2024.10.31 THROW BACK THURSDAY "America's Most Haunted Hotel"
THROW BACK THURSDAY "America's Most Haunted Hotel"
PLUS CLASS NEWS
The Crescent Hotel, located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, has a long and storied history spanning over 130 years. Construction on this magnificent hotel began in 1884 using specially crafted wagons to transport massive stone pieces from a nearby quarry. Skilled Irish stonemasons erected 18-inch thick walls and multiple towers, along with ornate balconies and an imposing lobby fireplace. The total construction cost amounted to $294,000.
The hotel officially opened in 1886 to great fanfare, with a lavish inauguration ball and banquet. It boasted modern amenities like electricity, an elevator, and a hydraulic service system. The Crescent Hotel quickly became known as America's most luxurious and opulent resort. Wealthy guests arrived via the Frisco railroad and were transported to the hotel in liveried carriages. Visitors came seeking healing from the area's natural springs and enjoyed amenities like the spa, swimming pool, stables, and on-site orchestra.
However, by 1900 the hotel was forced to close due to declining visitors. From 1908-1924 it briefly operated as a women's college and summer resort. After another closure, it reopened from 1930-1934 as a junior college before being abandoned.
In 1937, Norman G. Baker purchased the hotel and converted it into a fraudulent cancer hospital, scamming patients with false miracle cures. He was eventually arrested for mail fraud in 1939. During Baker's ownership, some patients died, contributing to the hotel's haunted reputation. Stories persist of ghostly encounters from this era, including nurses pushing ghostly gurneys and a little girl named Theodora calling for her mother.
From 1940-1946 the hotel sat vacant again during World War II. New ownership in 1946 led to renovations and renewed prosperity. But in 1967 a fire swept through the south wing, causing damage. For decades, the hotel changed hands multiple times with various attempts at restoration.
In 1997, Marty and Elise Roenigk purchased the rundown hotel and invested $5 million into a meticulous 5-year restoration project. They rebuilt the spa, observation tower, weathervane, guest rooms, and infrastructure while preserving the Victorian charm. The grand reopening occurred in 2002.
75 Prospect Ave
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
1-877-484-1605
Today the 1886 Crescent Hotel continues to operate as a luxury resort and spa, renowned for its history, architecture, and ghosts. It offers accommodations, dining, spa services, amenities, and paranormal tours and investigations for visitors to experience. Guests and staff have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained sounds, and objects moving on their own. Now 130 years old, the hotel stands as an iconic Arkansas landmark and America's most haunted hotel.
1956 CLASS NEWS
I actually made it to the Girls' Lunch on Monday. What a crowd . . . and a good lookin' crowd, I might add!!!
Double click to enlarge
Left: Bucky, Sharon Douglass, Mary Fleming, Kitty Jones (Mrs. Harry), Mary Jo Bryant
ML standing at end of table
Right: Barbara May, Gwen Shepherd, Mary Lou Hosack, Judy Callaway, Pat Glass, Charlene Grady and Midge Brown
1955 CLASS NEWS
Happy Birthday, Lana!!!!
And Next Monday, sending HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES to Betty Houchin!
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For a couple of the girls:
ML
My little Baltimore Trick or Treater!