The Topeka state journal., 1904-10-01
UNIQUE HOTEL.
Ell Tovar, at Bright Angel Canyon a
Picturesque Place.

Ell Tovar, at Bright Angel Canyon a
Picturesque Place.
Nearly everything worth while in
the southwest dates back to Francisco
| Vasquez Coronado. the Spanish gov
ernor of Galacia, who left Mexico in
the year 1910, Accompanied by several
hundred warriors. in search OF the
mythical seven cities of Cibola.
Coronado and his men found no
gold, but they discovered New Mexico.
Arizona and other sections of the
Rockies. Their most spectacular
find" was the Grand Canyon of Ari-
zona.
Chief among Coronado's lieutenants
was brave conquistador named Pedro
del Tovar, captain of the detachment
that explored and conquered the prov
1nce of Tusayan, now known as Moki-
land. While among the Mokis, Tovar
heard of the Grand Canyon, which
borders old Tusayan on the west. He
reported the tale to Coronado and
CardenaS was sent out to verify 1T.
Though not the first white man to
see this titan of chasms. Tovar was
largely instrumental in its discovery,
so when the Santa Fe needed an ap-
propriate name for the new hotel at
Bright Angel "EI Tovar' was select
ed. 1t is true that Don Pedro waited
nearly four centuries for immortality,
but better men have waited a thous-
and years and still remain unknown to
fame.
1t is far cry from 1910 to 1904
Early in December will be opened the
most unique, the most comfortable, the
most costly hotel in the southwest,
under management of Mr.. Fred Har-
vey.
Occupying site 1000 feet above sea-
level, close to the rim of the grandest
of canyons, at the railway terminus and
not far from the head of Bright Angel
tra1l, FL Tovar commands prospect
without parallel in the world. A per-
pendicular mile from rim to river
(seven miles by traiD and thirteen dizzy
miles across to the opposite canyon
wall. The roaring Colorado below looks
seldom reaches the stiffness of the upper
air On three sides are the fragrant
pines of Coconino, government forest
reserve, and the largest continuous belt
of pine timber in the United States.
Everywhere riot of color and beauty
of form, a vision unSpeakable.
Ell Tovar is q long, low, rambling edf-
flee. built of native boulders and pine
logs. Expressed with exactnesS, the
width north and south is three hundred
and twenty-five feet and from east to
west two hundred feet.
Its lines are in complete harmony
with the simplicity of the mighty gorge
below. One feels that the architect, Mr.
Chas. F. Whittelsey, of Albuquerque
struck the right keynote. There are
here expressed quiet dignity, an un-
d
great outdoors. Not Waldorf-Astoria,
but such a hotel as the traveller seeking
hign class accommodations will find to
his liking.
The hotel is from two to three stories
high. 1t contains about 125 rooms. The
main building and entrance face the
east. Ample accommodations are pro-
vided for $50 guests. Outside are wide
porches and a roof garden, affording ex-
tensive views while one is sheltered
from the Arizona sun.
Boulders and logs for the walls and
shakes for the roof, stained weather.
beaten color, merge into the gray
green of the surroundings. The in
side finish is mainly peeled slabs, wood
in the rough, and tinted plaster, inter-
spersed with huge wooden beams.
Triple easement windows and immense
fireplaces abound. Indian curios and
trophies of the chase are used in the
decorations.
One of the most novel features is
the solarium; should the day happen
to be chilly this is just the place for
a sun bath. In the spacious amuse-
ment room are billiard and pool
tables, shuttle boards, and other
means of indoor enjoyment. The So
called rendezvous, similar to the
lounging room of a country club, is a
pleasant spot where friends may meet
and compare notes of the
room, 3Sx90 feet, has log walls, a
rough board arched ceiling supported
by great log trusses, and two stone
fireplaces. On each side are private
dining rooms. Many of the bedrooms
are en- suite, with bath. Hot and cold
water, steam heat Gin season., and
electric light are generously supplied.
The cuisine is Harvey's best; everyone
who has travelled on the Santa Fe
knows what Harvey quality is.
Ell Tovar is to cost more than a
quarter of a million dollars. No money
has been spared to get the most up-to-
date equipment possible. Take the item
of furniture. it is all from special arts
and crafts designs, combining use and
beauty.
Among the minor comforts may be
mentioned a telephone in each room
not a room in the house where the sun
fails to enter at some period of the
day.
The protection against fire is very
complete, the reserve supply of water
in the steel tank being 125, 900 gallons
The plant furnishing heat, light, power
and water is far enough removed to be
unobjectionable.
Theer are stables and corrals where
horses and teams are kept for trips
along the rim and down to the river. A
search light has been ordered to light
up the weird canvon depths at night.
Adjacent is a Hopi house, built of
stones and adobe, exactly reproducing
one of the unique dwellings of the
Hopi Indians. In this picturesque
structure will live several families of
Hopi weavers and potters. plying their
strange handicrafts. A museum of
rare Indian curios will be installed
Mr.. Harvey has selected Mr.. Charles |
A. Brant as local manager, a gentle |
man favorably known in hotel and
club circles.