Hotel Champlain

4

Hotel Champlain's "Singing Sands Beach" 1902 hotel brochure-Private Collection

 

Hotel Champlain (continued)

On July 1, 1911, the new Hotel Champlain was opened to the public. The estimated cost was three hundred thousand dollars. It was much smaller, with no annex. The framework was of structural steel. Walls and roof were of hollow tile. The dimensions of the building were three hundred and twenty-four by forty-seven feet.

The ground floor consisted of a large foyer, grotto, officers' dining room, barber shop, offices, servants' dining rooms, grill, cocktail lounge, dining rooms and storage. The second floor consisted of a veranda, main dining room, ball room, parlor, foyers, offices, kitchen and library. Third and fourth floors were mainly large and small private rooms, and apartments. Private baths were an added attraction in the new hotel.


Hotel Champlain room key


It was advertised as "fire proof." American and European plans were offered. It was designated as the official hotel by the American Automobile Association. The hotel was furnished in the style of Louis XVI.

From September 6 to September 11, 1914, the celebration of the victory of General Macomb and Lieutenant Macdonough was held in Plattsburgh. There was a large banquet. Again the list of dignitaries was impressive, including assistant Secretary Roosevelt and Governor Glynn.

The Civilian Volunteer Program of 1915 brought an increased population to the base and consequently the hotel, among them was Theodore Roosevelt, Richard Harding Davis and Robert Bacon. Their social lives centered around the hotel.

Bud Fisher's "Mutt & Jeff" comic strips focused on Hotel Champlain. Fisher was stationed at the Plattsburgh Barracks while his characters hid out in the Hotel Champlain Bar. This gave thousands of dollars of free publicity.

Motion pictures also came to Hotel Champlain. Scenes from the film, Janice Meredith, were filmed on the hotel grounds. Because the film centered on the Revolutionary War, the Plattsburgh 26th Infantry appeared in battle scenes. When Washington crossed the Delaware, it was really the Saranac River.

In 1939, a long depression brought financial difficulties to the Delaware and Hudson Company. Hotel Champlain was sold to Mailman Brothers, a financier from Montreal. The hotel was redecorated, furniture was brought from the S.S. Normandie. Cabana Clubs were built on the "Beach of Singing Sands." They were equipped with showers, refreshments stands and bars.


However, the depression, war, transportation, and new vacation spots lessened the attraction of Lake Champlain and its majestic hotel. The hotel remained in operation, but at a loss. Finally, on July 2, 1951, Hotel Champlain was sold to the Society of Jesus and converted to a college.

Thus ended the era of a great institution. An era of banquets, concerts, festivities, and gaiety - but most of all, the end of an institution of elegance, splendor, and grace.



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Hotel Champlain written by Patricia Snyder, appeared previously in the Clinton County Historical Association's monthly newsletter: North Country Notes, No. 164, February 1981

 

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