The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1922-03-02
FIRST LICENSE
FOR OLD POINT
HOTEL IN 1843
History Of Past and Present
HosteIries There Gathered
BY Research Expert.

Governor f. Lee Trinkle OF Vir
ginia, recently signed a senate bill
authorizing the erection of a hotei
at Old Point Comfort on the site or
the Old Chamberlin hotel. which was
destroyed by fire about two years
ago.
Some interesting facts relative to
the history of Old Point Comfort. its
hotel enterprises of the past and It's
present status have been gathered
by James Heating, PA MCGill build
ing, Washington, who makes a spe-
cialty OF research work:
"Old Point Comfort and Fortress
Monroe are located in Elizabeth City
county, Va. Old Point Comfort was
named by Captain import Newport
in 1908, for its safe harbor in times
Of storm and stress. The adjective
old" having been added to its origi-
nal designation to distinguish 1t from
its sister shelter. New Point Com.
fort, higher up the bay. 1t is about
sixteen miles from Norfolk.
Fortress Monroe.
Fortress Monroe is n Military res
ervation. containing an area OF about
477.97 acres, including the submerged
land recently acquired and the fifteen
acres known as the Rip Raps. The
title is as follows: |. Deed from the
governor OF Virginia, dated --,
1888, ceding title 10 and jurisdiction
over $50 acres of land at Old Point
Comfort. and fifteen acres of shoal
at the Rip Raps. Recorded in Eliza.
beth city county clerks office De
cember u. 1888. ,. Deed from the
Hampton River and Mill Creek Toll
Bridge Company, dated November
10, 1888. 3. Deed from Jas. a. j.
Bradford to Lieut.. Col r. +. De
Russy, for the United States, dated
February IL, 1S4l. 4. Deed from
John Tabh to Col. r. +. DeRussy,
for the United States, dated 1874.
}. Deed from Jas. NJ. Cummings and
wife, dated August IS, 1908. s. De
cree of Circuit Court Of the United
States, Eastern District of Virginia,
entered November 10, 1904, covering
tract of 1.29 acres above mean low
water (0.49 Of an acre of which is
high land, known as the Catholic
Brothers land. Consideration paid TO
owner cold Point Comfort College'0
same date. 7. Decree of Condemna-
ton of 103.6l acres above mean low
water (40.5 acres of high land. the
property of John r. McGinness, in
the United States Circuit Court for
Deed from the governor of Virginia,
Rendered November IL, 1906. s.
Deed from the Governor of Virginia,
dated November 81. 1908, conveying
title and ceding jurisdiction under
State Act OF March IL, 1908 (Acts
of Assembly, Virginia. 1908, Chapter
FOG, page $40, over two tracts of
submerged land adjoining reserva-
ton, 4l.20 acres in Hampton Roads
and 1916 acres in Mill creek. Deed
registered in the office Of Register
Land Office, Book 1922, p. 361. Con
veyance made subject to rights of
any persons claiming under any
grant, lease, or assignment, or under
any contract with the Commonwealth
or her duly authorized representa-
tives."
mot a foot Of land on this 'reser.
vation' can be bought at any price,
nor can a dwelling of any kind be
erected thereon without submitting
a special bill to Congress. which has
TO be referred to appropriate COM
mittee, reported on, read various
times, passed and approved by the
Chief Executive.
Old Point Hotels.
License was granted April 10,
lS43, to DR.. Archer, to erect the
Sherwood. a frame building without
the walls of Fortress Monroe. License
vas granted March 81, 1873, to Mrs.
S. +. Eaton, for addition to the build
ing she occupies on the reservation.
blouse erected by DR.. Archer. Plans
approved September 80, 1879.
License March rs, 1895, to George
Booker to reconstruct that portion
of the building known as the Sher-
wood recently destroyed by fire. Lii
cense April 10, 1895, to George
Booker to extend building known as
the Sherwood. License February 3,
1897, to George Booker to repair the
building known as the Sherwood,
damaged by fire. License September
%, 1908, to NJ. Louise Booker, admin.
istratrix, ETC., to maintain and use
the building known as the New Sher'
wood License November %, 1908,
to John Kimberly to maintain and
use the building known as the New
Sherwood.
The Hygeia.
For years prior to the Civil War,
Old Point Comfort had been cele.
brated as a watering place. The
singular salubrity Of it's location, ma
larial fever being absolutely I'M
known. assured II wide celebrity
as a place Of residence during the
sumner months. the temperature in
summer ranging from 60 to 80. The
gentry Of the upper country flocked
hither during the summer months to
enjoy the unaccustomed luxury Of
sea bathing and fishing, interposed
an abrupt interruption in the career
of Old Point Comfort as a resort for