Past, Present, & Future

No need to adjust your glasses or squint your eyes, it's not you.  I know some of these newspaper clippings are blurry and hard to read, my apologies, they are the best I have.  

The Josephine Opens...

I wish I had photos of the inside of the hotel in days it was open.  I don't suppose it would have been of interest to Dr. Robert Fleming, who built the hotel, to have made photos of the beautiful interior in that day.  I, having been granted rare access to the second and third floors, made several photographs that have not been published before.  I hope that in some way I can help you to visualize what the hotel looked like in the beginning.

There were several ads and write-ups in the paper in the months leading up to the opening and even after the opening.
I have to believe that the city of Union Springs had to be very happy about the opening as it would bring more visitors to the city and continue to increase the it's booming economy.

Notice the description of the interior in the article below.

Iron entry plates at all four entry points into the building.

Now, no need for concern, this guy is just stored up here until halloween.  This is a 2nd floor room facing the street.  If you will notice the window behind the spooky guy.  That is one of two front floor to ceiling windows that would be opened to allow people access to the balcony on the front of the building. (That used to be there.)  The wall you see wasn't there when the hotel was built.  In fact this whole room was actually part of the lobby where folks would sit and talk and read the paper or just enjoy the breeze blowing through the building. 

The piano, is quite old.  In fact I think is was brought in sometime after the first renovation took place in 1903.  The building would have been 23 yrs old by then.  I checked on the age of the piano and found out it was only made between 1906 - 1911... so yes, it is quite old.  

I remember when I first saw it I asked Joyce, the owner, why didn't she just bring it downstairs and show it off?  She chuckled and said, "What would the ghost play?".  Actually, it is true, over the years they, (Joyce & Allen), have been downstairs and heard the piano keys being tickled a little.  During some of the recent ghost hunts on this floor some of the resident ghosts played a few notes for them too.  My first question was, "Is it a player piano?".  The answer is no.  But the ghost love it.  I guess they need some entertainment.  After all, they were once people too.

I was so amazed that almost all of the original door numbers are still on the doors.  You can also see through the crackling paint, the original door color that was a dark walnut stain.

This is another amazing thing I thought.  Some of the original door hinges from 1880 are still on the doors.  While many have been replace over the years, it is delightful to see these beautiful pieces still there.

On the second floor you can
see everywhere, the peeling 
paint from over the years.  
Noticeably, you always see
this amazing and vibrant red
popping through.  That red
is the original color of the 
walls.  So, the rich red on 
the walls and the dark walnut
stain on the woodwork, hand-rails, banisters, and doors had a very luxurious look in those days.  Even now, that would be beautiful to see.

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See that dark red?  Beautiful!!!

The Grand Staircase

The view from the top of the Grand Staircase.

In this view at the top of the stairs, looking down... right there to the right of the newel post is where it is believed to be the place of the registration desk. Guests would come up the stairs from the street and walk straight over to the desk and sign in.

One other thing I will point out about the Grand Staircase is that it is in amazing condition.  Seriously, for a 134 year old building, these steps don't even squeak!  Not one spindle in missing and the newel post is a work of art and in perfect condition.  Overall it just needs to be restored.  It's already loved.
Oddly, see the banister at the bottom down there.  That is the only spindle missing that I could see on any of the staircases in the building. 

Just look at that gorgeous newel post.  On the other hand, I'd like to go back in time and punch the guy in the face who thought it would be a great idea to paint it.  Who's with me on that?

Also on the second floor I had to take a photo of this little contraption.  At first I thought is was an old fashion cooler, but no... 

It's an ironing machine.  From around the 40's - 50's era.  It was used by the hotel staff to iron bed sheets and pillowcases.  

On to the 3rd floor where things get a little sad.  There's a lot to do up here since the new roof was put on a while back by owners, Joyce and Allen.  Sadly, the previous owners let it go and simply did not care for it and the result is tremendous damage, but not so to the point that it can't be fixed.  It is doable. 

One of 2 skylights that provide a whole lot of light from the third floor down to the second floor.

Third floor rear staircase.

Here sits the bottom half of an old sewing machine base in what would once have been a linen closet.

Below you can see the ceiling damage from the neglectful years.

Check out those transoms over all the hotel room doors.

 Since there were no air conditioners in those days, transoms opened allowed a nice breeze to blow throughout the building. 

Looking up to the 3rd floor from the second.

Same area as above, only from 3rd floor.  This is the area where the light shined down from the skylight.  I think the skylights were a pretty forward thinking idea in that day.

3rd floor hotel room.  Almost all had a fireplace and a sink throughout the whole building.

Lastly, let me explain what you are looking at here, because it is truly remarkable.

On the second floor, Joyce lifts a shabby old linoleum rug and reveals this amazing floor.  The original stained floor from 134 years ago.  Just marvelous! This just tells you that what once was, can still be again.

What does the future hold for Josephine?

The first thing would be removing all the old white paint from the front of the building and replacing the original facade, which includes the beautiful balcony.

Plans for the 2nd floor are "ART Incubators".  This would mean rooms on that floor would be restored and rented as a studio for painters, sculptors, potters, writers, crafters, and such.

As an artist myself, I want one of those rooms.  It is positively inspiring to be there.

Eventually, the 3rd floor would be restored to hotel rooms and rented.  I think it would be a real treat to stay in one of those room once it is restored.  Each room will be notably different and uniquely decorated.

  Structurally, she has good bones and she is standing strong and secure.  She can be brought back to life from here.  But it will take money.  This can only be achieved if the city of Union Springs, Tourism, and the residents rally around her and celebrate her.  It's up to all of us to help revive her by driving business into this city, driving tourists to come see her, and locals doing all they can to keep her propped up so that she may shine as brightly as she once did in 1880.  The Josephine was once called the "Lion" of Union Springs.  Josephine can and will be what ignites the flames of prosperity for all who live in this town.  If everyone can do their part she will live again.  I hope so.  She is really something. I'd like to see her come back. 

Please be sure to take a moment to leave a comment and let me know what you think.  Your feedback is important.