Hotel Bentley 1908
In keeping with my effort to talk about constructive and important things in Alexandria , my mind focused on the Hotel Bentley.
Over and over everyone interested in historic preservation mentions the Bentley Hotel .
If you know any history of Alexandria at all, most of you are familiar with the story of old “Joe Bentley”
How after being refused service at one of the local hotel dining rooms, because he was in his shirtsleeves, he proclaimed that he would build the best damn hotel in the south.
He did.. That building stands today as a monument to his spirit. Empty—looted of many of its original interior furnishings.
One way you could look at it , is that.. it is in a way being held for ransom by its current owner.
After studying its past, I thought it would be nice to show what this grand hotel looked like when it was built in 1908.
I am in favor of this building becoming a multi-use monument to Joseph A. Bentley’s memory.
If it can ever become untangled in its political and greedy undercurrent.
It will futher fall into the pit of no return… if not.
Let’s look at it’s beginning in 1908. Taking a brief tour with pictures from the Buddy Tudor collection.
No cost was spared by Joe Bentley in building this building. Only the best was used from all over the United States.
From 1908 opening day folder.
Only the best marble and granite was used. Decorative construction was done by known artist of the time period.
The inside of the hotel was breathtaking.
The front desk. 1908
The main staircase was more impressive then… than today.
The main staircase 1908
This was just a regular bedroom suite.
1908 bedroom. Hotel Bentley.
Remember these photographs were taken from the 1908 opening of this grand hotel.
Barber shop. Bentley Hotel 1908.
Do you want to see more? I have even more fantastic photographs that I will publish if you are interested.
The Bridal or honeymoon suite, the writing or what would be know today as media room, etc.
Bridal Suite Bedroom. 1908
Joseph A. Bentley
The original beauty of the Bentley was beyond description.
We are going to lose it if, as my dear ole dad use to say, “we dont quit assing around!”
Its up to you and everyone else reading this.
Put pressure on anyone connected with the Bentley, let them know how you feel!
It is a prime multi-use building!
Visit
historicbentley.com
for more information.
That is a site put up by the Louisiana History Museum and the Alexandria-retrospective web site.
What more can I do???
Alex
1 response so far ↓
Andrea // June 16, 2009 at 5:20 pm |
It is such a beautiful building…however, as you said, it is falling into decay and will not be of any use if something is not done. When HACL sponsored a tour in April, I was there and took pictures. The outside of the building is decaying, the window frames are rotted out…it is sad.