Grand View Hotel

Grand View Hotel. 100 Jackson Street, Ripon Wisconsin. , The Grand View Hotel, considered by many to be one of the finest establishments in the Midwest, was a magnificent structure at the North end of the square where City Hall is now located. The hotel replaced the American House in 1872, a two-story square, wooden hotel which was constructed by city founder David Mapes. , , The hotel underwent several name changes before taking on its final name, Grand View. It started as Wood's Hotel which was built by Alanson Wood in 1872. The new hotel had seventy-five rooms, all of which were well furnished and well kept. It was considered one of the most elegant hotels in the area, certainly the most elegant in Ripon. The five-story building, comprised of brick and stone, had small decorative balconies on the front overlooking the square. , , Wood's Hotel became the Hotel Englebright in 1890 when it was purchased by William Englebright who completely renovated the building, combining rooms to create a first-class hotel. The renovation included creating a two-story portico on the front facade, and constructing a winding stairway to the second floor from the front lobby. Englebright also added a charming parlor, writing and reading rooms, along with a billiard room and bar. Thirty-five well lit, steam heated, first-class rooms with electric bell service were established, all of which was considered luxurious at that time. Englebright sold the hotel in 1918. , , Henry Kuhn purchased the Grand View Hotel from Mrs. Fanny Figi in 1937. Kuhn extensively remodeled the hotel, redecorating the guest rooms, adding a cocktail room and installing a new bar. , , Fire destroyed the hotel on February 1, 1949. The blaze began around 1:40 am in the north section of the third floor, and quickly spread down the corridors. Two hotel employees, Helen Lentz and Mildred Werdin, alerted those sleeping and helped save the lives of forty-two guests. Unfortunately, six people perished in the blaze. Also destroyed was the hotel's historic register which contained the names of many famous politicians, entertainers and artists who had appeared in the community. Among them were William Jennings Bryan, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Frederick Douglas. President Taft, after his term in office, also left his name on the register.