Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-04-11


Ye editor for now nearly three years,
was forced by reason of purchase and
financial interest to give some attention
to the st. Clair Hotel, in connection
with Mr.. w. T. Stewart. All connec-
ton with its business ceased on the 1st
inst, and we feel at liberty to make
few remarks thereon. For years the re
was public clamor for large and first
class hotel accommodations. Every
town meeting, every social gathering
and every street corner resounded with
words of condemnation of the inatten-
tion of leading spirits 10 not providing
such an hotel. Finally, Col. MAIDEN
bousch purchased the old Stewart House
and upon its site erected magni ficent
building, nicely arranged and commo-
dious in every surrounding. This per
sonal effort cost $45 900 and cost him
his business success. The decline of
values was too heavy, the cost was in
excess of anticipation and the result
Was, that whilst endeavoring to build
up for the community, an enterprising,
pushing citizen was forced to the wall.
Several efforts were made to establish
the hotel, but the people who had done
the talking and the growing, failed to
give either their influence or patronage,
and whilst acknowledged to be the best
property of its kind in the State or in
this Valley, its sustenance was always
less than necessary for healthy vitality.
Such was its condition when Stewart &
Wisner became owners, in May, 1882,
and being unable to rent, were compel
ed to employ manager and run it.
The name was changed from the Grand
Central to The st. Clair. A fair aver
age OF the growth Of business ls shown
by the months Of August 1882, 1883 and
1884, not tho dullest and not the brisk
est month Of the year. The first the
receipts were little over $500, the sec
ond over 5000, and for August 1884,
$l657. Thus steadily it was worked up
until again it has become valuable and
the owners have secured leasee in the
person of Col. p. E. Dorsey who bears
the reputation OF a competent, intelli
gent and perseveriDg gentlemen in the
hotel business. Parts of the hotel have
been overhauled and improvements
made By the owners, and Mr., Dorsey
has added tine, comfortable aud hand
some furniture and other improvements
as proprietor. Ye editor is out OF the
business and intends foreman out, as
there are several things he knows a. lit.
tie more about, end the question for the
people is to decide as to whether or not
this large hotel is worthy of their kind
patronage and influence. We believe
there is ample room for all, but, never
theless, the st. Clair with its excellent
arrangement,its spacious dining rooms,
its ample guest chambers and its pleas
ant surroundings can be made and kept
the peer of any hotel in the State or
surrounding towns. 1t was construct
ed for hotel to aid in advancing the
interests of the COMMUNICATIVE town
deserves such structure and the struc-
ture deserves the influence OF the peo-
pie toa large extent. In saying this
much there is no desire to injure or
pull down other interests, on the.contra-
ry we believe those interests will agree
with the sentiment expressed. We have
no doubt Col. Dorsey will do his utmost
To please guests and make the st. Clair
as attractive as and home-like as any
similar first-class hotel any where.