Wichita Falls in Wichita County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of St. James Hotel
By Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016
1. Site of St. James Hotel Marker
Site of St. James Hotel. . Joseph Alexander Kemp (1861-1930), a Wichita Falls merchant, and Morris Lasker (1840-1916), a native of Prussia who later served as state senator from Galveston, formed a partnership in 1892 for the construction of a hotel at this site. Built by Myles O'Reilly, the three-story St. James Hotel was completed one year later and became the center of area social events. Guests were attracted by the good food and by the music of a hotel orchestra. Business began to decline as new hotels opened in the area and in 1929 the building was demolished.
Joseph Alexander Kemp (1861-1930), a Wichita Falls merchant, and Morris Lasker (1840-1916), a native of Prussia who later served as state senator from Galveston, formed a partnership in 1892 for the construction of a hotel at this site. Built by Myles O'Reilly, the three-story St. James Hotel was completed one year later and became the center of area social events. Guests were attracted by the good food and by the music of a hotel orchestra. Business began to decline as new hotels opened in the area and in 1929 the building was demolished.
Erected 1980 by the Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4889.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings.
Location. 33° 54.864′ N, 98° 29.404′ W. Marker is in Wichita Falls, Texas, in Wichita County. Marker is at the intersection of 7th Street and LaSalle Avenue, on the right when traveling east on 7th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7th Street, Wichita Falls TX 76301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Alonzo Soule (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Henry C. Luecke (about 400 feet away); J. A. Kemp Wholesale Grocery Building (about 400 feet away); 
By Mark Hilton, July 22, 2016
2. Former site of St. James Hotel
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 282 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 12, 2016, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
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