The Waterville Hotel
For several decades after it was erected in 1903, the Waterville Hotel was one of the most important commercial establishments in this small central Washington town. The hotel was a source of pride for the community and it served as a center for social interaction. The building remains one of Waterville's most prominent architectural landmarks.
A group of local investors formed a corporation to build the hotel. An article that appeared in the Big Bend Empire on July 23, 1901, stated, "A company is being organized to build a brick hotel, and will be incorporated with a capital stock of from $10,000 to $12,000."
The investors saw a need for quality accommodations. Waterville was the Douglas County seat, and as such attracted many who came to town to transact business at the courthouse. There were rooming houses, but these were considered inadequate for those in town on business. An article explaining the need appeared in the Big Bend Empire, March 14, 1901, "At present our hotels are simply overrun with guests. Nothing short of a commodious, well arranged hotel will satisfy the traveling public at this day and age in Waterville." Convinced of the importance of this project to the town's economy, city officials deeded the public square in the center of town for the hotel's site. Located conveniently between Wenatchee and Coulee City on Highway 2, Waterville's new hotel provided necessary accommodations for those not wishing to make a night drive down the steep, narrow, winding Pine Canyon Road to Wenatchee. The hotel became a popular way station for the tourists, salesmen, and politicians traveling this route.
The hotel also became the town's social and civic center. It had a large dining facility and many town meetings, political rallies, and social gatherings were held there. Many groups used the hotel on a regular schedule. Among those were the Commercial Club, which held both business meetings and social events; and a dance group, comprised of prominent citizens, which met weekly complete with a band and refreshments.
In the 1900s, "politicking" was very personal. The hotel became a political focal point where crowds of 100 to 150 people would gather to meet, listen to speeches, discuss issues, and argue.
The hotel was one of the largest commercial operations in the county. The building had 33 rooms, each with a window, chest of drawers, and a bed. There were ten deluxe rooms that shared a bath with only one other room. These rooms cost only $2.50 per night through the 1940s. However, a guest renting the cheapest room at $1.00 per night was also assured clean sheets and towels and the use of a public bath at the end of the hall. From 1931 to 1943 the hotel was managed by Pearl and Clayton Mayo. She was a cook of great renown and the hotel flourished. A typical menu consisted of three types of roasts: veal, beef, and pork; and for 50 cents a patron could select a dinner consisting of meat, potatoes, two vegetables, salad, and pie. Fourteen to 16 pies were made each day. A "merchant's lunch" (dinner menu minus one vegetable) was quickly served and cost 35 cents.
From the NRHP Nomination Form