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Algonquin Addition of 1895
Aug 2/1894
Enlargement of Algonquin needed. Rumour of a "summer house" at Joe's Point.
Some people profess to believe that an Irish named Quinn was the innocent cause of the word “Algonquin” being turned loose. They say that Quinn and a number of thirsty Mic-Macs sat down one day to polish off a square-face of gin, and that when it came to the Irishman’s turn to drink he found the bottle empty. “all gone Quinn?” asked one of the Indians sarcastically, and out of this grew the word “Algonquin.” But this story on the face is a lie, for no Irishman was ever stupid enough to let an Indian get the better of him that way.
Prize for local tennis tournament at hotel a Wedgwood tobacco jar. Big Algonquin from Pleasant Point brought in to officiate.
Beacon
Aug 9/1894
There is no scarcity of amusement for the summer visitors at the big hotel. If they are fond of tennis, there is a splendid court for them to play upon; if they esteem croquet more, there is an opportunity for them to indulge in the game; if these pastimes are not sufficiently exciting, a baseball or cricket match can always be arranged, with the local players; if they are fond of driving, there are two livery stables to choose teams from; if they enjoy the water, they can go boating or bathing; if their tastes lie in the direction of fish, salt water fishing or fresh water fishing are easily obtainable; if they are knights of the wheel, no better roads for cycling can be found anywhere; if they are given to go rambling, there are many romantic spots to attract their wandering footsteps and if they hanker after none of these things and want to indulge in a good, square rest there is no more restful place in the whole country than St. Andrews.
The rain on Friday night was no barrier to the pleasures of those encamped beneath the roof of the big hotel. It was Children's Night, and the children of larger growth were just as much pleased as the younger ones. At the western end of the parlor, the figure of one of these sentimental little animals, a donkey, was suspended. it was perfect in every respect except the tail. This was missing. To supply this omission, a number of the young folks with their eyes blinded tried time and time again. One little girl was sure she was in the right position and she began to fasten it in the silvery locks of a distinguished professional gentleman. Another little one stuck the pin into the ear of his donkeyship. A third prodded the knee of an amiable old lady who was seated nearby. And so it went until all were through with trying. then the one who succeeded in hanging the tail in the proper position received a handsome present and all the other little players were rewarded.
. . . A golf "links" has been added to the out-door games in connection with the Algonquin hotel. Mr. Winch, who is the head and front of all the manly sports that originate in the hotel, is to the fore in this as well.
Beacon
Jan 24/1895
It is a matter for congratulation that the Algonquin Hotel company have decided to proceed immediately with the enlargement of the hotel. It shows that these shrewd business men have abundant confidence in the future of St. Andrews as summer resort. Now, if the CPR would make a move along the same line we might expect a big boom in the summer business next year.
The Algonquin hotel company will house about 150 tons of ice this winter for next season’s use. W. A. Robertson and Co., fish dealers, will cut 200 tons. The most of the ice will be brought town by rail.
Beacon
Feb 7/1895
Commencement Made on the New Wing of the House
Messrs. Eugene Fay and A. D. S. Bell, of Boston, representing the St. Andrews Hotel Company, accompanied by their secretary f. Howard Grimmer, were registered at the Royal hotel, St. John, on Thursday, and the same evening they proceeded to Boston by the western train.
Mr. Bell was waited on by a Telegraph reporter during the evening and found that gentleman in his room packing up his grip sack.
The reporter was most cordially received by Mr. Bell. In answer to his question if their visit to the city had anything to do with the Algonquin hotel, Mr. Bell said that their mission was mainly in connection with some financial arrangements with the agent in this city of the Imperial Trusts Company. "Well," said the reporter, "you gentlemen apparently anticipate a large tourist travel this season. I understand that tenders have been asked for an extension to the hotel early next spring."
Mr. Bell--Yes, we do expect a rush this coming season, and although we are not making a fortune out of our enterprise, we are encouraged with the patronage the house has received every year since it was opened. Last year we had more guests than we could well accommodate, and we have good reason to believe that next season we will have even a larger number of tourists to provide for than we had last season. St. Andrews is one of the most beautiful spots for a summer hotel that can be found anywhere. Tourists are delighted with the place, for they speak in the highest terms of the town, of its advantages as a watering resort and of the treatment they receive at the hotel. NO better advertisement than is could be had for any watering place and I am sure, so long as our patrons go away from us with such good reports, we can safely count on another visit from them, and when they do come back they are more than likely to induce others to come along with them. Thus you see how it is that our enterprise is progressing, and let me tell you we are just beginning to get our share of American tourist travel. All that is necessary to divert it to this province is good hotel accommodation and proper facilities for transportation, sea bathing and boating.
Yes, we propose to enlarge our premises; in fact, we have closed the contract with Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, of SS, for the building of the addition to the Algonquin. It is to be an extension to the end next the harbour and will be 86 by 43 feet, rising six stories. The sub-basement will contain apartments for the male servants, a children's play room and a cold storage room. The basement will contain apartments for the female help, while the main floor will be given up to one magnificent dining room. In the next three flats will be located new sleeping rooms, single and en suite, and provided with convenient bath-rooms. The old dining-room will be used as a children's and servants' dining-room, a sewing room and ;parlor. The whole is to be completed by June 13th, and the contract price, including plumbing and painting is about 15,000.
Reporter--Then you consider our province an attractive pace in summer?
Mr. Bell--Yes; I do think nature has done much for New Brunswick, besides, the facilities provided by steamer and rail cannot be excelled. We are extremely fortunate in having associated with us in this enterprise, gentlemen whose connexions with the various means of communication between the New England Stats and the provinces enable them to not only develop the passenger traffic by their own lines, but to advertise and boom the tourist business in this direction in a thorough manner. I need not tell you, for everybody knows, the great benefits that must result from this class of travel during the summer season. The city, state or town that caters for this traffic in the proper way, provided it is possessed of the necessary facilities may safely count on getting a percentage of it, and just here let me say to you that the tide of American tourist travel has only commenced to flow this way, and it is capable of wonderful development if attention is paid to it.
Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, the contractors, reached St. Andrews on Monday, and on Tuesday, despite the big storm, a commencement was made on the work. It is the intention of the contractors to employ a large gang of men, so that the work may be pushed forward as rapidly as possible.
Beacon
Feb 21/1895
The Algonquin Hotel
The Algonquin of 1895 will be one of the biggest, and grandest, and best summer hotels to be found anywhere east of Bar Harbour. A small army of men are at work hastening along the erection of the new wing, so that everything will be ready and the ground cleared up before the first summer visitor arrives. Deep trenches have been dug out for the foundation and a massive wall is now being constructed to support the wooden superstructure, work on which will soon begin. When the addition is completed the entire building will be painted, so that besides being a joy to the summer visitor it will be a thing of beauty as well.
Beacon
March 7/1895
From a place of small inns and boarding houses it has become a place of hotels and cottages. A syndicate of far-seeing Americans, a few years ago, purchased extensive tracts of desirable land and built the Algonquin hotel, which at the time was looked upon as a mammoth institution. The demand has already out-grown its size, resulting in extensive additions being made this year, affording to those who have hitherto been unable to secure accommodations during the season a choice of new apartments. The added portion contains a dining hall seating 300 persons, a nurses’ and children’s dining room, ladies’ sitting and writing room,, amusement room, with floor space of over 2,000 square feet, photographer’s dark room, and 43 guests’ rooms, many of which are en suite, with private toilets and baths attaches. To remove any possibility of fire, the furnace, boiler and engine and steam laundry are removed to a point 100 feet distant from the main building, and in this respect it should be noted, that in addition to fire escapes, the hotel has three hard-wood stairways, located at 70 or 80 feet apart. (so 1895 hotel had own powerhouse) The location and successful operation of summer hotels of the Algonquin class result in placing in circulation large sums of money each year that otherwise would not find its way into Canada, for it should be understood that while the Algonquin receives a large patronage from wealthy residents of Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston, more than 60 percent of its guests are from the United States. Supplies of groceries, wines, cigars, meats, fish, game, butter, milk and fowl, are all purchased in the Dominion, and in gross amounts to many thousand dollars each year, while the money necessary to pay for building and equipping the hotel in the first instance and that required to erect and furnish the present addition all goes into the hands of the Canadian contractors and through them the mechanic, manufacturer and tradesman. Therefore, we say that such enterprises desire and should receive the encouragement of the Dominion press and the patronage of the Canadian people.
The workmen are rushing thing a long on the new wing. the stone wall of the sub-basement has been finished several days, and preparations are being made to erect the wooden superstructure. On Monday, the men began pulling down that portion of the old dining room that extended over the western verandah. it is expected that the building will be ready at least a month before the time for opening the housel. Nearly all the contracts for the interior furnishing have been awarded. In awarding these contracts the directors have made it a rule to give advertisers in the beacon—whether in the town or out of it—a preference. They recognize that he paper is a benefit for SA, and that anything that will add to the paper’s strength or influence or that will assist it to live, must be beneficial to their interests as well. the furniture contract has, therefore, been awarded to Messrs. Vroom Bros., of St. Stephen., who have been among the most active advertisers in the Beacon. This firm will also supply the window curtains. the crockery, china and glass-ware will be furnished b Mitchell and Ross, SS, whose advertisements have been features of the Beacon’s columns for several years. Manchester, Robertson and Allison, of Saint John , who have been advertising in this paper ever since it started, will supply the rugs, and A. O. Skinner, of Saint John , another advertiser will likely furnish the necessary carpets.
Beacon
March 21/1895
The frame of the second story is all up and the room partitions in position. Most of the first flooring has also been laid. the timber for the other flats is being got in readiness, and in a few days will be laid in place.
The immense wing, constructed this year, increases the capacity of the house fifty per cent., affording guests rooms en suite with private baths and toilets; new dining hall, seating 250 guests; amusement room for entertainments and dancing; children and nurse's dining room; ladies' writing and sitting room; amateur photographer's darkroom. Accessories--lady orchestra; telegraph, gas, electric bells; steam heat, open fires; elevator, fresh and salt water baths. "The St. Andrews Golf Club," of 40 members, has two sets of links.
Beacon
April 4/1895
The Algonquin Hotel
the roof timbers of the new wing are now erected, and in a few days will be boarded in. the first floors have all been laid on the several flats, the partitions erected, and the work of lathing is being pushed with all speed. Plastering will be begun as soon as the weather and the condition of the building will permit. All the gas and steam pipes have been laid, and considerable of the plumbing done. the greater part of the alterations to the interior of the old building has also been made, and painters are now at work painting the exterior.
Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie have been awarded the contract for building the engine-house, laundry and coal house across the street from the rear of the hotel. they will be low structures, 10 feet post, so as not to interfere with the view. the laundry will be 24 x 50 feet, the engine-house 16 x 20 feet, the coast house 18 x 24 feet. (Not very large)
Beacon
April 18/1895
Robert S. Gardiner, of Boston, vice-president of the Algonquin Hotel Company, came her from Boston last week, to look after hotel interests. he was accompanied by Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Gardiner. Mr. Gardiner reports that the summer prospects never looked brighter for St. Andrews than they do this season. he based this statement upon the large number of enquiries the Secretary of the Company, Mr. A. D.S. Bell, of Boston, is receiving, and from the number of engagements that have already been made. Mr. Gardiner says that he summer boat and train arrangement swill be found very satisfactory. Hitherto, there has been considerable complaint from west-bound passengers concerning delays, but this season there should be none, for the 4:30 train will make close connection with the western train from Saint John. As the season advances, in order to encourage Montréal to visit us more frequently, a Pullman will alternate between here and Montreal. Mr. Gardiner says that he will probably soon begin the erection of a stone cottage for himself, and will either rent or sell his present summer dwelling. Mr. Shaughnessy, he says, is still talking of building.
Beacon
May 2/1895
Up at the big Algonquin work is being pushed along with marvellous rapidity. all the roof and gable end have been shingled, and on Monday shingling was begun on the sides of the house. the mason shave about finished the plastering on the third and fourth floors, and when the door frames are put in and the doors hung these floors will be about complete. the painters are keeping close upon the heels of the carpenters. the entire building is the embodiment of strength and beauty. Nor has safety been sacrificed, for large fire escapes are being erected. the foundation of the walls of the engine room and laundry are being laid as fast as possible.
Beacon
May 9/1895
Shingling complete; painting begun
Beacon
May 16/1895
The Algonquin Hotel
To properly appreciate the magnificent extent of the improvements in connection with St. Andrews big summer hotel, it is necessary that a personal inspection of it should be made. the building, under the supervision of Messrs. Stevenson and McKenzie, is now in a very forward state, and if necessary could be finished up in a fortnight. All the floors in the annex are plastered, with the exception of the fourth, on which the plasterers begun on Tuesday. the finishing coat has been applied to the walls of the third storey, and the carpenters are now putting in the door frames and laying the top floor the second flat will be fished up in a day or two. the magnificent big dining hall is plastered and the wainscoting around the walls completed. In the basement, where the help’s rooms are, the walls are all plastered. the sub-basement has not yet been partitioned off. it he old laundry room, a large brick, oven is in course of construction. the plumbing for the building, which is being done by W. H. Donovan, of SS, is well advanced. the radiators are erected in the dining hall and only await connection, and the private bath closets on the several floors are nearly all finished. the painters have nearly completed their outside work. the verandah, which is one of the most notable features of the annex, is about all floored. the engine and boiler, which were removed last week, will be set up in their new position this week alongside the laundry building the from a of which is constructed. the walls of the coat building are completed. there is not doubt that everything in connection with the hotel will be in readiness for opening on July 1st.
Beacon
May 23/1895
The Algonquin hotel, which is so rapidly nearing completion, will experience its biggest success this season. Year after year since it was first opened to the public in 1889, an increasing number of guests has been drawn to it, but this year with the enlarged facilities which the annex will give, it is expected that the number will be doubled.
Beacon
June 20/1895
The Algonquin hotel is finished. Messrs. E. F. Fay and H.. M. Nourse, of Boston, on behalf of the Company, took over the building this week, and a staff of help, under the direction of Mrs. Jacobs, housekeeper, is now getting the hotel in readiness for opening next Wednesday. the new wing gives the hotel forty-two additional guest rooms, several of which are en suite, with private baths and toilet rooms. the new dining hall, 44 x 84, is a marvel of beauty and elegance, and it is doubtful if there is another hotel on the continent that has such an unexampled view from its banqueting chamber as has the Algonquin. it will seat 300 guests. the walls are painted a beautiful shade of green, and a dado of egg shell white running all round. the ceiling is the same tint as the dado, the effect being very pleasing to the eye. the addition gives greater kitchen space, while it also provides for the housing of the hotel help. Heretofore, the servants have been maintained in an outside, building, but now they will be all under ht one roof. the isolation of the laundry, and engine room also removed a ground of objection that the old building possessed. While the enlarged hotel has been made a thing of beauty, the safety of the guests has also been considered by the erection of ample fire escape, which it is sincerely hoped, may never have to be used. the extended piazza is another feature that will be appreciated by the guest of the housel A good idea of its length may be obtained when it is stated that nine laps of it make a mile. the furniture for the new wing is now on the ground and is being put in place with all speed. a neat folder has just been issued by the proprietors of Kennedy’s hotel, St. Andrews. it has a bird’s eye view of St. Andrews and the country in its vicinity, and a picture of Kennedy’s hotel, and it contains a variety of information for tourist and summer visitors--Telegraph