The History Behind the 1925 Funding of the Yorktowne

BY BRENDAN SALYARDS | MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

From its very beginning, The Yorktowne Hotel has truly been a community undertaking. Nearly 100 years ago, on June 5, 1923, the Executive Committee of the York Chamber of Commerce agreed to a plan of action to construct a modern, regionally competitive hotel. At the direction of the Chamber Executive Committee, a Citizens Hotel Committee was organized with representatives from the Manufacturer’s Association, and the Kiwanis, Rotary, and Lions Clubs. In their first meeting on June 29, 1923, the Committee voted by a margin of nine to two to build a new hotel on a new site in York.

The Committee contracted the Hockenberry System of Harrisburg to organize a fundraising campaign for the project. While the campaign would not take place until March 31, 1924, it lasted only a week. In only seven days’ time, $1,175,000 (over $20.5 million in today’s dollars) were raised through the sale stock in the newly formed Community Hotel Company to nearly 1,200 investors. Four sales divisions composed of 265 volunteers competed during the week-long campaign and the winning team, led by John L. Gerber, was awarded the campaign’s mascot, a stuffed goat. Unfortunately, details regarding the rationale behind the selection of this mascot remain a mystery, but those wishing to see the goat in person will find it present day keeping watching above the Hotel’s Davidson Lobby Bar

Original construction crew of the hotel

The Yorktowne Hotel celebrated its grand opening on October 14, 1925, with a concert performed by the York City Band and a flag raising ceremony performed by York City Mayor, Ephraim Smyser Hugentugler. The Yorktowne was an immediate success. Although it experienced some challenges in the late 60’s and early 70’s, it largely remained successful throughout the 20th century. During this time, the hotel changed hands frequently and despite several renovations supported by funding from the hotel’s operations and prominent community members, the Yorktowne was in steep decline by the mid 2000’s.

The 1925 "Special Hotel Edition" of The Gazette and Daily newspaper

In 2015, the property was acquired by the York County Industrial Development Authority (YCIDA), returning it to a form of community ownership. While there are no shareholders, the YCIDA is a public authority. The Yorktowne Hotel officially re-opened on January 31, 2023, after undergoing a complete renovation. Kim Hogeman, who served as the Project Manager, oversaw the project which restored the hotel to its 1920’s grandeur, while ensuring that patrons can enjoy the amenities of a modern hotel. Thanks to her efforts and the support of countless members of the York Community, the hotel once again was returned to its former glory. In 1923, The Gazette and Daily, remarked that the hotel was: “up to the Minute in all its appointments. One of the most modern and completely equipped hotels in Southern Pennsylvania.” Now, 100 years later, these words still ring true.

Original exterior of hotel

The modern redevelopment project and 2023 grand re-opening could not have been completed without the generous support of a number of businesses, foundations, and individuals, including:

FOUNDATION SUPPORT:

The Powder Mill Foundation, The Warehime Foundation, The York County Community Foundation, The Glatfelter Foundation, The Kinsley Foundation

IN-KIND SUPPORT:

Graham Architectural Products, Hanover Architectural Products, Johnson Controls, Inc, York Wallcoverings

NAMING SUPPORT:

The WellSpan Ballroom, The Pullo Room, The Graham Rooftop Lounge, The Barnhart Memories Tea Room, The Stewart Companies Room, The Davidson Lobby

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM COUNTLESS FAMILIES, INDIVIDUALS, AND BUSINESSES

Mural in the new Davidson Lobby of the re-opened Yorktowne Hotel