The Roanoke Times from Roanoke, Virginia • 1

THE RO ROANOKE TIMES. SPECIAL HOTEL EDITION. ROANOKE, MONDAY, MAY 0 FOREST INN, NATURAL BRIDGE, VA. THE TIMES' HOTEL EDITION. The Resorts of Southwest Virginia and the Valley.

A Unique Effort in Virginia JournalismGraphic Descriptions and Beautiful Illustrations of the Famous Hotels of Two Famous Sections of the Old Do- minion--Structures Unrivalled in Ar- chitectural and Natural Beauty. Southwest Virginia and the Shenandoab Valley flow with milk and honey. The weary wayfarer need never fail of comfortable bed and sumptuous board provided he have the wherewithal to pay for it. THE TIMES notes in this edition some score of the famous hotels which have thrown open their doors to the public. A few are old institutions dating back to the days of stages and turnpikes, with the flavor of famous old Virginia dishes, of ante-bellum days and ways.

Others are modern, alert, dexterous, beautiful in exterior and interior, sumptuous throughout, with the latest appliances of electric lights, and the latest achievements in culinary art. Take them all in all their equals individually and collectively will be hard to find. Read and reflect. Then visit them. You will have an experience to be remembered with pleasure.

HOTEL ROANOKE, ROANOKE, VA. Less than ten years ago Roanoke could boast of no hotel or inn worthy of the name, if in fact such an article of public accommodation was to be found at all. Now, however, the whole aspect of affairs is changed and the city can justly lay claim to several of the finest lostelries to be found in the country, and certainly of an order of excellence undemiable. The pioneer institution of its kind has kept pace with the rapid growth of the city in other respects, and no of Roanoke's size anywhere in the United States can produce a better equipped and more perfectly appointed house of entertainment than is to be found in the Hotel Roanoke. In 1882 the Roanoke Land and Improvement Company became a full fledged corporation under the laws of Virginia and the stockholders of the organization were not slow in recognizling the importance Roanoke was figured to obtain as a railroad center.

With this question arose the consideration of suitable public accommodations both in quantity and quality increased travel might demand. Negotiations were accordingly begun by the land company mentioned and a tract of some sixty acres was secured on the high ground directly north of the Union depot and opposite the present general oflices of the Norfolk and Western railroad. The same year saw the completion of a fair sized hotel adequate to the demands of the day, J. C. Holmes, of Charlestown, W.

being the architect and contractor. This project, together with the improvements to lawn and general surroundings entailed an outlay of some $40,000, including the cost of acreage, upon which the structure was erected. George L. Jacoby, an experienced hotel man, was placed in charge of the original house, under a lease given by the owners to George K. Mullin, a wellknown innkeeper of Philadelphia.

Under this management the infant Hotel Roanoke made rapid strides forward and a few years sufficed to show the necessity of an enlargement of quarters, which the Virginia company, the present owner, undertook during tion of dining-rooms and parlors, so as to afford the beat possible view of the scenery about Roanoke, and which appears to advantage from the elevation the hotel occupies. The heating and lighting departments and sanitary qualities of the Roanoke have had the benefit of the most careful supervision, steam and open grate fires being used for the former, while both gas and incandescent electric lights furnish the other necessary adjuncts. The cuisine and table appointments are absolutely faultless, the English plan of serving luncheon at noonday and a 6 o'clock dinner being observed. The comparative proximity of the hotel to the large markets North and East, as well as the possibility of securing the season's delicacies fresh from the catch or growth, enables the management to present a menu which an epicure would consider worth his while to interview. In consideration of the comforts it ofters to guests, the Roanoke has established rates varying from $3 to $5 per diem.

The management of the hotel is under the supervision of Fred E. Foster, who is likewise manager of the Maple Shade Inn, Pulaski, the Radford Inn, Radford, the Bluefield Inn, Bluefield, W. and the Hotel Columbia, Bellmar, N. J. Mr.

Foster assumed the reins about two years ago, when the former leasehold expired. and has done much to give the institution the excellent reputation it now enjoys. As already stated, the Hotel Roanoke occupies the large block elevation between Shenandoah avenue and Third avenue with Jefferson street and Commonwealth avenue as the east and west, boundaries. All portions of the city and the Roanoke Valley can be seen from this point and the finely kept 1 THE HOTEL ROANOKE, grounds complete the surroundings. At the time of enlarging the hotel in 1890 an oddly constructed wall, similar to those seen on the estates of wealthy Englishman, was put in position and encircling the entire tract.

This, together with the Queen Anne style of architecture, which was followed in erecting the building itself, goes to make up an attractiveness seldom found. The owners maintain a conservatory on the grounds, from which are supplied the flowers and plants used both in decorations indoors and out. Naturally the company has been called upon to expend considerally over $100,000 in giving the Hotel Roanoke to the city in its present condition, but the value of the plant has been enhanced a great many folds by the improvements and the rise in property values and several additional changes, which are now in contemplation will only add to the efficient service of Roanoke's pioneer big hotel. FOREST INN, NATURAL BRIDGE, VA. Natural Bridge is well supplied with hotels.

There are Forest Inn, Pavilion, Appledore and several cottages affording splendid accommodations for 400 guests. This place, destined to rapidly become the Asheville of Virginia and the most famous all the year round resort in the is South, is under the management of Col. Eugene Peyton, well and favorably known in connection with the Greenbrier White Sulphur, Rockbridge and Jordan the Alum in their most popular days. Next fall a large three or four story brick hotel and several cottages will be erected for winter use, and from year to year additional provision will be made to meet the rapidly growing patronage of the place. The hotel and grounds will be lighted by electricity, and an electric street railway will connect them with the PRICE FIVE CENTS.

railroads. At present four horse coaches and careful drivers perform that service. Scarcity of space prohibits more than mention of the hundred points of interest visitors are taken to, the long drive and walk-ways, the scene of accidents and suicides at the bridge. The guide books will supply full information. The hotels are elegantly kept and are supplied with mineral water by pipes.

Hot and cold baths will be provided for those who desire them. There are several daily mails to and from the place, and telegraph, express and post office in Forest Inn. MAPLE SHADE INN, PULASKI, VA. Pulaski is a new town of 4,000 or 5,000 population at the junction of the Cripple Creek, or North Carolina division and the main stem of the Norfolk and Western railroad. It has grown rapidly and can boast of several large and profitable manufacturing plants, including two 150-ton furnaces, a rolling mill, roller flouring mill and the Bertha Zine Works, and as handsome churches and good schools as any young city in Virginia or the South.

Maple Shade Inn. the leading hostelry of Pulaski, is a great favorite with the traveling public, as well as people who resort to the mountains during the heated term for rest and recreation. It is under the management of that prince of caterers, Mr. Fred E. Foster, of Hotel Roanoke, at whose suggestion its capacity has been doubled by the construetion of a fifty room -addition.

It is furnished with a view to the comfort of its patrons and the table is supplied with all the delicacies of the season. The knoll on which the Inn is situated is beautifully laid out and was recently enclosed by a stone wall. From the venandas of the house a splendid view of the surrounding country is obtained. Pulaski is known as the "Gem of the Mountains," and deserves the distincttion. Maple Shade is, however, one of its most attractive features and is destined to be in great demand with people who desire 2 quiet, pleasant, healthy place at which to spend the summer months.

BLUEFIELD INN, BLUEFIELD, W. VA. This new and thriving town, like Roanoke, Radford, Pulaski and many others along the lines of the Norfolk and Western railroad, owes its rise and progress to the liberal policy of the management of that corporation. It is only about twelve or fourteen miles east of the great Pocahontas coal mines, and all trains on the Clinch Valley extension of the Norfolk and Western to Norton, where a connection is had with the Louisville and Nashville system of roads, start from here (Bluefield), where extensive shops and yards are located. There are also a large machine and repair shops and several other industries in successful operation.

Bluefield Inn is admirably conducted. In fact, this goes without saying. for it is managed by Mr. Fred. E.

Foster, who has made Hotel Roanoke, Maple Shade Inn and Radford Inn so popular with the traveling public. It is situated on a commanding elevation and affords a fine view of magnificent natural scenery. Its capacity will be increased and the grounds enclosed by 3. stone wall like that which surrounds Hotel Roanoke and Maple Shade. There is one striking feature of Mr.

Foster's management which excites favorable comment. Extensive and costly repairs and an increase of the running expenses of his hotels are HOTEL GRAHAM, GRAHAM. VA. never followed by an effort to make up temporary losses by giving his patrons cheaper fare and service. Prompt and polite attention and the best the market affords are his requirements, and he sees to it that they are studiously met.

RADFORD INN, RADFORD, VA. This pretty and handsomely furnished hostelery is also under the management of Mr. Fred. E. Foster, of Hotel Roanoke, Roanoke, Va.

It is situated on an eminence in West Radford, and overlooks New river and the lovely valley and mountains. A more delightful place to sojourn during the summer months, or for the tired traveler to seek rest cannot be found in Southwest Virginia. The handsomely laid out grounds surrounding the Inn lend an additional charm to it, while the furnishings and caisine leave nothing to be desired by the sojourner there. Radford is a rapidly growing industrial city at the junction of the New River division and main line of the Norfolk and Western railroad. In a comparatively short period of time the population has increased from 2.000 to 5,000, and it is confidently predicted that this number will be more than doubled within the next two years.

The short distance to the great Flat Top coal and coke fields and the immediate presence of iron, stone and timber in great abundance are advantages which will attract capital and settlers, and rapidly increase the manufacturing industries already located here. The Radford-Crane Works, Pipo Works, loopes-Townshend Iron Specialty Works and Stove and Range Works are among the larger industries. We have not the space to mention the numerous small enterprises. New River will soon be connected with the opposite side by a steel bridge 1.800 feet in length, on which street cars, vehicles and pedestrians willeross. Radford is well supplied with schools and churches and' is singularly free from the rough element which usually seeks new or booming towns.

The residences, business houses and hotels of Radford," as the portion of the city herein described is called, are furnished with pure mountain water, which, with its fine climate has made it popular as a summer resort. HOTEL GRAHAM, GRAHAM, VA. Graham is in Tazewell county, and is the point at which the Clinch Valley extension of the Norfolk and Western diverges from the New River division. Its growth within the past two years has been rapid and permanent, owing to the liberal policy of the railroad authorities and the Graham Land and Improvement Company, of which Arthur C. Dennis.

ton, of Philadelphia, is president, and R. K. Wright, general manager. Several manufacturing industries, including an iron furnace, have been established and Hotel Graham, a handsome and commodious house, erected and elegantly furnished for the accommodation of the traveling public. The company fortunately secured A.

Guigon as manager and it required but little time for him to make this hostlery known as one of the most pleasant places to sojourn at. Graham is "way up in the mountains" and in a region justly celebrated as one of the richest in coal, and agriculture in Virginia. The great Flat Top and Clinch Valley coal fields are within a few miles and it is certain that the town, with these advantages will become a city. Residents and visitors have the advantage of several churches, good free schools, a fine college, pure water, and a health-giving climate, an old Virginia welcome and all the comforts of a home at Hotel Graham. PO MAX MEADOWS INN, MAX MEADOWS, VIRGINIA.

last year-1890. Elaborate plans were prepared and the improvements begun. Large wings, commodious and substantial, were added to the central or original portion, and the whole given a complete renovation. The house now contains about 100 rooms, furnished in elegant style. for the comfort of guests, the spacious piazzas, extending the entire length of the building on each floor, affording a promenade, of which a majority of guests do not fail to find appreciation.

The interior of the hotel has a picturesque arrangement as to the little details which go to make up a well-proportioned and properly-conducted institution, not the least of these being the attention given to the loca- 7 TAO ENG. CON.Y HOTEL BRUNSWICK, WAYNESBORO, VA, This inn is situated on a hill and overlooks one of the prettiest little valleys in the southwest. It is finished inside, in hardwoods, furnished in antique oak, lighted by gas, heated by steam and in all its appointments is one of the best equipped hostelries in Virginia. It was erectod and furnished by the Max Meadows Land and Improvement Company, who secured August Miller, of the Colonnade Hotel, Philadelphia, as manger. Max Meadows is in Wrthe county, one of the richest in agriculture and minerals in Virginia.

The boom here was inaugurated by the company, of which Clarence M. Clark, of Philadel- (Continued on page 8.) CO THE ELKTON, ELKTON, VA..