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Steele's Hotel was built by George P. Steele in 1851/52 to replace the old Pennsylvania House which had been leased by Capt. B. F. Wells who operated the packet boat Northumberland from Wilkes-Barre to Northumberland three times a week.
Opening March 24, 1852, Steele's Hotel was four stories tall and built of brick and magnificently furnished for its time.
Eventually, as Steele approached retirement, the property was sold to Ziba Bennett.
Steele died February 2, 1870. By this time the hotel was leased by Sylvester Bristol, a long time innkeeper at Scranton.
Upon Bristol's retirement from hotelkeeping in the mid 1880's, the Luzerne House was managed by George W. Zeigler until it was demolished in 1895 for the erection of the new Bennett Block.
Daniel J. Ostrander was proprietor from 1858, perhaps until his death in 1864.
ReplyDelete“Steele’s Hotel, N.E. Corner Public Square, Wilkes Barre, PA: D. J. Ostrander, Proprietor,” The Luzerne Union (Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania), May 19, 1858, 4.
The undersigned takes pleasure in announcing to his friends and the public that he has assumed the proprietorship of the above named well known Hotel, where he is prepared to entertain guests in a satisfactory and accommodating style. The convenient location of the house, and its superior appointments throughout, cannot fail to prove attractive as well as inviting to strangers.
The Chambers are of fine size, well ventilated, light and pleasant – a number with connecting doors – making them very desirable for families visiting the Valley, during the summer months.
The culinary department and dining room will receive the special attention of the proprietor, and he hopes, by the exercise of strict and constant watchfulness, to be able to please all tastes.
Visitors may rest assured that no effort will be spared to render “Steele Hotel” perfect and that it will afford those who may make it their home, as great a degree of comfort as may be obtained at any similar establishment in the State.
THE NATIONAL SALOON, Immediately under the Hotel will be in charge of an experienced and obliging caterer. The Billiard room, attached to the Saloon will always be found in order, and obliging persons in attendance to promote the comfort of participants in this gentlemanly and exhilarating game. D. J. Ostrander. Wilkes-Barre, May 12, 1858.
Daniel J. Ostrander was proprietor from 1858, perhaps until his death in 1864.
ReplyDelete“Steele’s Hotel, N.E. Corner Public Square, Wilkes Barre, PA: D. J. Ostrander, Proprietor,” The Luzerne Union (Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania), May 19, 1858, 4.
The undersigned takes pleasure in announcing to his friends and the public that he has assumed the proprietorship of the above named well known Hotel, where he is prepared to entertain guests in a satisfactory and accommodating style. The convenient location of the house, and its superior appointments throughout, cannot fail to prove attractive as well as inviting to strangers.
The Chambers are of fine size, well ventilated, light and pleasant – a number with connecting doors – making them very desirable for families visiting the Valley, during the summer months.
The culinary department and dining room will receive the special attention of the proprietor, and he hopes, by the exercise of strict and constant watchfulness, to be able to please all tastes.
Visitors may rest assured that no effort will be spared to render “Steele Hotel” perfect and that it will afford those who may make it their home, as great a degree of comfort as may be obtained at any similar establishment in the State.
THE NATIONAL SALOON, Immediately under the Hotel will be in charge of an experienced and obliging caterer. The Billiard room, attached to the Saloon will always be found in order, and obliging persons in attendance to promote the comfort of participants in this gentlemanly and exhilarating game. D. J. Ostrander. Wilkes-Barre, May 12, 1858.