New Building Erected

At 210 N. Minn. St.

By Philip Gross.

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PRESENT OWNER HAS REMODELED INTERIOR

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Fire Of Two Months Ago Made Redecoration Necessary.

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“The Guest Is King” is the motto carried out at the Grand Hotel at 210 North Minnesota street. This hostelry has become popular thru the observance of that motto during the past 52 years, in which time the business has been conducted in the brick structure which graces the main thoroughfare of the town. Having established a reputation over the entire state business comes to this establishment from a wide territory.

Early History.

Philip Gross was conducting a hotel in a small frame building which was located at the same place as the hotel is today. The structure was totally destroyed by fire in 1873 and in the same year Mr. Gross replaced the building with a two story brick structure measuring 45 by 90 feet. He later sold his interest to Wenzel Schotzko who in turn disposed of the business to Peter Manderfeld who is at present in a bank in St. Paul. Mr. Manderfeld built up the third story of the building to accommodate the increase in the business which the hotel enjoyed. Since that time, the property has been in the hands of various owners for short periods of time and it was sold to E. H. Bosshard of Minneapolis who took charge in May, 1922.

Finding the business in a run down condition, Mr. Bosshard turned his efforts to building it up and remodeling and redecorating the hotel. After completing the renovation work, the proprietor built up the business until it was again the first class hotel which is now known over the entire state.

Office Redecorated.

At the present time the full basement under the building is not in use altho drying rooms used in the winter are arranged there. The main floor is provided with a double front entrance which leads to the lobby of the hotel. This room is 19×50 feet and is arranged as a lounging room for guests. Writing tables and easy chairs are found in front of the double plate glass windows which aid in lighting the large room. The office at the rear of the room is arranged with a desk and a cigar counter. A small fire in the building a few weeks ago made it necessary to renovate the lobby of the hotel. The interior has been refinished in tiffany colors, with compo board panels around the room which are 5 feet high. The walls above the paneling are painted in a tiffany finish and the steel ceiling is painted a delicate cream shade to harmonize with the effects of the coloring in the room. Electric wiring has been replaced with new material on the main floor and in the basement since the fire.Repairs in the amount of $300 have been made in the past few weeks.

Meals Served.

The dining room is reached by an entrance from the hotel lobby and there is also a double entrance leading from the street. The woodwork in this room which is 19×50 feet, is white enameled. The walls are papered in a light oatmeal color and a steel ceiling is also tinted to harmonize. Tables are neatly arranged to accommodate 40 people altho 75 guests can be served at one time. Delightful home cooking and first class service draws many guests to this place to eat. Breakfast is served from 7 to 9, luncheon from 12 to 2 and dinner from 6 to 8.

Thirty Guest Rooms.

Thirty guest rooms are arranged on the second and third floors, while the kitchen and the living apartment of the proprietor are arranged on the first floor at the rear of the office and the dining room. Less than one year ago the present owner improved the guest rooms by putting in running water and redecorating all of the rooms on the two upper floors. New beds and mattresses and rugs were also installed at this time. These improvements make the Grand Hotel guest rooms modern and cozy. A large stairway leads to the second and third floors from the lobby of the hotel. On the second floor at the front the ladies parlor is arranged and it has become popular as a rest room for our of town visitors.

Mr. Bosshard leased the hotel to W. J. Morgan and retired from active management in August, 1924. Mr. Morgan, the present manager is experienced in operating hotels. He came to this city from Graceville, Minn., and is endeavoring to give to New Ulm high class service. He employs seven people to aid in serving guests of the hotel.

Grand Theatre.

While the hotel is known as the Grand Hotel, the theatre next door is known as the Grand Theatre. Mr. Bosshard owns both buildings and the theatre building is all fire proof measuring 25 by 120 feet. The double entrance leads to the main auditorium which is equipped with 800 leather cushioned chairs and 100 wood opera seats. The floor slopes toward the stage which measures 16×25 feet. Two dressing rooms, 8 x 10 feet, are arranged in the basement. The interior of the auditorium is decorated in shades of brown in tiffany effects. This theatre is one of the nicest in this section of Minnesota for its size. Theo. Melzer has renewed his lease on the building for a period of 3 years after having managed the show house for a similar period.

Garage Provided.

At the rear of the hotel a garage is maintained which will accommodate 20 cars. Guests are allowed to use this as a place to store their cars if they so desire. In the rear of the garage Dorn and Son conduct a paint ship.

High Value Of Property.

The owner values the property of the Grand Hotel and Theatre at $60,000. A business which has prospered in this city for 52 years is still flourishing. The needs of the transient trade is being cared for as it has since the early days and the establishment been visited by many prominent people including Senator H. Shipstead.

New Ulm Review,

July 29, 1925

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