ozarks
roots
the people, places and traditions that make the ozarks home
More than A Museum By Neoma Foreman
Community rallies to save a piece of El Dorado Spring, Mo., history El Dorado Springs, Mo., was a place to see and be seen before the turn of the 20th century. There was no better place to do both than at the Palace Hotel. This new hotel was constructed in 1882, one year after El Dorado Springs was established. It opened for business at 119 West Spring Street, across from the park. Built in the style and grandeur necessary, it housed and entertained huge number of visitors who came to take in the healing waters in the spring. Shortly after the Palace opened, the name changed to Commercial Hotel. Visitors could still could sit on the second-story balcony and enjoy events in the park, including the band, which began in 1885 or 1886, and visit with those passing by. Local people took advantage of the fashionable hotel. Social events were slated in the dining room, along with galas and other events keeping El Dorado Springs society entertained. Remodeled in 1924 by Mrs. W.H. Anthony, the building was renamed The Wayside Inn. Delicious meals were served in the spacious dining room. The hotel became the setting for dances, teas, receptions, graduation parties, banquets, weddings and other social events. A third floor was added to the 40-year-old structure and became the “Honeymoon Suite,” with its lovely view of the park and its own bath. Hot and cold running water were a plus.
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In later years, the building became vacant and in disrepair. A group of concerned citizens established The Preserve Our Past Society, Inc., in 1984, and rescued the hotel. June 1, 1985, the society opened the Wayside Inn Museum to the public with five rooms depicting the local history. Volunteers staffed the museum and conducted 596 people on tours that day. They also established the first annual Historical Hysteria Day to celebrate the opening of the museum and relive some of the area history. The hotel became a true community icon as different organizations adopted rooms. The Progress Club recreated an early-1900-style bedroom and bath, which features a water closet, circa 1920. The Sac Osage Retired Teachers and Alpha Delta Kappa teachers’ sorority recreated a one-room school, complete with desks for the teacher and students, and a slate blackboard from one of the country schools. Inez and Sidney Hoffman privately financed the Weaving Room, featuring a large loom made by a family member for Lucy Caudel. There is a cherry wood loom dating to 1870. Sigma Chi Lambda repapered the upstairs hallway with an authentic reproduction of antique wallpaper. Early settlers’ craftsmanship is shown in many of the artifacts displayed throughout the building. The kitchen Submitted Photos
Ozarks Farm & Neighbor • www.ozarksfn.com
MARCH 29, 2021
