In 1853 Daniel Beckel began building the Beckel House at the northwest corner of Third and Jefferson, the same corner where William Huffman had built the city’s first stone house in 1813 The Civil War delayed its opening until 1866. The brick building was of Greek Revival design and at first sprouted a number of chimneys since each guestroom was furnished with its own fireplace. An ornate stone fireplace with the name Beckel over the hearth heated the large lobby. A bar attracted customers to try an assortment of select wines, liquors and cigars. Corinthian columns supported a second floor gallery with an elaborate oak balustrade and sweeping staircase. The hotel was especially well liked by traveling salesmen who were allowed to use special “sample rooms” behind the lobby to display their products while in town. The Beckel was razed in 1964.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 01:03:44 +0000
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