Weekly journal-miner. [volume] (Prescott, Ariz.) 1908-1929, 1914-03-04
HE PUT PRESCOTT ON
HOTEL MAP OF STATE
(From Wedncsdav's Dailv0


Ed Shumatc. the most competent
and genial h"niiace in Northern
Arizona. and the man who in two
years has placed Prescott on the ho-
tel map Of the State. yesterday con-
cluded deal by which he disposed
of the ST, Michael and the Annex
to the same. located over the Owl
Drug & Candy Company, to two
Eastern investors.
Mr.. Shumatc had long been known
as caterer but that he was pos
sessed of positive but latent genius
for the hotel business was not dis
closed until he vas practically forced
into it. Some two years and eight
months ago Mr.. Shumate, contrary
to his inclinations, as he already
had his hands full. was persuaded
by friends to take lease on the
ST. Michael, they arguing that Pres
colt was sadly in need OF first
class hotel and that he was the ono
man to fill the long-felt want. Their
opportunities finally resulted in him
lending receptive ear to the appeal.
more particularly from the stand
point OF civic pride. and he en-
barked in venture to TIE ms and
outs of which he was total
stranger.
The St. Michael AT that time was
nothing more or less than 4 mere
roOming house, and far from invit-
ing. BY the expenditure of large
sum of money the place was refur-
nished. the interior remodcled and
made cosy and comfortable and the
dining room reopened for the ac-
commodation of the guests. Even
if inexperienced, Mr.. Shumate had
the right idea for the successful
conduct of hotel-to give the best
OF service-and in furtherance OF
this plan he spared neither time
nor expense. How well he sue
ceeded is evidenced by the fact
that the reputation for hospitality
he established was far-reaching
enough to draw the present purchas-
ers from Illinois.
Able assistance has been the good
fortune OF the proprietor. his son,
Harry Shumate. having relieved him
of much of the detail of the work.
Mr.. Shumate being unable by reason
OF his varied business interests to
devote all his time to the hotel.
One of the plans devised for en-
tertaining guests. giving them 4
good time and making them feel
at home. was the inauguration of 4
series Of semi-monthlv dances with
cabaret features. In fact personal
attention has been the keynote OF
the success OF the management.
The banquets at the hotel, given
under the direct supervision of Mr..
Shumate and hardly an affair ri
note but what utilized the dining
room, added to his prestige.
From 4 hotel with but a name,
Mr.. Shumate has established a ho-
tel with a reputation that extends
far beyond the confines of the
State, and it is with general regret
that his many friends and we'll
wishers will learn that his other
business interests demand that he
devote more OF his time to them.
1t is highly satisfactory to know.
however, that his retirement from
the hotel business does not mean the
loss to the town of one of its best
boosters.
Messrs. J. a. Woods and ]. C..
Brown, the successors to the House
of Shumate, come from Bridgeport.
III. Mr. Brown is an experienced
hotel man and will be assisted in
the management by his wife and
son, who will shortly arrive from
their Eastern home. Mr.. Woods Is
wealthy manufacturer and it is
understood is simply making an in
vestment i'll what he considers one
OF the livliest towns OF the South
west. The Shumate lease will ex-
pire in about four months. but ar
engagements have already been per-
fected for a renewal of the same
for a thrce-year. period. The new
management assumed charge OF the
business yesterday.