| MOVIELAND'S GREAT DAMES |
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| America found more. It found one of the
greatest love stories ever screened and, arguably, the most popular
cult film in Hollywood history. Universal's Somewhere in Time 1980
movie with the backdrop of the Grand Hotel and John Barry's haunting
music has become one of the most successful video releases of all
time. |
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 The Grand Hotel (906-847-3331 www.grandhotel.com) a lovely, idyllic, almost languid location was ideal for a movie based in the early 1900s. But the surprise for movie buffs who come in homage now is how much better this grand old dame is in person. Built in 1887, impeccably maintained and owned essentially by the same family for three generations, it sparkles today as if it had just been constructed. Guests still come as they have since the beginning by ferry because there is no bridge to the island and no cars. Horses pull wagons and cabs -- and the clip clop of their hooves does as much to make the days serene as the charm of "the world's largest summer hotel." |
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At the turn of the century there were about 1000 large,
wood frame hotels, says Bob Tagatz, the Grand Hotel concierge and
historian. "They were killed by the Depression and threat of
fire. Only two remain in private hands, Mohonk Mountain House and
our Grand Hotel. Elsewhere there's just a handful left such as the
Mount Washington and the Balsams in New Hampshire and the National
Park Lodges. And, of course, the historical Hotel del Coronado." |
 
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Says Christine Donovan, director of Heritage Programs
for the Hotel Del Coronado. "Many historic structures no longer
retain their original purpose. There are houses that cease to be homes,
ships that don't sail and factories that no longer produce. But we
at the Del still function as a seaside resort, historic preservation
in the best sense of the word." |
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