Hotels - Revision history

MWanner: +1

2026-10-05T15:00:45Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:00, 5 October 2026
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	* [[Von Dorrien]], [[Forest Home Road]] and [[Ampersand Avenue]] (Little Lake Colby)		* [[Von Dorrien]], [[Forest Home Road]] and [[Ampersand Avenue]] (Little Lake Colby)
	* [[Wawbeek Hotel\|Wawbeek]], on Upper Saranac Lake		* [[Wawbeek Hotel\|Wawbeek]], on Upper Saranac Lake
			* [[Wayside Inn]]

MWanner: Text replacement - "Dorsey Street" to "Dorsey Street"

2026-07-17T20:34:14Z

Text replacement - "Dorsey Street" to "Dorsey Street"

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:34, 17 July 2026
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	In addition to the abundance of Hotels, there was a plethora of Boarding houses, many of which were eventually converted to [[Cure Cottages\|cure cottages]]. In the case of the Villa Dorsey it might be debated whether the place should be termed a boarding house or a hotel. However, at peak capacity, the establishment could accommodate 30 guests which should qualify it as a "small hotel."		In addition to the abundance of Hotels, there was a plethora of Boarding houses, many of which were eventually converted to [[Cure Cottages\|cure cottages]]. In the case of the Villa Dorsey it might be debated whether the place should be termed a boarding house or a hotel. However, at peak capacity, the establishment could accommodate 30 guests which should qualify it as a "small hotel."

	The Villa Dorsey was built by [[Walter Channing Rice\|Walter Channing Rice]] in 1889, and among the early guests were a pair of sisters named Dorsey who were Quakers from Germantown, Pa. A resulting friendship led to Channing naming the hotel in the sisters' honor. Directly from the building the name was transplanted to the street. Thus, the Villa Dorsey became No. 1 [[~~Dorsey Street\|~~Dorsey Street]]. Rice ran the place until 1909 and during the 10 years many famous people slept under his roof. The most noted couple to occupy his rooms were President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland. First renting his house to Mrs. Florence Merry, Rice finally sold out to her in 1923.		The Villa Dorsey was built by [[Walter Channing Rice\|Walter Channing Rice]] in 1889, and among the early guests were a pair of sisters named Dorsey who were Quakers from Germantown, Pa. A resulting friendship led to Channing naming the hotel in the sisters' honor. Directly from the building the name was transplanted to the street. Thus, the Villa Dorsey became No. 1 [[Dorsey Street]]. Rice ran the place until 1909 and during the 10 years many famous people slept under his roof. The most noted couple to occupy his rooms were President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland. First renting his house to Mrs. Florence Merry, Rice finally sold out to her in 1923.

	Walter and his wife, the former Laura Miller, had five sons — Herman, Seaver, Irving, Sturgis, and Livingston, all of whom served in World War I. In 1915, during the term of the lease. Rice took a job no watcher in the fire tower on [[Ampersand Mountain\|Ampersand Mountain]]. Apparently he enjoyed this position, even though it was lonely at times, and stayed on the mountain for eight years. As fire warden he was a constant delight to all those who climbed Ampersand. He invited them into the tower and while they enjoyed the view, he regaled them with stories. Just one year after leaving his beloved mountain, in 1924, he died.		Walter and his wife, the former Laura Miller, had five sons — Herman, Seaver, Irving, Sturgis, and Livingston, all of whom served in World War I. In 1915, during the term of the lease. Rice took a job no watcher in the fire tower on [[Ampersand Mountain\|Ampersand Mountain]]. Apparently he enjoyed this position, even though it was lonely at times, and stayed on the mountain for eight years. As fire warden he was a constant delight to all those who climbed Ampersand. He invited them into the tower and while they enjoyed the view, he regaled them with stories. Just one year after leaving his beloved mountain, in 1924, he died.

MWanner: Text replacement - "Broadway" to "Broadway"

2026-07-14T11:27:13Z

Text replacement - "Broadway" to "Broadway"

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:27, 14 July 2026
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	* [[Alpine Hotel\|Alpine]], on Broadway at Bloomingdale Avenue, Saranac Lake		* [[Alpine Hotel\|Alpine]], on Broadway at Bloomingdale Avenue, Saranac Lake
	* [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], on Lower Saranac Lake		* [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], on Lower Saranac Lake
	* [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]],at the northeast corner of [[~~Broadway\|~~Broadway]] and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]]		* [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]],at the northeast corner of [[Broadway]] and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]]
	* [[Axton Hotel]], [[Axton]]		* [[Axton Hotel]], [[Axton]]
	* [[Baker's Hotel]]		* [[Baker's Hotel]]
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	SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.		SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.

	Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[~~Broadway\|~~Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].		Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].

	On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].		On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].

MWanner: Text replacement - "Forest Home Road" to "Forest Home Road"

2026-03-24T11:36:24Z

Text replacement - "Forest Home Road" to "Forest Home Road"

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:36, 24 March 2026
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	Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].		Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].

	On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[~~Forest Home Road\|~~Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].		On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].

	In addition to the abundance of Hotels, there was a plethora of Boarding houses, many of which were eventually converted to [[Cure Cottages\|cure cottages]]. In the case of the Villa Dorsey it might be debated whether the place should be termed a boarding house or a hotel. However, at peak capacity, the establishment could accommodate 30 guests which should qualify it as a "small hotel."		In addition to the abundance of Hotels, there was a plethora of Boarding houses, many of which were eventually converted to [[Cure Cottages\|cure cottages]]. In the case of the Villa Dorsey it might be debated whether the place should be termed a boarding house or a hotel. However, at peak capacity, the establishment could accommodate 30 guests which should qualify it as a "small hotel."

MWanner: Text replacement - "Riverside Inn" to "Riverside Inn"

2026-03-17T14:47:44Z

Text replacement - "Riverside Inn" to "Riverside Inn"

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:47, 17 March 2026
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	SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.		SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.

	Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[~~Riverside Inn\|~~Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].		Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].

	On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road\|Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].		On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road\|Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].

MWanner: Text replacement - "Ed Lamy" to "Ed Lamy"

2026-03-06T22:29:29Z

Text replacement - "Ed Lamy" to "Ed Lamy"

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:29, 6 March 2026
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	Jack Crowley began his career tending bar at the Berkeley and his popularity won him a sizeable following. Deciding to move out on his own, he soon became the proprietor at the Empire and the little hotel immediately enjoyed an upturn in its patronage. Apparently, Crowley brought along his many fans from the Berkeley. It was a common practice in those days for the proprietor of the hotel to serve as barkeep, at least part time, to maintain a fraternal rapport with his clientele.		Jack Crowley began his career tending bar at the Berkeley and his popularity won him a sizeable following. Deciding to move out on his own, he soon became the proprietor at the Empire and the little hotel immediately enjoyed an upturn in its patronage. Apparently, Crowley brought along his many fans from the Berkeley. It was a common practice in those days for the proprietor of the hotel to serve as barkeep, at least part time, to maintain a fraternal rapport with his clientele.

	Crowley was a past master in this category. One of his innovations was the introduction of an annual beefsteak dinner. The success of this event is evident in the accompanying photo which depicts a group of well-known local residents of 1912. Among those in attendance who might be recognized in addition to Crowley were: [[George Downing\|George Downing]], [[Ben Durgan\|Ben Durgan]], [[George Smith\|George Smith]], [[Elmer Finnegan\|Elmer Finnegan]], [[Archie Nimmo\|Archie Nimmo]], [[Truman Hanmer\|Truman Hanmer]], [[Sam Newcomb\|Sam Newcomb]], Jerry and [[Mack Pasho\|Mack Pasho]], [[Wilbur Mussen\|Wilbur Mussen]], [[Del Oldfield\|Del Oldfield]], [[Jim Curran\|Jim Curran]], [[Jim Ryan\|Jim Ryan]], [[Earl Finnegan\|Earl Finnegan]], [[~~Ed Lamy\|~~Ed Lamy]] and his father [[Ferdinand Claudius Lamy\|Fred Lamy]].		Crowley was a past master in this category. One of his innovations was the introduction of an annual beefsteak dinner. The success of this event is evident in the accompanying photo which depicts a group of well-known local residents of 1912. Among those in attendance who might be recognized in addition to Crowley were: [[George Downing\|George Downing]], [[Ben Durgan\|Ben Durgan]], [[George Smith\|George Smith]], [[Elmer Finnegan\|Elmer Finnegan]], [[Archie Nimmo\|Archie Nimmo]], [[Truman Hanmer\|Truman Hanmer]], [[Sam Newcomb\|Sam Newcomb]], Jerry and [[Mack Pasho\|Mack Pasho]], [[Wilbur Mussen\|Wilbur Mussen]], [[Del Oldfield\|Del Oldfield]], [[Jim Curran\|Jim Curran]], [[Jim Ryan\|Jim Ryan]], [[Earl Finnegan\|Earl Finnegan]], [[Ed Lamy]] and his father [[Ferdinand Claudius Lamy\|Fred Lamy]].

	[[Charlie Green\|Charlie Green]]'s favorite story about Jack Crowley told about a rare occasion when the master of wit got stung. Jock was tending bar when Del Oldfiuld came in wearing a pained expression of feigned disbelief. Approaching the bar, Del said,		[[Charlie Green\|Charlie Green]]'s favorite story about Jack Crowley told about a rare occasion when the master of wit got stung. Jock was tending bar when Del Oldfiuld came in wearing a pained expression of feigned disbelief. Approaching the bar, Del said,

MWanner: Text replacement - "Hotel Saranac" to "Hotel Saranac"

2026-01-14T15:08:14Z

Text replacement - "Hotel Saranac" to "Hotel Saranac"

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:08, 14 January 2026
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	As reported in an earlier article, the Empire played an important role in our local history. On the night of July 26, 1926, a late-hour poker game was in session at the Empire when a fire broke out next door in the Town Hall. The card players, upon hearing the screams of men locked in the jail, managed a rescue before the fire consumed the building.		As reported in an earlier article, the Empire played an important role in our local history. On the night of July 26, 1926, a late-hour poker game was in session at the Empire when a fire broke out next door in the Town Hall. The card players, upon hearing the screams of men locked in the jail, managed a rescue before the fire consumed the building.

	One might wonder how the infant village could support so many hotels in the early 1900s while only the [[~~Hotel Saranac\|~~Hotel Saranac]] serves the purpose today. A combination of changes obviously answers the question. When the health industry was a major attraction to our area, there were not only the hundreds of tubercular patients arriving but also the visiting family members who needed temporary housing. The International Speed Skating Races in Ed Lamy's day attracted spectators that out-numbered the local residents. To top it all off there came the automobile and the resulting surge of motels.		One might wonder how the infant village could support so many hotels in the early 1900s while only the [[Hotel Saranac]] serves the purpose today. A combination of changes obviously answers the question. When the health industry was a major attraction to our area, there were not only the hundreds of tubercular patients arriving but also the visiting family members who needed temporary housing. The International Speed Skating Races in Ed Lamy's day attracted spectators that out-numbered the local residents. To top it all off there came the automobile and the resulting surge of motels.

	In any event, out of the 15 hotels listed in the 1900-1910 group only one building survives, and that no longer a hotel for many years past. Of the 14, not all enjoyed the colorful existence of the Empire, and though some are well remembered others might not even be vaguely recalled. Of course, the Alpine is easily remembered but it did not fit in the early 1900 category. Six of the original list — Martin's, Ampersand, Central House, Grand Union, St. Regis and Berkeley went down in flames. The remaining eight — Empire, Algonquin, Riverside Inn, Van Dorien, Adirondack, Saranac, Villa Dorsey and Arlington — were all razed after outliving their usefulness.		In any event, out of the 15 hotels listed in the 1900-1910 group only one building survives, and that no longer a hotel for many years past. Of the 14, not all enjoyed the colorful existence of the Empire, and though some are well remembered others might not even be vaguely recalled. Of course, the Alpine is easily remembered but it did not fit in the early 1900 category. Six of the original list — Martin's, Ampersand, Central House, Grand Union, St. Regis and Berkeley went down in flames. The remaining eight — Empire, Algonquin, Riverside Inn, Van Dorien, Adirondack, Saranac, Villa Dorsey and Arlington — were all razed after outliving their usefulness.

MWanner: Text replacement - "Bloomingdale Avenue" to "Bloomingdale Avenue"

2026-01-12T20:18:48Z

Text replacement - "Bloomingdale Avenue" to "Bloomingdale Avenue"

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:18, 12 January 2026
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	* [[Alpine Hotel\|Alpine]], on Broadway at Bloomingdale Avenue, Saranac Lake		* [[Alpine Hotel\|Alpine]], on Broadway at Bloomingdale Avenue, Saranac Lake
	* [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], on Lower Saranac Lake		* [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], on Lower Saranac Lake
	* [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]],at the northeast corner of [[Broadway\|Broadway]] and [[~~Bloomingdale Avenue\|~~Bloomingdale Avenue]]		* [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]],at the northeast corner of [[Broadway\|Broadway]] and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]]
	* [[Axton Hotel]], [[Axton]]		* [[Axton Hotel]], [[Axton]]
	* [[Baker's Hotel]]		* [[Baker's Hotel]]
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	SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.		SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.

	Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn\|Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[~~Bloomingdale Avenue\|~~Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].		Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn\|Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].

	On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road\|Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].		On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road\|Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].

MWanner: Text replacement - "Main Street" to "Main Street"

2026-01-11T20:44:33Z

Text replacement - "Main Street" to "Main Street"

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:44, 11 January 2026
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	* [[St. Nick's Motel]] on the [[Lapan Highway]]		* [[St. Nick's Motel]] on the [[Lapan Highway]]
	* [[Hotel St. Regis\|St. Regis]], on Bloomingdale Avenue at Broadway, Saranac Lake		* [[Hotel St. Regis\|St. Regis]], on Bloomingdale Avenue at Broadway, Saranac Lake
	* [[Hotel Saranac]], on [[~~Main Street\|~~Main Street]], Saranac Lake (also the original name of the [[Russell Hotel]])		* [[Hotel Saranac]], on [[Main Street]], Saranac Lake (also the original name of the [[Russell Hotel]])
	* [[Saranac Inn]], [[Upper Saranac Lake]]		* [[Saranac Inn]], [[Upper Saranac Lake]]
	* [[Martin's\|Saranac Lake House]], on Lower Saranac Lake		* [[Martin's\|Saranac Lake House]], on Lower Saranac Lake
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	SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.		SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.

	Beginning along [[~~Main Street\|~~Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn\|Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue\|Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].		Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn\|Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue\|Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].

	On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road\|Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].		On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road\|Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].

MWanner: Text replacement - "JOHN J. DUQUETTE" to "JOHN J. DUQUETTE"

2026-01-11T20:33:29Z

Text replacement - "JOHN J. DUQUETTE" to "JOHN J. DUQUETTE"

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:33, 11 January 2026
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	'''1900-1910: Saranac Lake's Hotel Era'''		'''1900-1910: Saranac Lake's Hotel Era'''

	By [[~~JOHN J. DUQUETTE\|~~JOHN J. DUQUETTE]]		By [[JOHN J. DUQUETTE]]

	SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.		SARANAC LAKE — During the first ten years of 1900, the Saranac Lake vicinity could boast a total of no less than 15 hotels. Eleven of them were within the village while the other four were not far outside the corporation line.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:34, 17 July 2026
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	In addition to the abundance of Hotels, there was a plethora of Boarding houses, many of which were eventually converted to [[Cure Cottages\|cure cottages]]. In the case of the Villa Dorsey it might be debated whether the place should be termed a boarding house or a hotel. However, at peak capacity, the establishment could accommodate 30 guests which should qualify it as a "small hotel."		In addition to the abundance of Hotels, there was a plethora of Boarding houses, many of which were eventually converted to [[Cure Cottages\|cure cottages]]. In the case of the Villa Dorsey it might be debated whether the place should be termed a boarding house or a hotel. However, at peak capacity, the establishment could accommodate 30 guests which should qualify it as a "small hotel."

	The Villa Dorsey was built by [[Walter Channing Rice\|Walter Channing Rice]] in 1889, and among the early guests were a pair of sisters named Dorsey who were Quakers from Germantown, Pa. A resulting friendship led to Channing naming the hotel in the sisters' honor. Directly from the building the name was transplanted to the street. Thus, the Villa Dorsey became No. 1 [[~~Dorsey Street\|~~Dorsey Street]]. Rice ran the place until 1909 and during the 10 years many famous people slept under his roof. The most noted couple to occupy his rooms were President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland. First renting his house to Mrs. Florence Merry, Rice finally sold out to her in 1923.		The Villa Dorsey was built by [[Walter Channing Rice\|Walter Channing Rice]] in 1889, and among the early guests were a pair of sisters named Dorsey who were Quakers from Germantown, Pa. A resulting friendship led to Channing naming the hotel in the sisters' honor. Directly from the building the name was transplanted to the street. Thus, the Villa Dorsey became No. 1 [[Dorsey Street]]. Rice ran the place until 1909 and during the 10 years many famous people slept under his roof. The most noted couple to occupy his rooms were President and Mrs. Grover Cleveland. First renting his house to Mrs. Florence Merry, Rice finally sold out to her in 1923.

	Walter and his wife, the former Laura Miller, had five sons — Herman, Seaver, Irving, Sturgis, and Livingston, all of whom served in World War I. In 1915, during the term of the lease. Rice took a job no watcher in the fire tower on [[Ampersand Mountain\|Ampersand Mountain]]. Apparently he enjoyed this position, even though it was lonely at times, and stayed on the mountain for eight years. As fire warden he was a constant delight to all those who climbed Ampersand. He invited them into the tower and while they enjoyed the view, he regaled them with stories. Just one year after leaving his beloved mountain, in 1924, he died.		Walter and his wife, the former Laura Miller, had five sons — Herman, Seaver, Irving, Sturgis, and Livingston, all of whom served in World War I. In 1915, during the term of the lease. Rice took a job no watcher in the fire tower on [[Ampersand Mountain\|Ampersand Mountain]]. Apparently he enjoyed this position, even though it was lonely at times, and stayed on the mountain for eight years. As fire warden he was a constant delight to all those who climbed Ampersand. He invited them into the tower and while they enjoyed the view, he regaled them with stories. Just one year after leaving his beloved mountain, in 1924, he died.

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:36, 24 March 2026
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	Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].		Beginning along [[Main Street]], there was the well-known [[Riverside Inn]]. Next door to the old Town Hall was the American House, which become the [[Empire Hotel\|Empire]] in 1908. Across the river from the Empire was the [[Villa Dorsey\|Villa Dorsey]], connected to Main St. by the long forgotten [[old footbridge\|footbridge]]. At the corner of Main and [[Broadway\|Broadway]] stood the venerable [[Berkeley House\|Berkeley]], the last of this group to survive as a hotel. Where Altman's store is now located was the [[Central House\|Central House]], while at the intersection of Broadway and [[Bloomingdale Avenue]], on opposite corners, were the [[St. Regis Hotel\|St. Regis]] and the [[Arlington Hotel\|Arlington]]. At the present site, of Stewart's, bordering Bloomingdale Avenue and [[Depot Street\|Depot Street]], was the Franklin House, which later became the [[Grand Union Hotel\|Grand Union Hotel]]. Moving up Broadway, on the right hand side, the [[Adirondack Hotel\|Adirondack Hotel]] was near the present location of the fire station. The existing dwelling at No. 111 Broadway was once the [[Broadway Hotel\|Broadway Hotel]]. On [[Ampersand Avenue\|Ampersand Avenue]], at the corner of [[Mills Avenue\|Mills Avenue]] was the [[Saranac Hotel\|Saranac Hotel]].

	On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[~~Forest Home Road\|~~Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].		On [[Lower Saranac Lake]], just outside the village, stood the once famous [[Martin's\|Martin's]] (later Miller's), the [[Algonquin\|Algonquin]], and the [[Ampersand Hotel\|Ampersand]], all three well steeped in local history. Finally, where [[Forest Home Road]] branches off Ampersand Ave., there was the [[Del Monte\|Del Monte]] which also survived a name change to the [[Von Dorrien\|Van Dorien]].

	In addition to the abundance of Hotels, there was a plethora of Boarding houses, many of which were eventually converted to [[Cure Cottages\|cure cottages]]. In the case of the Villa Dorsey it might be debated whether the place should be termed a boarding house or a hotel. However, at peak capacity, the establishment could accommodate 30 guests which should qualify it as a "small hotel."		In addition to the abundance of Hotels, there was a plethora of Boarding houses, many of which were eventually converted to [[Cure Cottages\|cure cottages]]. In the case of the Villa Dorsey it might be debated whether the place should be termed a boarding house or a hotel. However, at peak capacity, the establishment could accommodate 30 guests which should qualify it as a "small hotel."