic detail has been attended to. There is a driveway, 20 feet
wide, at the west side of the hotel, leading to the large court
north of the western part of the building. A house for the domestics
connected with the establishment will be erected in this court.
The building is 4 stories high, constructed of brick, with stone
trimmings, with iron columns in front of the first story. The height
to the caves is about 52 feet. The cellar extending under the whole
of the main building, except the billiard hall, is 6 ½ feet deep.
The front length is 100 feet; east side 108 ½ feet including the
ell; main building 57 feet deep. From the rotunda is the second
story, a double door in an archway leads to the dining room over the
billiard hall.
The officers of the hotel company are Homer Stanford, president;
Henry Watson, manager; George R. Hewitt, secretary and treasurer.
LEASE OF THE NEW HOTEL
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 19, 1882
The company leased the new hotel to Captain Alexander Smith, a
well-known and popular landlord of Jacksonville, where he had
conducted both the Park Hotel and the Dunlap House, to the eminent
satisfaction of the traveling public and hotel habitues generally.
Captain Smith intends to neglect nothing that will tend to the
attractiveness of the new hotel, and make it a “Sunday House,” that
is, one so home-like that commercial and other travelers will make
it a point to stop here over Sunday. Captain Smith has an able,
experienced ally in his wife, who went partially through the new
building yesterday, some changes in the arrangements being made at
her suggestion. Alton has so long been a reproach and a byword on
account of the lack of hotel accommodations, that the opening of a
new, first-class place in that line will be quite an event in our
history, and the people owe a debt of gratitude to those through
whose energy and public spirit the matter has become almost an
accomplished fact. It is hoped to have the hotel ready for the
reception of guests by October 1.
NEW HOTEL SERVANT’S BUILDING
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, August 01, 1882
The construction of the building for the use of the servants of the
new hotel, in the northwestern part of the ground, commenced today.
It will be two stories high, of brick, containing ten rooms. Work on
the main grand stairway commenced yesterday.
THE NEW HOTEL IN ALTON
(The Madison Hotel)
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 17, 1882
The new hotel will be finished in a few days, and will be one of the
most complete in all its appointments and the best and most
conveniently arranged of any establishment of the kind in the
country. Through the kindness of Mr. H. Stanford, President of the
hotel company, a reporter for the Telegraph was shown through the
edifice today, including a trip from the cellar to the roof in the
elevator, which runs by hydraulic pressure, and is supplied with all
the safety appliances procurable, being suspended by wire ropes
capable of sustaining 15,000 or 20,000 pounds, with air cushions
that prevent any abrupt jars or shakes. The baggage cage is well
arranged, while the passenger cab is a nice, substantial specimen of
workmanship, supplied with two seats extending across, also a plate
glass mirror. The hotel will be warmed throughout by steam pipes and
radiators, heated from a self-supplying engine and boiler in the
basement. The ventilation, from the cellar to the roof, is perfect;
the water supply for every floor is filtered in the cellar; there is
a fine suite of parlors on the upper floor, south side, from the
windows of which as well as from many other parts of the structure,
a magnificent view of the river, the city and surrounding country,
can be obtained. The annunciators, call tubes, marbleized iron
mantels, variegated tile flooring (in portions of the building),
broad, slightly inclined stairways, splendidly ventilated rooms,
make it one of the most pleasant, home-like places imaginable. From
the gravel roof to the cellar, there is nothing lacking. Everything
tending to the comfort and safety of the guests and patrons is
provided for, and if the hotel does not prove a model of the kind,
it will be from no lack of care and skill on the part of the
projectors, architect, and builders.
DOUBTS REGARDING THE NEW HOTEL
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, November 27, 1882
Some of our citizens are making the assertion that the new hotel
will not pay, and are thus prejudicing the interests of the
proprietors of the new edifice. Such statements are calculated to do
harm both to the city and to those who have put their money into the
building.
Our present hotel accommodations do not supply one quarter of the
demand. Not a night passes but what unfortunate travelers stranded
here are obliged to leave on the evening trains, or sit around
waiting rooms all night, unable to procure a room or bed. Commercial
travelers coming to Alton now time their visits so as to do their
business between trains. Concert troupes, theater troupes, and the
like now shun the place because they cannot have hotel
accommodations.
Let a good hotel be opened, with all modern improvements, and the
fact would soon become well known, and the arrivals here would be
quadrupled. There are now many young men and others who are anxious
to secure rooms and board in the hotel as soon as it is opened.
The feeling among our business men towards the new enterprise is
most kindly, and if the lessee would open it with a ball and
banquet, we are sure the number of tickets sold would go a long way
towards paying his rent for the first year.
THE NEW HOTEL IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 26, 1883
We are pleased to state that the new hotel has been leased by Dr. H.
M. Bateman of Bloomington, a gentleman who has proved a very
successful landlord. He comes highly recommended, and will conduct
the hotel in such a way that it will not only be a credit to the
city, but will inure to the benefit of the lessee. The furniture and
fixtures have been largely purchased, but the date of the opening
has not yet been decided. Dr. Bateman was in town this morning, but
left for St. Louis on business connected with the hotel. Dr. Bateman
was formerly the proprietor of the Phoenix Hotel of Bloomington,
Illinois, and has proven a very successful hotel man. He stepped
down and out of the Phoenix as proprietor and manager yesterday.
THE HOTEL MADISON
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 10, 1883
The great question has been decided at last. Mr. Stanford informs us
that Alton’s new hostelry will be known to fame hereafter as the
Hotel Madison. This being the name of the county is an appropriate
one, and will please the public.
The opening of the Hotel Madison will be a notable day in the
history of Alton. It will take place sometime this month, or by June
1 at the latest. The owners of the hotel, Messrs. Watson, Stanford,
and Hewitt, are entitled to the gratitude of every citizen for this
great improvement, and everyone should labor to make the hotel so
successful that their enterprise will be richly rewarded. The
officers of the company are Homer Stanford, President; Henry Watson,
Manager; and George R. Hewitt, Secretary and Treasurer. The
architect of the building is Hon. Lucas Pfeiffenberger, and the
noble edifice is a grand monument of his taste and skill. He has
reason to feel proud of his work. The lime for the structure was
furnished by Mr. William Armstrong from the celebrated Piasa Bird
kiln. The brick was furnished by Mr. Ernst Feldwisch, and the rock
was quarried from the ledge on which the building is founded.
The lessee of the hotel, who is now preparing to open it to the
public, is Dr. H. M. Bateman, formerly of the Phoenix Hotel,
Bloomington, Illinois. He is a successful and popular hotel
proprietor, a genial gentleman, and a favorite with the traveling
public. Our citizens will give him a warm welcome and aid him in a
successful inauguration of his new enterprise.
WELCOME TO HOTEL MADISON
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 10, 1883
The Telegraph presents herewith an engraving of the Hotel Madison,
the model hostelry, now being prepared for occupancy in this city.
The edifice has a front of 100 feet on Second Street [Broadway] by a
depth of 105 feet on Easton, and is four stories high. It is
elegantly and substantially constructed of brick. The site is a
commanding one overlooking the river. From the upper stories a
magnificent view of the surrounding country is afforded. The scenery
embraces a view of the Mississippi for several miles, including its
junction with the Missouri; to the south are the bottom lands of St.
Charles County, Missouri, while the bluffs of St. Louis County are
seen in the distance; to the west the lofty bluffs on the Illinois
side of the Mississippi rise to the height of nearly 300 feet; to
the east the eye ranges over the broad expanse of the American
Bottom beyond the city. The view is, in all respects, the finest
afforded by any hotel in the Mississippi Valley, and will prove very
attractive to guests, especially in the summer season.
The first story of the hotel is occupied by four commodious store
rooms, two on each side of the main entrance, and are intended for
business purposes. In front of the entrance is a handsome balcony,
extending the width of the sidewalk. A broad, easy flight of stairs
lead from the sidewalk to the rotunda and office on the second
floor. The rotunda is 32x100 feet in dimensions, with tile floor of
variegated colors, brilliantly lighted by numerous windows in the
day time, by gas jets at night. The chandeliers throughout are of
the finest pattern, plain, but elegant. The office, 15x35 feet in
size, lighted by five windows, is situated on the north side of the
rotunda with 50 numbers, those of the rooms in the building, with
electric call bells and annunciators for each room, and speaking
tubes for corridors and public rooms. A carpeted sample room, fine
enough to satisfy the most exacting commercial traveler, adjoins the
rotunda at the southwest corner. Next to it is the reading room,
with linoleum floor covering. A lobby leads from the rotunda to the
balcony in front. On every floor are wash rooms, bath rooms, the
necessary water closets [room with a toilet]. Ventilating pipes lead
from all parts of the edifice to the roof, the sanitary arrangements
being about as near perfection as can be reached. Two ladies'
parlors at the southeast corner, one 24x19, the other 18x18,
connected by folding doors. These parlors will have lace curtains
through which the light of day will fall softly on velvet carpets,
and furniture richly upholstered in colors of old gold and russet.
The rooms on the fourth floor will be covered with handsome ingrain
carpets; those on the third floor with tapestry, but the furnishing
is not yet far enough advanced for us to speak of it in detail,
except to say that Mr. R. H. Flagg has the contract for carpeting.
The halls are well lighted, and all the apartments are "front
rooms," in one respect, as there are no "dark" rooms, and every
window gives a fine view of the city and surrounding country. The
hotel can never be hemmed in, for on two sides are streets, to the
north is the park, and the company have a space 20 feet wide at the
west side of the structure.
The dining room is a lofty, spacious apartment, 50 feet by 30, with
a seating capacity for 125 persons; a beautiful, attractive place,
finely lighted and ventilated. Adjoining the dining room are the
kitchen and pantries. The kitchen has a large double range, also a
team table with carving attachment and new style broiler.
The elevator is run by hydraulic pressure and is capable of
sustaining 75,000 pounds, with automatic arrangement for stopping it
in case of an accident. The arrangement for protection against fire
is so perfect as to insure safety to the building and its inmates.
There are stand pipes and hose on every floor, convenient of access.
The building is warmed by steam, the heat being supplied by two No.
9 Haxstrum furnaces that can be run separately or together, low
pressure, self-regulating and self-supplying. The boiler room is in
the basement at the northwest corner, immediately adjoining the
inner court. The laundry is on the ground floor of the ell
[something L-shaped]. It has a patent dryer, with a set of tubs for
hot and cold water, also a self-heater.
Architectural Details
There is a cellar under the whole building. The cellar and
foundation walls are of stone; superstructure of brick, iron and
stone. The glass in the store fronts is American plate. The floors
of the rotunda and billiard hall are of tile. The building is heated
with steam; automatic boilers; supplied with hot and cold water.
Building is lighted with gas from street mains. All water used is
filtered with one of Garstang's famous filters. A private sewer runs
from the building, with open port on the banks of the river. One 2
1/2-inch stand pipe for fire protection runs to the roof, with
permanent coils of fire hose on each floor ready for use at all
times. The building is provided with one passenger elevator for
guests and one for baggage, operated by hydraulic engine.
First Floor
The first floor is arranged as follows: Principal entrance to hotel,
broad and massive stairway; elegant porch over facade. Barber shop
back of entrance stairs. News and cigar store on the right of
stairway. Sample room adjoining [room where merchandise is displayed
for sale]. Passenger and baggage elevator room on Easton street.
Billiard room - 50x30 feet - under dining hall, with entrance from
hotel and Easton street. Ladies' entranceway opening on Easton
street. Two handsome stores on west side of entrance. Laundry and
store room in the rear; engine and boiler room in cellar, washroom
and water closets for domestics. Courtyard 56x88 feet.
Second Floor
Rotunda 32x100 feet. Two principal stairways at either end of
rotunda lead to third floor. The main rooms on this floor are
ladies' parlors, gents' parlor, reading room, smoking room, all
pleasant and commodious; one sample room, one ladies waiting room,
lobby, baggage room, office, dining hall, kitchen, carving room,
wash room, etc.
Third Floor
Twenty-one large and attractive bedrooms, corridors twelve feet
wide, bathrooms and water closets.
Fourth Floor
Duplicate throughout of third floor, Whole number of rooms, 60.
General
Mr. H. Watson had the contract for the excavation of 8,000 yards of
earth and the brick work, 750,000 brick being used; J. Wurtzler,
stone foundation; James Bannon, cut stone; M. H. Boals, mill work;
S. S. Hobart, carpenter work.
From the foregoing particulars, it will be seen that the Hotel
Madison is one of the most complete and attractive hotel buildings
in the country. It is, beyond question, the finest hotel in the
State, outside of Chicago. It lacks no modern improvement or
convenience possessed by any hotel, with water, gas, steam heaters,
elevator, speaking tubes, electric call bells, perfect ventilation
and sewerage, the arrangements for the comfort and convenience of
guests, and the protection of their health could not be better. The
opening of such a complete edifice to the public will be a notable
day in the history of Alton. The opening will take place sometime
this month, or by the 1st of June at the latest.
The Owners
The owners of the hotel building, Messrs. Watson, Stanford, and
Hewitt, are entitled to the gratitude of every citizen for this
great improvement, and everyone should labor to make the hotel so
successful that their enterprise will be richly rewarded. The
officers of the company are: President, Homer Stanford; Manager,
Henry Watson; Secretary and Treasurer, George R. Hewitt.
The Architect
The architect of the building is Hon. Lucas Pfeiffenberger, and the
noble edifice is a grand monument of his taste and skill. He has
reason to feel proud of his work. The lime for the structure was
furnished by Mr. William Armstrong from the celebrated Piasa Bird
kiln; the brick was furnished by Mr. Ernst Feldwisch; and the rock
was quarried from the ledge on which the building is founded.
The Lessee
The lessee of the hotel, who is now preparing to open it to the
public, is Dr. H. M. Bateman, formerly of the Phoenix Hotel,
Bloomington, Illinois. He is a successful and popular hotel
proprietor, a genial gentleman, and a favorite with traveling
public. We have heretofore spoken of his great success in the same
line of business elsewhere, and the high estimation in which he is
held by the people of Bloomington. Our citizens will give him a warm
welcome and aid him in a successful inauguration of his new
enterprise.
GRAND OPENING OF THE HOTEL MADISON
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 31 & June 7, 1883
Alton’s new palace hotel, The Madison, was opened last evening with
an elegant reception and ball. The spacious building was ablaze with
light, and its corridors were crowded with a gaily dressed throng.
The music was furnished by Postlewaite of St. Louis, and a sumptuous
banquet added to the pleasures of the evening.
Wednesday night, the formal opening or inauguration of Hotel Madison
took place with a banquet and ball, an event that proved to be one
of the most brilliant and enjoyable ever known in the Bluff City.
The belles and beaux of Alton, the staid and substantial citizens
and their families, with guests from abroad, attended in such force
that by 11 o’clock, it was estimated that 400 persons were present.
A splendid American flag had been hoisted over the edifice in the
afternoon, and waved in the pleasant breezes that swept from the
northwest. The hotel was ablaze with light from basement to garret,
and shed an illumination for o’er hill, dale, plain, and river. The
guests were received at the main entrance in the magnificent rotunda
on the second floor, and from thence were escorted to the waiting
room in the third story. In the office, Postlewaite’s orchestra,
eight in number, consisting of two violins, flute, piccolo,
clarinet, cornet, harp, and double bass, were stationed and
discoursed splendid music, while “twinkling feet” accented the
measures in graceful movement on the tasselated floor of the rotunda
and in the rooms adjacent. At 10 o’clock, supper was announced, and
the guests repaired to the dining hall, which was brilliantly
illuminated by three chandeliers, each with four gas jets. The
floral decorations in the banquet hall were in good taste, the
tables were elegantly arranged, pyramids of flowers, fruits, cakes,
confectionery were arranged in the most attractive style. The viands
embracing three kinds of cold meat, poultry, three kinds of salad,
ten or twelve varieties of cake, tea, coffee, and lemonade were
served by attentive waiters, the banquet terminating with an entrée
of strawberries, ice cream, nuts, and tropical fruits. The Japanese
silk napkins served as souvenirs of the occasion, and were inscribed
“Opening of Hotel Madison, compliments of H. M. Bateman, May 30,
1883.” The supper was elegantly served, and the various dishes were
a marvel of culinary skill.
At 12 o’clock, supper being over, the dining hall was cleared and
used for dancing. It proved to be a splendid place for the purpose,
six sets being on the floor at one time. It was an attractive scene.
The exquisite toilettes of the ladies, the shimmer of rich lace, the
occasional flash of jewels, more than rivaled by the sparkle of
laughing eyes, all served to render the scene one never to be
forgotten by those in attendance. The ladies of Alton never appeared
to better advantage, their taste being manifested by the artistic
elegance of dress and the harmony of the adornments. Those who did
not indulge in the dance thronged the halls, stairways, and visited
the principal rooms, the expressions of surprise and delight at the
beauty of the place and the convenience of the arrangements being
universal.
At 3:30 a.m., the company dispersed, the pageant faded, darkness
reigned in the banquet hall, and the event became but a bright
memory, a pleasant vision of the past, in which music and mirth
mingled in harmonious concord.
Among the guests present from abroad were Hon. And Mrs. J. T.
Drummond, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Randle, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Schneider,
Miss Mollie Tansey, Messrs. Collins, Berry, and Brown, all of St.
Louis; Mrs. Lane, San Francisco; Miss Beldridge, Miss Mary Bevan, of
Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. George A. Allison of Boston; Mrs. Alice S.
Mitchell of Middleton, Connecticut; Mont. Evans and Charles Funk of
Bloomington; Miss Kittie Pendleton, Messrs. John McCoy and H. T.
Sidney of Godfrey; Messrs. J. M. Page and W. Egelhoff of
Jerseyville; and Mr. J. D. Burbridge of Jacksonville, Florida.
The floor managers were Messrs. E. G. Schweppe, Booth, Wuerker,
Baker Jr., Seely, Crowe, and Sparks. The members of the Reception
committee were as follows, though not all of them were in
attendance, owing to absence from town: Messrs. Herb, Hayner,
Drummond, Job, Topping, Pfeiffenberger, Crowe, Schweppe, Dr. Garvin,
Sparks, Phinney, Smith, Hapgood, Gillham, McPike, Dr. Quigley, Dr.
Haskell, Milnor, Billings, Raible, Coppinger, Cannell, Wise, Allen,
Levis, Drury, Connor, Hayden, Baker, Yager, Siem, and Brenholt.
MADISON HOTEL CHANGES HANDS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, July 6, 1894
At last Hotel Madison will change hands. The final arrangements have
been made, and on Monday, Mr. A. L. Daniels will take charge of the
Madison. A lease of five years has been granted him, at an annual
rental of $1,800. Mr. Daniels purchased from Mr. J. P. Garvin the
hotel furnishings. The directors will immediately have the hotel put
in first-class shape. The interior will be repainted, and the walls
repapered. A considerable amount of new furnishings in the way of
carpets and furniture will be added, and the building will receive
general repairs. Mr. Daniels is determined to make the
accommodations first class in every respect. Mr. Homer Stanford has
been engaged as day clerk. The many friends of Dr. Garvin, who has
been proprietor for the past six years, will be pleased to learn
that he has determined to remain in Alton, and re-commence the
practice of medicine.
DANIELS LEASES THE MADISON HOTEL FOR SECOND TIME
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 18, 1900
Mr. A. L. Daniels has leased the Madison Hotel a second time for a
term of five years and will continue in charge. Mr. Daniels has made
a success of the management of the hotel and has put the Madison on
a paying basis. The traveling public will be pleased to learn that
he will remain in charge of the hotel.
McKINLEY MEMORIAL TO BE HELD AT THE MADISON HOTEL
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 18, 1901
Alton will honor the memory of William McKinley tomorrow afternoon
at 2 o'clock, in a meeting to be held in the public ground in the
rear of the Madison Hotel. Everyone in all the Altons is invited to
join in the meeting, and it is a special request that every person
attending the services wear an emblem of mourning for the dead
President. It was requested at a meeting of citizens held last
evening in the Council Chamber that all business men be respectfully
requested to close their places of business the entire day, and that
everyone participate in the memorial. Hon. Henry G. McPike was
chosen chairman of the meeting, and by virtue of his position of
chairman he has been chosen by the speakers committee to preside at
the meeting tomorrow and introduce the speakers. On request of the
citizen's meeting, all the bells in the city on the various
churches, school houses and the fire houses will be tolled during
the time beginning about fifteen minutes before the hour for the
memorial services. It is suggested that the bells be tolled 59
strokes for the 59 years of McKinley's age.
MADISON HOTEL SOLD
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 16, 1911
C. A. VanPreter [see story below - August 19] today closed a deal
with Capt. J. Fowler, whereby the latter conveys all interest in the
Madison Hotel block to Mr. VanPreter. The consideration is private.
The purchase includes all furnishings, etc., in the hotel, as well
as the four store buildings in the block. Capt. Fowler's health is
so bad that he desires to get out of business altogether. Mr.
VanPreter, when asked if he intended to conduct the hotel business,
replied, "No, I bought for an investment. The hotel will be taken
over by a new management in a few days and will be conducted as a
first-class hotel." The investment is a valuable one, the property
being located in a good part of the city. The property was offered
to others for $30,000. T. E. Gallagher was negotiating to have
charge of the hotel, but has decided not to do so.
MAN WHO HELPED BUILD MADISON HOTEL NOW OWNER
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 19, 1911
The acquiring of the Madison Hotel by C. A. Vanpreter carries with
it a little story which ought to be given publicity, because it
speaks the doctrine of hope, and may be a spur to the ambition of
hopeless people. It is an interesting fact that when the Madison
hotel was being erected, among the workmen employed on the building
was one C. A. Vanpreter, who worked for $1.75 a day as carpenter.
Mr. Vanpreter then had no intention of owning the hotel, at least if
he died, it must have looked to be a very far distant achievement
for him. That was less than thirty years ago. When Mr. Vanpreter
bought the hotel from J. Fowler this week, through the Ed Yager
agency, he was able to pay cash for the property. It is not so many
years since Mr. Vanpreter was working at the $1.75 wage, and then
too, it must be remembered that Mr. Vanpreter, in the intervening
time, suffered an accident which made him almost helpless and left
him a cripple for the remainder of his life. Fighting against heavy
odds of ill health and physical disability, he has achieved much in
the thirty years, and today he is able to say he owns the building
he helped to erect, and that he does not owe a dollar on it, as he
was able to pay cash. Everyone who has seen the account of Mr.
Vanpreter's purchase believes that Mr. Vanpreter made a good bargain
and has a valuable piece of property. He intends to add ten bath
rooms to the equipment and make some other improvements which will
raise the quality of the hotel. Another thing is, Mr. Vanpreter will
strongly bond the lessee in the lease, to maintain the present good
name of the hotel and improve it and will make it a condition of the
lease that will void the lease if the lessee, whoever he may be,
does anything that will damage the reputation of the place, Mr.
Vanpreter is determined to progress, and will not allow any
retrogression.
NEAR TRAGEDY - MADISON HOTEL GUESTS THOUGHT HOLD-UP ON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 30, 1911
Miss Florence Fowler had a very trying experience at the Madison
Hotel Tuesday evening due in the most part by the love of her little
nephew for a gun. Miss Fowler was acting as clerk in the hotel while
the regular clerk was eating his supper, when some one of the
gentlemen who were staying at the hotel called for some stamps. In
the drawer where the stamps are kept is a thirty-eight revolver
which is used by the night clerk and she, not even suspecting that
the gun was loaded, held it in her right hand while she got the
stamps and made the necessary change. She was just ready to put the
gun back in its place in the stamp drawer, when her nephew, Everett
McCauley, tried to get the gun and she jerked it out of his reach.
This slight pressure that she exerted during this operation was
enough to fire the gun. When she looked up and saw that there were
eight or ten persons standing about the room, her first thought was
that she had killed someone and this idea caused her to faint. The
ball, however, had gone through the ceiling and did very little
damage except to frighten the guests who were standing in the lobby.
When Miss Fowler regained consciousness, it was found that the ball
had passed so close to her left hand when the gun went off that her
hand had been burned by the powder. Miss Fowler is confined to her
room today suffering from nervousness and will undoubtedly remember
how it feels to be close to the business end of a pistol for some
time to come.
MADISON HOTEL CLOSES UP SHOP
Miss O'Neill Feeds Boarders for the Last Time
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 01, 1918
The Madison hotel, which had been a family hotel for some time,
under the management of Miss Lizzie O'Neill, ceased to function as
such Friday morning when the farewell breakfast there was enjoyed by
the guests who had stayed to the last. The last of the steady guests
in the hotel vacated after breakfast and found homes elsewhere. The
hotel is to be converted over to the uses of the Y. W. C. A. as a
home for working girls employed in war industries. [The Y.W.C.A.
gave a new name to the hotel - The Dolly Madison Hotel.]
MADISON HOTEL'S NAME CHANGED TO THE "DOLLY MADISON"
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 15, 1918
The Dolly Madison is to be the name the Hotel Madison will bear
during the time the Y. W. C. A. war work council has control of it
in the next five years. The managing board has selected the name,
choosing to name the hotel for one of the early mistresses of the
White House, a woman who is famous in American history. Speaking of
the future of the Y. W. C. A. quarters in the Dolly Madison, Mrs. L.
P. Eells said today that the committee had fixed the price for rooms
and for quarters in the dormitory, and that applications for
admission had been so numerous it appears the capacity will have
been reached before opening. In fixing up the hotel, it was said,
the workmen who were engaged in the building have contributed
liberally of their time and have even given money to help install an
indirect lighting system in the cafeteria. Mrs. Eells said that it
is planned to keep open house on Thanksgiving Day night, and to
welcome the public then to a big reception for the girls who will be
living in the Dolly Madison. It is planned, however, to have the
place ready to receive visitors possibly by Monday, and callers will
be shown through by the women in charge. The plans for the Dolly
Madison are developing rapidly. The building has been transformed in
appearance inside, and it now is a highly attractive place, and one
that will be very popular with girls who work and who need
comfortable quarters. The rates charged for the rooms will be in
line with the rates at the Y. W. C. A. annexes, which have been very
reasonable and not the least of the attractions of the quarters.
"DOLLY MADISON" COMPLETELY OVERHAULED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 19, 1918
The "Dolly Madison" House on East Broadway is undergoing a series of
improvements and changes which will make the old Hotel Madison
unrecognizable to the many hundreds of guests who have resided at
the hotel in the past. The "Dolly Madison" will be a great credit to
Alton when the alterations and decorations are completed and 90
girls take up their abode there and call the place "home." The young
women in charge of the new recreational center had hoped to get the
building in order for a big reception on Thanksgiving evening, but
from present indications they will be disappointed, although great
headway is being made in the work. The house is being redecorated
and repainted throughout, and the large rooms on the upper floors
are being divided and made into two smaller apartments. In each of
the larger bedrooms will be two single beds, a dressing table, two
chairs and a wardrobe or cupboard. There is also a bell in each
room, in order that the guests can be called from upstairs when they
are wanted below. The bedrooms are all papered in light and
attractive colors, making them present a very restful and delightful
appearance for their occupants. On the main floor a great change has
taken place, one of the main ones being the removal of the former
office. In the place of the old desk and office fixtures there will
be a delightful corner filled with soft seats and decorations. A
small registration office and information desk will be located to
the right. A young woman will be in charge of this desk to give any
assistance which she can to visitors to our city. The southwest
parlors will be used as parlors and reception rooms, and will
contain easy chairs, writing desks and so forth for people who might
drop in while in town shopping. The parlors on the other side of the
main entrance will be used as club rooms for the girls living at the
home. In the parlors, furniture of the Mid-Victorian and earlier
periods will be used. On the upper floors will be the matron's room,
a sitting room for the guests who reside at the house permanently,
and a small dormitory of four beds for transient callers. Bath
rooms, shower baths and toilets are being placed in the building in
great numbers, in order to have sufficient facilities for use of all
staying at the house. One large room is being equipped as a laundry,
in order that the girls might do their own laundry work if they so
desire. The laundry is a well-lighted room on the west side of the
building. It will contain two large stationary tubs, a dryer, and
several light sockets to which irons can be attached. This is a
great advantage and will give valuable help to the girls. The
cafeteria feature of the house will be carried out as was announced
in the Telegraph early last week. The cafeteria will not be ready
for use for several weeks, due announcement for the opening to be
given. The large kitchen in the rear of the building is undergoing a
complete change, all the former apparatus being torn out and is
being replaced with newer and more modern facilities. The house is
well heated, a vacuum heating system put in by its former owner
doing duty. Grates are in various rooms in the house, including the
parlors, and these will beautify the house. The decorations of the
house have been in the hands of a corps of very capable women, who
came from the East to get a recreational center established in
Alton. Wise judgment has been shown in the selection of location,
decorations, and so forth of the center, which will be a pleasing
addition to Alton.
THRILLS AT DOLLY MADISON FIRE - BEAUTIFUL LADIES LEAP INTO THE ARMS
OF GALLANTS WHEN BARBER SHOP FIRE SPREADS TERROR
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 21, 1919
All the thrills of the ten-twenty-thirty melodrama, or the modern
movie, were provided Saturday night when a fire in the barber shop
in the Dolly Madison building routed all the young lady boarders
from their beds and caused to take flights of various kinds, ranging
from fire escapes to the leaps into the arms of men on the ground,
dressed in their night clothes. The fire occurred just after
midnight. It did not matter to the young ladies that the fire was a
small one, and destined to do but little damage. Neither did it
matter that safety and convenient means of exit were provided by the
doors of the building. The Easter Bonnetry of all the young women
was in danger and the first thought was to get out and get out they
did. Some of them came down the fire escapes clad only in the flimsy
night gown, but fondly clasping a new Easter hat. A crowd soon
gathered which watched the spectacle of the young women leaving the
building by any means possible, as though it were a show. One young
lady, of ample proportions it is said, seeing the men standing below
and unwilling to await her turn down the fire escape, yelled to one
man that she was coming and he held out his arms and bravely tried
to imitate the knight of old. But either the knight of old was
stronger than the knight of Saturday night, or the lady rescued by
the medieval social Hon was closer to the "perfect thirty-six" than
the Alton girl is distress, for the weight of the leaping girl bore
him to the ground. He bravely clasped her as she came and both
escaped alive. The girls, in their hasty exit from the Dolly
Madison, even forgot their dainty feet as they climbed down the
sharp steps of the fire escape or jumped to the hard pavement below.
Most of them too, perhaps, forgot the chilly winds of the night as
they stood with only the thin muslin between them and the winds. The
fire in the barber shop did not spread and it was not long before
the frightened young ladies were able to return to bed and continue
their slumbers in peace.
MANSION HOUSE
Colonel Alexander Botkin was born in Kentucky, March 4, 1801. He
moved to Ohio, and then to Alton, where he was a justice of the
peace and operated the Mansion House. He was an anti-abolitionist,
and spoke at a meeting during the uprising against Rev. Elijah P.
Lovejoy, trying to maintain peace. In 1841 he moved to the Wisconsin
Territory, where he practiced law, and served in the Wisconsin
Territorial Legislature as a Whig. He was later elected to the
Wisconsin State Senate, where he served for two terms. He died March
5, 1857, at the age of 56. He is buried in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Mansion House was one of Alton's oldest boarding houses. It was
located at 506 State Street in downtown Alton, and was known for its
fine table and courteous service.
John Harnard bought the hotel from Colonel Botkin in July 1837, and
enlarged and remodeled the building. It was during the ownership of
Harnard that the legend of the one-eyed Indian fighter, Tom Boothby,
began. Boothby was an old Indian fighter during the Black Hawk War,
and came to stay in the Mansion House in 1836. He occupied the
southwest corner room on the second floor. Boothby became obsessed
with the idea that an Indian was after him. During his spells he
would scream, and told others that an Indian would strangle him. One
night during one of his spells, he became more violent than usual.
Harnard rushed to his room, but the old man was dead of fright. He
was found with his hands at his throat as though trying to pull
hands away. People began to whisper that perhaps the Indian finally
caught up with him and taken his revenge. Through the history of the
hotel, guests would hear Boothby crying out, or his frantic
footsteps in the hall.
The Mansion House changed hands many times throughout its history.
It was used by the Daughters of Charity in 1856, when they conducted
a boarding school. In 1864, the hotel was used as a hospital, caring
for the sick and wounded at the military prison. Sometime after this
period, the hotel was remodeled and brick was applied over the stone
front.
In 2010, after 174 years of existence, the building caught fire. It
was decided the building could not be saved, and was torn down.
MANSION HOUSE OPENED BY COL. ALEXANDER BOTKIN
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1836
We are happy to announce to the citizens of Alton and the public
generally, that Col. Alexander Botkin has this day opened his large,
well furnished, and pleasantly situated State Street Mansion House.
From our knowledge of the competency and gentlemanly deportmant of
its proprietor, we feel no hesitation in recommending this
establishment to the patronage of our citizens, travelers, and all
who may desire good living and comfortable quarters.
MEETING AT MANSION HOUSE REGARDING ELECTION OF WILLIAM HENRY
HARRISON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 24, 1836
At a large and respectable meeting of the citizens of Alton,
friendly to the election of Gen. William Henry Harrison of Ohio,
convened, pursuant to public notice, at the Mansion House of Col.
Botkin, on the 13th inst. On motion, Samuel L. Miller presided, and
John R. Woods was appointed Secretary. On motion of John Hogan,
Esq., Representative elect for Madison County. Resolved, That a
Committee of three be appointed to prepare resolutions for this
meeting. Whereupon the Chair appointed William McBride, Col. A.
Botkin and William K. Grimsley, who reported the following preamble
and resolutions, which were read in a spirited and emphatic manner
by Mr. McBride......
Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to hold
correspondence with individuals and meetings throughout the State,
friendly to the election of Gen. Harrison. John Hogan, Esq.; F. B.
Murdoch; Col. Alex Botkin; Col. John Bostwick; William McBride.
MANSION HOUSE FOR SALE
Source: Alton Observer, March 9, 1837
The Mansion House of the subscriber in Lower Alton is offered for
sale, but if not sold soon, will be much improved and leased for a
term of years. The situation presents a desirable point, as a
business stand, being on the main street of the town, and at the
corner where the road turns to Upper Alton. Terms will be liberal
and possession given on the first day of April next. Apply to C. W.
Hunter, Alton, March 9, 1837.
MANSION HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 29, 1837
Travelers, and the public generally, are respectfully informed that
the subscriber, having taken the afore well-known stand, on State
Street, Alton, is now ready for the reception of travelers, as the
house has undergone many necessary repairs to make it comfortable.
To those who may favor him with a call, he pledges himself, on the
post of his beds and table, that every exertion will be used for the
comfort and satisfaction of his guests. Its situation is the most
convenient of any public house in the place for travelers ascending
or descending the Mississippi, being a few rods from the steamboat
landing, on a beautiful eminence, commanding a splendid view of the
town, country around, and Mississippi river, as far as the mouth of
the Missouri. The subscriber, having been favored with the St. Louis
and Springfield stages, travelers can at all times be accommodated
with sc___. There is a livery stable attached to the house, where
the greatest attention will be paid to horses entrusted to the care
of the proprietors of the stable, and horses, gigs, carriages at all
days to hire; in short, a call on the subscriber, one and all, will
results in attention. William Harned.
MANSION HOUSE IMPROVED BY MR. JOHN HARNARD
Source: Alton Observer, July 27, 1837
Mr. Editor - I had occasion the other day to visit the "Mansion
House," formerly kept by Col. Botkin, and was highly delighted, and
indeed somewhat astonished, to find such a great change for the
better, in the extensive enlargement and beautiful appearance of the
building. The present proprietor and owner of this establishment, I
humbly conceive sir, deserves great commendation, as well as a
liberal share of patronage, for his unremitting exertions, and the
great expense to which he has been at in erecting and completely
furnishing such a commodious and convenient house for the
comfortable accommodation of his friends and fellow citizens. Those,
therefore, who may chance to visit the city of Alton, either on
business or otherwise, will find it at present (the "Alton House"
having been destroyed by fire) more agreeable to spend their time
comfortably and quietly at the "Mansion House" on State street, at
present kept by Mr. John Harnard, who is himself a temperance man,
and who keeps to all intents and purposes a well-organized
Temperance House. I have made these remarks without the knowledge of
Mr. H., and hope that they will be received and considered as
entirely disinterested, (except so far as the general good is
concerned) and as coming from one who seldom speaks either for or
against any person without just and plausible reasons for so doing.
W.
THE LEGEND OF MANSION HOUSE
Source: The Telegraph newspaper articles
Mansion House, the oldest boarding house in Alton, was located at
506 State Street in downtown Alton. It was built by Capt. Botkin,
and was a three-story building. The second proprietor was Louis
Kellenberger, and the third was William Harned. Harned remodeled
Mansion House, and boasted "large airy bedrooms; private sitting
rooms, carpeted and furnished with the latest periodicals; the best
table the market can afford; proximity to steamboat landing and the
business district of Alton; and it was the best hotel in Alton.
William Harned was a follower of Elijah Parris Lovejoy, and was a
member of the "60 Militant Friends" of Lovejoy. Harned donated a
first-story room in the Mansion House for the last Lovejoy meeting,
held the evening before Lovejoy was assassinated. William Harned's
son, John Wesley Harned, was also an eyewitness of the Lovejoy
tragedy.
The ghost legend concerns Tom Boothby, a veteran of the Indian
campaigns, who had fought in the Black Hawk War of 1831-32 against
the Indians. Boothby came to the Mansion House to stay in about
1836. He seemed to have plenty of money, but was closed-mouthed
about his past life. Boothby had only one arm, and an Indian arrow
had put out one of his eyes. He was of advanced age when he came to
Alton, and legend says he never left the Mansion House after his
arrival until his body was carried out for burial in 1838. He was
supposed to have occupied the southwest corner room on the second
floor.
After he had been in the Mansion House a short time, his mind became
affected, and he became obsessed with the idea that an Indian was
after him and would torture him to death. He screamed when these
spells came on, and told his listeners that this Indian would
strangle him so that his soul would never leave the body (an Indian
curse in which Boothby believed).
Boothby was in his room during the last Lovejoy meeting, and had one
of his spells. He became so loud and unruly, that Mr. Harned went to
his room to quiet him.
Between his spells Tom Boothby was likeable, and spent his time
spinning yarns for the children of the downtown district. One night
a fit seized him that was more violent than the others. He screamed
the Indian had found him and was strangling him. Harned rushed to
his room, but the old man had died of fright, his one eye staring as
though he still could see, and his hands at his throat as though to
pull hands away.
After he was buried, people claimed the Indian spirit had found
Boothby and strangled him, and that Tom Boothby would never have any
rest. This story spread throughout Alton and became one of the
best-known ghost stories of that day. For that reason, Boothby's old
room was unoccupied for some time. During storms of high winds,
folks declared they heard Boothby’s ghost crying out, and his
frantic footsteps up and down the hall. In time Boothby was
forgotten, and the place of his burial is not known. The hotel
business took a downturn, and Mansion House was closed by Harned in
1839. It opened again as a hotel from 1849 to 1855. In about 1856
the Daughters of Charity took over Mansion House and conducted a
school there, boarding students. In time the sisters left, but they
re-occupied Mansion House in 1864 when nurses of the order were sent
to Alton to care for the sick and wounded at the military prison. At
the close of the war the sisters remained and started the hospital
in Mansion House that was in later years St. Joseph's Hospital.
Mansion House was torn down following a devastating fire on January
14, 2010. The building at that time was used as an apartment house.
MILE HOUSE
The Mile House was located at the corner of State and McPherson
Streets in Alton. It was an early inn, one mile from the stage coach
stop at the Franklin House in downtown Alton. Legend has been told
of a lady in black walking back and forth at the deserted inn in the
1870s. She was supposedly one of two sisters who married a soldier
in the Civil War, and was murdered at the hands of her husband. Loud
knocks are often heard in the home by residents. The building still
stands.
MINERAL SPRINGS HOTEL
August and Herman Luer began the construction on their Mineral
Springs Hotel in 1913. It was located at the southeast corner of
Broadway and Alton Streets in Alton. The architects for the hotel
were Helfensteller, Hirsch and Watson of St. Louis. The original
building was of brick and terra cotta, and was triangular shaped -
200 feet on Alton Street, 75 feet on Broadway, and 100 feet on Front
Street. It was two stories in height on Broadway, and three stories
on Front Street.
During construction of the hotel, a mineral spring was discovered,
and this was developed into mineral baths. An Alton plumber, P. C.
Kortkamp, suffered severe hiccoughs that disabled him to the point
of being unable to work. He sought help from doctors to no avail.
Finally, he was told to try drinking the mineral water recently
discovered at the Luer Brothers property. He agreed, and began
taking sips of the water, since the hiccoughs and the spasms that
followed were so violent, it was impossible to take a long drink. In
ten hours, the hiccoughs ceased completely.
The Luer brothers favored local merchants and builders, and the
contract for supplying the silverware for the hotel went to C. L.
Goulding. The contract called for knives, forks, spoons, sugar
spoons, salad forks, etc., for about 80 rooms.
The hotel was christened “Alton Mineral Springs Hotel” in May 1913,
and opened in June 1914 under the management of August F. Ratz. The
hotel included a restaurant and saloon, 80 hotel rooms, swimming
pool with Turkish and mineral baths, a telephone for each room,
summer roof gardens, and a beautiful view of the river. Ratz stated
that the water from the artesian well in the hotel was similar to
sea water, with medical properties of unquestionable value. The pool
had water running in and out at all times. Three inlet pipes kept
the mineral spring water bubbling, while water flowed out when it
reached a certain depth. A rule was made that no woman was allowed
to enter the pool who did not have a pair of stockings on as part of
her swimming outfit. There were specific times for men, women, and
children to swim separately. James Coleman, a young man from Alton,
was in charge of the pool and gave swimming lessons.
The hotel was popular in its day, but closed in 1971 after the
addition of a ballroom on a lower level failed to attract more
business. The building still stands, and contains a variety of
businesses.
LUER BROTHERS BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 21, 1913
Architects have completed, in colors, a picture of the Luer Bros.
big building now being erected on the site of the old Illinois
packing house on Front and Second Streets and the picture shows a
very attractive looking and very imposing structure. It is in a
display window at the store of Bennie Winters and is attracting a
great deal of attention. It will entirely change the appearance of
Front, Alton and Second street in that block, and will be one of the
distinct and substantial improvements of Alton. The annex on Second
street, that low building between the Heuser & Meyer garage and the
old retail store of the packing company, is to be built up as high
as the rest of the building and the restaurant and saloon will be in
there. There will be an entire new front put in the building on the
Second street side and handsome stucco work will adorn the building
on all sides. The entrance to the baths will be on Alton street. The
summer garden will be on the river side and will extend from Alton
street one block east. The top floor will be devoted to large airy
sleeping rooms and the entire building will be modernly furnished
and equipped throughout. There will be several entrances and exits
of course, but the main ones are as stated above.
HOTEL CHRISTENED BEFORE STRUCTURE IS COMPLETED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 6, 1913
August F. Ratz was in Alton today conferring with the Luers about
the plans for the proposed new hotel to be erected on the site of
the former Illinois Packing Company plant. The name "Alton Mineral
Springs Hotel" has been decided upon. Mr. Ratz says that he is
planning to get the hotel opened the first of next October, and that
he will have rooms at popular prices and the best accommodations for
mineral water baths. He says that the water from the artesian well
is the nearest possible in some respects to sea water, white its
medical properties are of unquestioned value, and he believes that
the new hotel, once well advertised, will do a big business,
attracting invalids to the city for the baths. He intends having
meals there, as well as rooms. It will be run on the European plan.
Mr. Ratz said he has been looking for a good job for two months, and
within the last four days he has had four good jobs offered to him,
but that he is now fixed until the time comes to open his new
Mineral Springs Hotel at Alton.
ST. LOUIS PAPER GIVES NICE BOOST TO ALTON HOTEL
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 14, 1913
The Globe-Democrat this morning shows a view of the new Alton
Mineral Springs Hotel, which the Luer Packing Company is erecting on
the site of the old Illinois Packing Company, and which will be
managed by August F. Ratz. The Globe-Democrat said:
"Work has begun on a $100,000 hotel in Alton, Illinois, to be on
Front Street overlooking the Mississippi River, and which will be
completed by January 1, according to August F. Ratz of St. Louis,
who has been chosen manager of the hotel. It will be called the
Mineral Springs Hotel, because it is built over a mineral spring
which comes to the surface near the river. Luer Brothers of Alton,
well-known real estate owners and contractors, are building the
hotel. Helfensteller, Hirsch and Watson of St. Louis are the
architects. Baths will be a feature, and a large swimming pool will
be on the first floor. The building, of brick and terra cotta, will
be a triangular shape, 200 feet on Alton Street, 75 feet on Second
Street [Broadway], and 100 feet on Front Street. The building will
be two stories in height on Second Street and three stories on Front
Street. It will be built fireproof, or slow combustion, and will be
a big ornament to the neighborhood and an important addition to
Alton's attractive features.
OPENING NEW HOTEL IN SECTIONS - WORK NEAR FINISHED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 27, 1914
With no ceremony whatever, the different departments of the new
Mineral Springs Hotel will be put into operation. The first dinner
will be served in the hotel tomorrow evening at six o'clock, and
after that it is expected that other things will follow along until
within another week the entire hotel will be running full blast. The
first departments of the new hotel were opened today when the bar
and the barber shop were put into operation this morning. After the
first meal is served tomorrow evening, arrangements will be made for
letting out the rooms. It is expected that the first rooms will be
opened to the public about Monday, when the clerk's office will be
established in the hotel. Sometime about the middle of the week, the
swimming pool and the bath features of the hotel will be put into
operation. Notwithstanding the fact that the hotel is one of the
best and most modern equipped in this part of the country, there
will be no ceremony about the opening. Each department will be put
in operation as soon as it has been completed.
The mechanics who are putting the finishing touches on the interior
of the building have been working many hours overtime to have it in
condition for service next week. Even today while hundreds of people
are inspecting the interior of the building, the workmen are busy
putting on the finishing touches. Some of the rooms are completed
now, but they will not be thrown open to the public until next week,
at which time all of them will have been completed.
The new hotel will be conducted under the management of August Ratz,
who was in charge of the Illini Hotel at Alton before M. G. Baker
took charge of it. Mr. Ratz told a reporter for the Telegraph this
afternoon that a number of applications had been made for rooms, and
he expected to have the building filled soon after it was opened.
Thomas Hawkins, who did the plastering, says that the job was the
biggest by far, that has ever been done in the city of Alton. He has
not finished, as he must wait to do the stucco work on the south
side until such a time as the weather cools off a bit. He says it
would be impossible to do this work with present weather conditions.
NASH
BOARDING HOUSE
/ST.
ELMO/HOTEL MILLER/EAGLE HOTEL
Mrs. Kate Nash Boarding House, located on the southeast corner of
Third and Market Streets, operated since at least 1892. The
Victorian style building overlooked the Mississippi River. It was
also known as the St. Elmo (with owners Mrs. Nusbaum and Mr. James
T. Watson), the Hotel Miller (owned by W. J. Miller in 1895), and
the Eagle Hotel. The building was razed in 1908 to be replaced by
the Illini Hotel (later named the Stratford).
OLD FARMERS HOME
The Old Farmers Home, listed under hotel listing in 1876, was
located at the northeast corner of Broadway and Spring Street. In
1876, it was owned by J. Miedel.
PIASA HOUSE/EAGLE TAVERN
The Piasa House, at the northeast corner of Piasa and 4th Streets,
was a three-story frame building, said to have been “commodious and
contemporary.” It was built by Judge Hezekiah Hawley, previous to
1835, when Alton was a fledgling town. It was demolished in 1888.
According to the Telegraph, the building was U-shaped, but on an
1867 map, the building was not drawn that way. At the north end an
enclosed yard stood for wagons and stagecoaches. There were long
porches running along the three sides facing the inner court. On the
property was a “fine carriage house.” No picture of the Piasa House
has survived the years.
Of those who kept the hotel were Mrs. Elizabeth Wait (described as a
motherly, kind-hearted old lady), Mr. Reno, William Wentworth,
Captain William Post, Samuel Brooks, Jacob C. Bruner, and John Hart
and sons. On April 12, 1837, Mrs. L. Wait placed an advertisement in
the Alton Telegraph for the Piasa House. The ad stated "She is
prepared for her friends and traveling community's reception and
comfortable accommodation. Feeling fully confident that every
necessary arrangement will continue to be made which will ensure
success to the establishment, she respectfully solicits and fondly
anticipates a reasonable share of the public patronage." This is the
first mention of the Piasa House in The Telegraph that I could find.
The Piasa House later became the Eagle Tavern and Hotel, ran by Post
and Wentworth. Daniel Webster, the great orator, delivered an
address from a balcony of the old building in 1843.
The Piasa House was razed in the 1890s. The foundation of the
building was later used for the Garstang Foundry and the Beall
Shovel factory. Later the Sears Hardware & Automotive stood here.
PIASA HOUSE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 12, 1837
Mrs. L. Wait begs leave most respectfully to inform her friends and
the traveling community generally that she has taken the large and
commodious house know by the name and style of the "Piasa House," on
the corner of Piasa and Fourth Street, where she is prepared for
their reception and comfortable accommodation. Feeling fully
confident that every necessary arrangement will continue to be made
which will ensure success to the establishment, she respectfully
solicits and fondly anticipates a reasonable share of the public
patronage.
PIASA HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 28, 1838
James Reno (formerly of Carrollton) would inform his friends and the
public that this House has been refined and opened under his
superintendence; and to the traveling community he tenders
accommodations neat and convenient to themselves, and good stabling
for their horses. A few permanent boarders, either families or
single gentlemen, can be furnished with commodious apartments, and
all who honor his house with their patronage may be assured of
receiving unremitting attention to promote their comfort.
EAGLE TAVERN (FORMERLY THE PIASA HOUSE)
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 18, 1840
The subscribers, having thoroughly repaired and fitted up the Eagle
Tavern (formerly Piasa House), corner of Piasa and Fourth Streets,
Alton, Illinois, feel justified in assuming their friends and the
traveling public, who may favor them with a call, that their
recommendations are such as will give entire satisfaction to the
most ________(?). Their table will always be supplied with the very
best that the season and the markets will afford, and as they have
employed a cook of long experience and indisputable _____(?), they
feel no hesitation in saying that the tastes of everyone will be
gratified. Their servants are obedient and attentive. Their bar will
be at all times stocked with the choicest wines and liquors.
Attached to the house is an excellent stable, and good and
sufficient carriage houses. Drays will always be in readiness to
convey baggage for travelers to and from steamboats, free of charge.
A share of public patronage is respectfully solicited. Rate of
Faire: Board per week, with lodging - $4.00. Board per week without
lodging - $3.00. Board per day - $1.25. Signed, Post & Wentworth.
PIASA HOUSE STABLE REMOVED
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 11, 1852
The stable in the rear of the Piasa House has been removed to make
way for the coal depot of Messrs. R. Emerson & Co., to be
established where it stood.
THE PIASA HOUSE
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, June 17, 1853
The Piasa House is doing a good business, we should judge. Mr. Harry
Hart, its landlord, is well versed in his duties, and has a host of
friends. He has just erected a balcony around his hotel, which
greatly adds to its appearance, and makes a cool and pleasant shade
for the weary traveler.
THE PIASA HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 7, 1865
Mr. Samuel Williams has purchased the lease of this well-known
house, and intends to make it a pleasant and agreeable home for
those who may favor him with their patronage while in Alton. Mr.
Williams has made quite a number of improvements in the details of
the house, and contemplates others. He is well known to our citizens
generally, as a young and enterprising business man, and one who
will have a just regard to the wants and needs of customers. The
stabling and yard accommodations for teams and stock are unsurpassed
by any in the city. It has, for several years, been the home of
farmers while in our city. Call on Mr. Williams.
MINSTRELS TRY TO SWINDLE PIASA HOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 21, 1865
Two or three days since, a gang of wandering “Amateur Minstrels”
made their way to Alton, and put up at the Piasa House. They stuck
up a few posters around the streets announcing a series of
first-class concerts. The city papers were ignored by the celebrated
band, and consequently they failed to pay expenses. They attempted
to swindle the proprietor of the Piasa House of their board bill,
but Mr. Williams put an attachment on their instruments, and they
were obliged to pay. We advise the public to keep an eye on the
gang.
PIASA HOUSE HAS NEW OWNER
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 6, 1866
It will be seen by reference to a notice in another column that this
well established and popular house has changed hands, and will
hereafter be carried on by Daniel Williams, who is so well and
favorably known as its former and successful proprietor. Give him a
call.
PIASA HOUSE FOR SALE
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 8, 1868
The well-known and valuable hotel, the Piasa House, with all its
fixtures and appurtenances, is offered for sale by its present
proprietor, Mr. D. Williams. Immediate possession will be given. The
“Piasa” has long been well and favorably shown to the traveling
public, and is a very desirable hotel stand.
PIASA HOUSE REMODELING
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 03, 1868
The Piasa House is assuming a decidedly rejuvenated and attractive
appearance. When the repairs are completed, it will be more popular
than ever with the farming community.
PIASA HOUSE STABLES CAUGHT ON FIRE
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 18, 1873
About eight o’clock on Saturday evening, the stables of the Piasa
House caught fire and were partially consumed. The stables adjoined
the lumber yard of Sweetser & Priest, and were separated from the
hotel by a narrow allye. For a time there was a prospect of a
general conflagration, but the prompt arrival of the fire department
soon put a different aspect on affairs. The steamer was stationed at
the public cistern, and soon had two streams playing on the
building, which extinguished the flames in a few moments. The roof
and sides of the building were burned, but the framework was saved.
There were several horses and mules in the stables at the time. All
were got out uninjured, except one horse which was severely burned.
The fire broke out in the hay, but how it caught is still a mystern.
The danger of the Piasa House was such that most of the furniture
was hastily packed up, and a good portion of it removed. Had the
Piasa House burned, one of the oldest landmarks in the city would
have been obliterated.
About four o’clock in the morning, a second alarm was sounded,
caused by the fire again breaking out in the ruins, but this was
also promptly extinguished. The fire department are entitled to
great credit for the splendid service they performed on both
occasions. The stable belonged to the Allen estate. A hundred
dollars will probably cover the loss. It was insured, but no one in
Alton knows in what company. Mr. Ryan, proprietor of the Piasa
House, suffered a small loss by damage to furniture. [Note: The
Piasa House was located at the northeast corner of Piasa and W. 4th
Streets.]
PIASA HOUSE IN ALTON
Under Demolition
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 19, 1888
The Piasa House, an Alton landmark, is now being dismantled by Mr.
Richard Garstang. Mayor McPike went to the place yesterday for the
purpose of procuring possession, as a relic, of the door of room No.
12, an apartment occupied in times past by many noted personages,
among them Daniel Webster. While securing the door of the room, Mr.
McPike stumbled upon the following document, stained and yellow,
printed on paper somewhat like parchment:
“To Whom It May Concern – Know ye that Richard Williams, a Sergeant
of Captain B. D. Moore’s company (6), First Regiment of Dragoons,
who was enlisted on July 19, 1841, to serve 5 years, is hereby
honorably discharged from the army of the United States, this 23rd
day of May, 1846, at Camp Kearny, Indian Territory, by reason of
re-enlistment (no objection to his being re-enlisted is known to
exist). Said Sergeant Richard Williams was born in New York in the
State of New York, is 34 years of age, five feet seven inches high,
fair complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair, and by occupation, when
enlisted, a soldier. Given at Camp Kearny May 23, 1846. Signed C.
Wharton, Major, First Dragoons, Commanding.”
Sergeant Williams’ second enlistment was doubtless to serve in the
Mexican War, which commenced in the Spring of 1846.
PIEPER HOTEL/SAVOY HOTEL
The 30-room Pieper Hotel, owned by Frank Pieper and his wife,
Elizabeth, was located on the northeast corner of Front and Market
Streets. The hotel was erected in 1896 by Pieper. J. C. Harford
operated a saloon in the hotel. In 1897, a fire started in one of
the rooms on the third floor. The fire
department quickly put out the flames, and the hotel was repaired.
The Piepers operated the hotel for twenty-two years. Following the
death of Frank Pieper in 1901, his wife continued operating the
hotel for a while, then put the hotel up for sale due to poor
health. On August 6, 1918, Louis and Nellie Angel purchased the
hotel and renamed it the Savoy Hotel. During the first few years of
operation, the Savoy guest list was made up of mostly vaudeville
entertainers. When vaudeville faded, business slowed for a time, but
picked up again when the new Lock and Dam was constructed. Good word
spread, and the hotel was soon used by rivermen traveling up and
down the Mississippi.
Throughout the years different businesses were located on the ground
floor of the hotel. In 1920, the Postal Telegraph Company was
located there, and in 1921, a restaurant was opened in the hotel,
with Mrs. Angel as manager.
On August 01, 1932, T. P. Fish of Kansas City, who had registered at
the Savoy Hotel, ate his breakfast as normal, and went to his room.
When he did not appear for lunch, Mr. Angel went to his room. There
was a shot inside and the door was forced open. Mr. Fish had shot
himself and died later that day.
Mrs. Angel continued the business after the death of her husband,
but sold the building in 1969 due to poor health. The building still
stands.
PIEPER HOTEL WILL GO OUT OF BUSINESS
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1911
The Pieper Hotel building and furnishings at the corner of Front and
Market Streets will be sold early next month at public auction to
the highest bidder, the owner of the property, Mrs. Pieper, desiring
to retire from the business which she and her husband, the late
Frank Pieper, founded many years ago and conducted very successfully
all of the time. The business has been conducted by the Piepers on
that corner for more than twenty-two years, and before that they
conducted a similar business elsewhere in the city. Frank Pieper
Jr., who was associated with his father in the saloon part of the
business during the latter's life, and who has conducted it
successfully himself since, never like the business and is anxious
to quit it for good. It will be sold with the building or later to
other parties.
SECOND STREET HOTEL/BROADWAY BOARDING HOUSE
The Second Street Hotel was located in a three-story brick building
on the
north side of Second Street, later known as 306 W. Broadway.
It was near the steamboat landing, and was formerly occupied by Dr.
Thomas Hope. Mr. Robbins and Mr. Dickson remodeled the building in
1842, and opened their doors to boarders and travelers. A restaurant
was included, and the bar contained the "choicest assortment of
liquors." A livery stable connected with the hotel was located on
State Street. This hotel/boarding house was later referred to as the
Broadway Boarding House. On August 19, 1955, the building caught
fire, and four elderly people died - Charles and Ellen Irons (ages
82 and 77); James Siebers (73); and Virginia Nancy Duncan (74). The
second and third floors were used as residences, and a welding shop
was located on the first floor. The hotel had a nickname of "the
Shake and Flop House." The fire was noticed by the owner of the
welding shop, seeing smoke coming from the floor above his shop. It
was attributed to a laundry room stove.
SLEEPY BEAR TRAVEL LODGE
The Sleepy Bear Travel Lodge in Alton was constructed in 1963, and
was located at 717 East Broadway, just east of the old Burger Chef.
The site chosen was the former Luer Packing Plant, and while under
construction, it was discovered the ground was made of “gumbo” – a
combination of sand and clay mixture. The Travel Lodge foundation
had to be constructed on 68 piles, made of concrete 24 inches in
diameter, from 16 to 28 feet deep. The opening of the motel was
delayed until June 1964.
In about the year 2000, the motel was razed and a McDonalds erected.
Just west of the Sleepy Bear Travel Lodge on Broadway, was the
Flamingo Hotel. The Flamingo was located also on the south side of
Broadway, near Langdon Street, while the Sleepy Bear was near Ridge
Street.
SPRING STREET HOUSE
The Spring Street House was operated by Samuel Wyss in 1876, at the
corner of Broadway and Spring Street. It was still in business in
1895.
UNION HOTELS
There were two Union Hotels in early Alton. The first Union House
was located at the southeast corner of Market and Broadway. It was
erected in 1829 by Beal Howard. From 1838-1843, it operated as the
Virginia House, and then the Central Hotel. This hotel was destroyed
by fire in 1843. The First Presbyterian Church erected their brick
edifice on this property in 1846. The church sold the building to
Captain Huntington Smith, who added a third story and named the
building the Laura Building, in honor of his wife.
The second Union Hotel was located on the top floor of the Union
Depot on Front Street in downtown Alton. It was erected by the
Chicago and Alton Railroad, and opened in 1867. The hotel closed in
June 1882.
UNITED STATES HOTEL
The United States Hotel was located on the corner of Fourth and
Piasa Streets. In 1838, it was operated by Samuel Pitts.
VIRGINIA
HOUSE
The Virginia House was located at between Broadway and Front Street,
near Market Street. It was destroyed by fire in 1843.
FIRE DESTROYS THE VIRGINIA HOUSE IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 22, 1843
Between one and two o'clock on last Thursday morning, a fire was
discovered breaking out of the roof of the building at the angle
between Front and Second [Broadway] Streets, generally designated as
"The Virginia House," in this city. The alarm was promptly given,
and the different fire companies immediately hastened to the spot.
The devouring element, however, had made so much progress that in
spite of all their exertions, it was found impracticable to check
its ravages until the entire building was consumed. It was at the
time occupied by nine families, numbering fifty or sixty persons,
all of whom succeeded in effecting their escape, some of them not
without difficulty, and with the loss of their goods. The others
saved the most of their effects. The building, although large, was
of comparatively little value, and was partly owned by the State
Bank, and partly by S. G. Bailey, Esq. The loss of the tenants,
although inconsiderable in amount, is large to them, as most of them
are poor. Fortunately, the efforts of the fire companies were
seconded by the wind, which blew the flames from the adjacent
buildings, and consequently the fire was confined to the tenement in
which it originated. It is supposed to be the result of accident.
WALTON
HOUSE/STATE STREET HOTEL
Little is known of the Walton House, a temperance boarding house. It
was established by Jesse Walton in 1855, and was renamed in 1857 the
State Street Hotel by the new owner, A. M. Butler. It was located in
a double-brick building on the corner of State and Fourth Streets.
Mr. Walton also had a book and variety store in the same building.
Mr. Walton died in August 1866 of cholera. He was known as an honest
and upright man, who spent much time in distributing moral and
religious reading material to the soldiers and military prisoners at
the Alton prison on William Street.
WALTON’S TEMPERANCE BOARDING HOUSE
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 26, 1855
The subscriber has recently taken the double-brick building on the
corner of State and Fourth Street in the city of Alton, Illinois,
for a Temperance Boarding House, and would respectfully request the
citizens and travelers to give him a call. He will be ready to
accommodate all who may call on him at any hour, with single meals,
day, week, month, and yearly board, either with or without loding.
He has also a Book and Variety Store at the same place, with houses,
lots, and farms to sell, described heretofore in the public prints.
Signed Jesse Walton.
STATE STREET HOTEL
(Formerly the Walton House)
Corner of State and Fourth Streets, Alton
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, January 01, 1857
The undersigned is pleased to inform the public and his friends that
he has taken the above hotel, and solicits a share of patronage. The
house has been thoroughly cleaned, refitted, repaired, and newly
furnished throughout, and is now in readiness for the use of the
public. No pains will be spared to render this house comfortable and
agreeable to all that may favor me with their patronage. Terms: Day
board, per week, $2.00; board with rooms, per week, $2.50 to $3.50.
Signed A. M. Butler
WATSON HOTEL
The
Watson Hotel, owned by Henry Watson (of the Watson Quarries) opened
in 1875 at the northwest corner of Piasa and W. 7th Streets. The
brick and stone building was four stories high, and included a
Mansard roof. It contained 17 large rooms, besides pantries,
closets, etc. Mr. W. J. Ferguson had the contract for the
construction of the building.The building still stands.
WATSON HOTEL IN ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 7, 1875
Mr. Henry Watson has broken ground for the erection of a new hotel
or boarding house, on the northwest corner of Piasa and Seventh
Streets. It is to be built of brick and stone, four stories high,
including Mansard roof. The dimensions are 26x36 feet. It will
contain seventeen large rooms, besides pantries, closets, etc. Mr.
Watson will superintend the building himself. He has let the
contract for the woodwork to Mr. W. J. Ferguson. The new building
will be a much-needed improvement.
NOTES:
Henry Watson was born in Bishop Auckland, England, on March 17,
1836. He came to Alton in 1850, a poor, young man, but endowed with
remarkable business capacity. He engaged in the stone quarry and
contracting business. His first big job was furnishing the stone for
the Macoupin County courthouse. He became a successful business man,
and was a large stockholder in the Alton Savings Bank and the Alton
Lime and Cement Company. He was a long-time director in the Piasa
Building and Loan Association. One of his greatest works was the
building of the Alton Water Works system in 1875. He also promoted
the building of the Madison Hotel in Alton. He erected the Watson
Hotel in 1875. Watson died at the age of 73 years in April 1909.
After his death, Henry’s wife, Janet Watson, continued operating the
business. She donated land for the Riverview Park in Alton. Janet
died in February 1917, and was survived by four daughters and a
brother, Hugh K. Johnston (who owned the Johnston Hardware on
Broadway in Alton). The Watson home was located on Alby Street, near
7th Street, and was known as “Watson’s Mount.” In 1947, a hotel,
named the “Janet Watson Hotel,” was operated in the home (the home
still stands). The Henry Watson Hotel still stands, and is now
occupied by VSalon & Blow Dry Lounge.