Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-10-27
THE OLD MADE NEW,
GREAT CHANGES WROUGHT At the
EXCHANGE AND BALLARD HOTELS



The world wags its way. Days come
and 60, and change cauterises creations
Of men, matter. and mentality.
In the olden time the man With the
plethoric pocket-book sojourning in this
capital of the Old Dominion found satis-
faction to surfeit under the hospitsble
roof Of tho Exchange and Ballard Hotel,
as il was then known.
Colonel J. +. Darlington was the pro-
prietor. He was q man moulded in
metal that has become scarce. he was
quiet and unassuming, but broad-bot-
toned in hospitable intent His friends
from far and near were drawn TO his
famous house no less by the desire to
enjoy his society than the tempting al.
lurements OF his table and the comforta-
BILE inducements of his home-hke host
elry. Whether they were better Judges
than others il is none the less true that
men OF distinction with national reputa..
tional regulations, hardy heroes and
those boosting titles and royal rights.
found shelter here
To all who entered it's doors, the Ex-
change and Ballard bade good cheer,
and so it came about in the travelling
world that Darlington and his house be.
came famous, and to talk Of Q stay In
Richmond seemed necessarily to include
an acquaintance with the Exchange and
Ballard.
Colonel J. L. Darlington has answered
the dread demand-death. and the hotel
fell into new hands, one OF his own
blood, w. Scott Carrington, and Mr.. A.
w. Archer, who will be remembered for
his connection for score OF years with
the old house.
YOUNG BLOOD.
II is to the credit OF these gentlemen
that they have infused young blood into
the management OF the house. They
are going ahead with the progress Of the
times, and are plying oars that will push
the new house az far TO the front in these
days OF strinding steps Of advance a. it
ever went in the halycon days Of yore,
under Colonel Carrington's codtroL
The new management are familiar with
the fact that feeting sunbeams will pass
you by if no effort is made to keep up
with them. they know that Richmond
is rich in historic love, holds in her
bosom valued treasures OF the past can
claim climatic blessings rarely known.
and that she offers to the searcher for
beautiful pabulism and physical rest, un-
surpassed inducements. There can be
no sensible reason why parties who wish
to shun the vigors Of o northern writer,
or the disagreeable heats of the south,
should not find in Richmond haven OF
health and resort for rest that it would
be hard to find anywhere else, provided
temporary home OF tempting sur
roundings could bo commanded.
THE NEW HOTELS.
This idea struck Messrs. Darlington
and Archer, the present proprietors Of
the new Exchange and Ballard Hotels,
and looking back at the brave reputa'
ton of the house they bolstered them
selves to bring to the front every re-
quirement necessary to fill felt want
Ii skill and taste combined can accom-
plsh the result 1t Is theirs. The houses
stand out, conspicuous in rehabilitation
There Is no sham about anything. 1t Il
honest, hard finish, in chamber, closet
kitchen, garret and parlor.
The dining-room is dreamy in it
beauty and finish, and its appointments
are in strict keeping with rooms sp
pearance. The service is excellent, NJ
tedious wasting, no noise and confusion
| The fare and ware is what can only b.
expected from the surroundings, and th'
most fastidious can only complain il
order TO keep ones hand in. The pri
vate dining-room will accommodate
thirty people and is homelike all around
The private parlors, rooms en- suite
with or without baths, and single room
have cosiness and comfort about then
that is striking.
REALLY REFIrTED.
In fact, the new hotels have indeed
been really refitted. The old plumbing
has been ierked out and new work takel
its place. All the advances in hygien'
that the ruthless plumber has 80 far con
sented to introduce has been utilized
New paper, paint, and pictures abound
Carpets fresh from the dealer cover tn
floors, and couches fit for fiercest fight
against enemies of sleep invite repose
Electric light and gas turn night int.
day, and to tighten the journey through
the houses tho most perfectly-equippet
elevator in the city has been provided
The two hotels are connected by
covered bridge extending across Frank
lin street. This is softly carpeted. fur
nished with easy chairs, and afford
those who want it delicious sun-bath
The old house has become two nev
ones, and Richmond can say with salts
faction that their standard Of to-da,
ntly compares with the record OF th