1928 - Alderson High School - 1968
The Alderson Hotel From The History Of Alderson
A post card with people poseing for the picture. Edge of building seen on left was the annex for more borders and visitors. The hotel seen mid-right with the depot across from it, the river behind it, and it own water tank on top of the building. There are several buildings, beside the hotel, missing now. Can you tell which ones?
(Click on photos for larger view)
In it's last days. Note 2nd floor porch is gone. View of hotel with annex to it's left.
The   new   Alderson   Hotel   assumed,   by   default,   passengers   services   with   it’s   larger   capacity,   about   40 rooms   including   it’s   two   annexes,   and   running   water   in   every   room.   The   hotel   had   it’s   own   7,000   gallon water   tank.   Two   of   the   passenger   trains   stopped   for   breakfast   and   supper   each   day.   It   was   step   off   the trains   and   walk   into   the   most   modern   hotel   on   the   C&O   line.   For   borders,   it   must   have   had   a   great   view   of the Greenbrier River. By   the   year   1896, Alderson   was   being   inundated   with   folks   coming   from   Virginia   and   Ohio,   just   to   enjoy   the cooler   summer   and   pleasant   mountains,   and The Alderson   Hotel   flourished   during   this   time,   as   well   did   the city.   It   continued   as   a   popular   stop   until   the   1930's   when   rail   travel   slowed   down   considerably.   Over   it’s remaining years, and many managers, the hotel closed in 1961.
“The   best   and   most   famous   house   on   the   C&O   in   West   Virginia   except for    the    White    Sulphur    Hotel”.     That’s    what    Virginia    newspapers    were saying   about   the   Alderson   Hotel   in   the   1880s.   In   1882,   David   J.   Cogbill and   John   W. Alderson   built   the   hotel   behind   the   Depot,   on   the   north   side of the railroad tracks with it’s back facing the Greenbrier River. (Click on photo for larger view)
With   the   railroad   coming   through   a   decade   earlier,   and   traveling   by   rail   getting   more popular, Alderson   was   getting   to   be   welcome   stop   for   passengers   to   have   a   meal   or   stay for   a   while.   That   service   was   formally   being   handled   by   the   Monroe   House   from   1872   to 1882.   It   was   located   across   the   street   (where   the   Post   Office   is   now   located)   on   the other side of the rails. (Click on photo for larger view)
The old Monroe House Hotel. It was where the Post Office stands now. T. L. Dameron, Station Master, meeting C&O train. Looks like he's expecting freight. Note Alderson Hotel to the right.
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