St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1897-12-17
A MODEL HOTEL.
The New Avenue House Nearly Completed and
the Opening Day Not Far Off.

The New Avenue House Nearly Completed ant
the Opening Day Not Far Off,
Sunday, January &c, 1896, the Avenue
House was completely destroyed by fire
The question at once naturally arose
will Mr.. Howe rebuild, and if he does
what kind of building will he put up
At first propositions were made by Mr.
Howe to organize a stock company tc
erect a fine brick hotel at cost of $50,
900 or $4,000, he agreeing to take a
large block of the stock if such a company
could be organized. Several meetings
were held with this object in view, at
tended by number of business men, but
the proposed company never material
ized 1t seemed an enormous undertake
ing, attended with considerable rsk. All
admitted the need in ST. .Johnsbury of a
frst.class hotel and could see the great
benefit the village would derive from it,
but were doubtful if such one as Mr..
Howe desired to erect could be made to
pay and were evidently not anxious to
risk their money in the undertaking.
The project of organizing company
was given mp, but Mr.. Howe could not
give up his desire to see modern hotel
on the site of the old one and finally de-
cided to assume the responsibility him
a1f 81 hu,1I,np WnrE G
begun as soon as the wea Their permitted.
The enterprise appeared a stupendous
one, and there are few men who would
have had the courage TO undeIt take it
under like circumstances. Mr.. Howe has
met and overcome all obstacles and the
result is the present elegant four-story
brick structure. The building is most
thoroughly constructed throughout, with
fire-proof walls and all the latest improve
ments in the way of plumbing, etc. 1t is
building that St. Johnsbury can well be
proud OF, and the state OF Vermont can
show few better. The first floor contains,
besides the hotel Office, eight fine large
stores, five Of which are already occu-
pied.
But it is OF the new hotel, now nearly
ready to announce its opening day, that
this article is to treat. The main en-
trance to the hotel is at the corner of
Eastern avenue and Railroad street and
lets one into a large circular room about
80 feet in diameter, the full size OF the
tower. This room has several large
plate glass windows extending from floor
to ceiling, and the traveller can sit here
and not leave till he sees his train pull
into the station. This room will be nice
ly furnished and large fireplace will add
to its peasantness on cold evenings.
Connected with this room is the main
office, which will be fitted with all the
modern convenences of the irst.class
hotel office. At the farther end of the
room is fine oak counter, and back of it
on the wall the room board, letter boxes,
ETC., and at one side is the enunciator.
A long writing table extends nearly the
entire length Of this room. Advertise
ments oil number oil village business
firms will adorn the back of this table.
An elevator takes the guests from here
to their rooms above. Connected with
the office are the toilet rooms, equipped
with the best modern appliances. Down
stairs will be nicely furnished barber
shop and billiard room. The restaurant
on Railroad street. Mr.. DOYLE has not
yet decided whether to lease or to run it
himself. He has had several good offers
to lease it. This restaurant will be
convenience the village has long been in
need of, place where good lunch can
be obtained at any time of day or night.
Between the Office and this restaurant is
the ladies entrance with stairs to the
second floor.
An elevator takes us from the office to
the second floor and we stop a few
minutes in the parors, two fine large
rooms, one being in the tower. A new
upright piano, number of easy chairs
and couches, mirrors and pictures will
make these hotel parlors second to very
few if any, this side of Boston. In the en-
trance between the two rooms will be
beautiful chenille draperies. In the circle
room is a beautiful centerpecc with the
wood work OF solid mahogany, a very
expensive piece of furniture. A fireplace
is another pleasant feature of this room
The floors OF both rooms are covered
with beautiful carpet and lace curtains
will adorn the windows.
On this floor is the dining-room, about
40x6O feet in size, furnished with the best
OF appropriate furniture. An elegant
piece OF furniture is large, solid quar-
tered oak sideboard with plate glas.
mirror. The walls and ceilings are finely
frescoed. MIR. Doyle has selected tn,
silver and glassware with the creates,
of care. it all being first class. The glass
ware is ola very pretty design and thu
tables when ready tor their first meal will
present an appearance pleasing to tn,
eye. The dining-room will seat regula
1875, but on the occasion OF banquets, etc.
can easily seat 200. OFF the main dining
room is a small one, which will be finel,
furnished for private use. A$42 rug will
adorn the floor of this room.
The hotel has IS bedrooms, every on
large, well lighted, heated and ventilated
A number of the rooms will contain tw,
beds. The bedsteads are all iron, wit
woven-wire springs, long curled hair mat
tresses and goose leather pillows. TIL
remainder OF the furniture is of oak
Every bedroom is well carpeted, has
good-szed closet. electric bell and retur