The Highlands Historical Society opened a new exhibit – “Hosts on High: a History of Hotels and Inns in Highlands” on Thursday, July 18. The exhibit will tell the story of some of the hotels, past and present, that have accommodated weary travelers from the time the community was first founded.
“The hospitality industry has long been the engine that drove our local economy in Highlands,” said Tracy Foor, the current President of the Historical Society. “From the first days that people came to Highlands to escape the heat or enjoy the beauty of the Plateau, they needed a place to stay. Day trips were not an option.”
The exhibit includes histories of some of the earliest hotels and inns such as the Highlands Inn, Central House, Davis House and King’s Inn, as well as artifacts that the Historical Society has acquired over the years.
“My favorite artifact in the exhibit is a guest book from 1895 from Highlands House (now Highlands Inn),” said Foor. “What interested me most is that many guests had a shopping list with their names with prices noted. That was a great example of a full service hotel for its time.”
“We hope that visitors to the museum will gain a sense of nostalgia and relive their own past by revisiting some of the wonderful hotels and inns that have come and gone,” Foor added. “Many of our current residents spent summers of their childhoods here in one of these special places. They loved those times so much that they have moved here in their later years.”
Two such residents are Art and Angela Williams, former owners of the Old Edwards Inn and Spa. The exhibit highlights the history of the Old Edwards’ properties and includes reflections about the impact that the Williams have had on the Plateau.
“It was a wonderful coincidence to plan and create this exhibit just at the time that Art and Angela Williams are passing the torch to new owners. We hope it is a fitting tribute to all they have done for the community.”
The exhibit will be open to the public during regular museum hours. The museum is located at 524 N. 4th Street and is open Thursdays - Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 – 4 p.m. through October. Admission is free.