THE WICOMICO HOTEL
The tallest structure in the city of Salisbury is the former Wicomico Hotel. Construction on it started in 1923 and it was officially opened on October 24, 1924. The hotel was an impressive Renaissance Revival Style building that had 150 rooms within its 7 floors. It was advertised as the “Eastern Shore’s Finest and Most Complete Hotel” when opened. The hotel also had the very popular “Commodious Convention Hall”, in addition to a complete coffee shop, lounge, and fine dining rooms.
It was financed as a community project by 1005 shareholders, who were informed that their investment may never pay a monetary dividend.
The dining room, with its ornate style of hospitality, also provided dinner music. It was provided nightly in an upscale setting. The local chamber music ensemble played there occasionally as well as at parties and dances in the ballroom on the seventh floor. The make-up of the ensemble reads like a who’s who of Salisbury. From the College were Dr. Thomas Carruthers playing the cello and Ben Maggs on the clarinet. Marie Allen and Bettie Morris, along with Ruth Truitt playing violins. Ruth Truitt soon left to take up a position with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra where she remained for 52 years. Her sister Jane played the piano and Richard Cooper, the pre-eminent Salisbury historian, manned the bass violin. Mr. Cooper recalled fondly that they would play for the occasional black-tie dinner party for the Wicomico Hunt Club.
Besides providing lodging for the weary traveler and sustenance for anyone who wished, the hotel building also had a barber shop and tap room in the basement. It also had a Cigar and Newsstand. It had commercial stores on the ground floor. The Western Union Telegraph Co., Schleisner Co. and the W. S. Gordy, Jr. Insurance Co. occupied these stores in the first few years of the Wicomico Hotel’s existence. Mr. Schleisner’s daughter, Sue, married John Hess. The store was eventually named Hess Apparrel and was a fixture in Salisbury at many locations for many years.
It ceased to be a hotel on January 1, 1969 when it was acquired by Peninsula Properties and turned into an office building and is now known as One Plaza East.
The seventh floor ballroom is presently being restored at great expense by a local attorney for his office, conference room, law library, and two additional offices available for rent. The ornate ceiling can still bring back memories of a grander time.
It was financed as a community project by 1005 shareholders, who were informed that their investment may never pay a monetary dividend.
The dining room, with its ornate style of hospitality, also provided dinner music. It was provided nightly in an upscale setting. The local chamber music ensemble played there occasionally as well as at parties and dances in the ballroom on the seventh floor. The make-up of the ensemble reads like a who’s who of Salisbury. From the College were Dr. Thomas Carruthers playing the cello and Ben Maggs on the clarinet. Marie Allen and Bettie Morris, along with Ruth Truitt playing violins. Ruth Truitt soon left to take up a position with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra where she remained for 52 years. Her sister Jane played the piano and Richard Cooper, the pre-eminent Salisbury historian, manned the bass violin. Mr. Cooper recalled fondly that they would play for the occasional black-tie dinner party for the Wicomico Hunt Club.
Besides providing lodging for the weary traveler and sustenance for anyone who wished, the hotel building also had a barber shop and tap room in the basement. It also had a Cigar and Newsstand. It had commercial stores on the ground floor. The Western Union Telegraph Co., Schleisner Co. and the W. S. Gordy, Jr. Insurance Co. occupied these stores in the first few years of the Wicomico Hotel’s existence. Mr. Schleisner’s daughter, Sue, married John Hess. The store was eventually named Hess Apparrel and was a fixture in Salisbury at many locations for many years.
It ceased to be a hotel on January 1, 1969 when it was acquired by Peninsula Properties and turned into an office building and is now known as One Plaza East.
The seventh floor ballroom is presently being restored at great expense by a local attorney for his office, conference room, law library, and two additional offices available for rent. The ornate ceiling can still bring back memories of a grander time.
Thanks George (and Joe) for this article. Again, those were the good old days.... Decent politicians running Salisbury, the only gangs were those of us the fished and hunted together, crime was non-existent, no one locked doors, etc. Could enjoy a nice mean downtown at the Chantry House, the Saddle Club to name a couple without fear of being mugged at night. Had about 3 theatres available for a nominal fee and could always depend on a great banana split at Shoremaid. Oh well, times are achangin. jackkcharl@aol.com
ReplyDeleteActually I spell better than that lol
ReplyDeleteThe basement rocked for a few years there.
ReplyDeleteAs always, corrctions are encouraged. This is the only way the history will be correctly reported. As for this article, John Hess' parents were Lewis and Fanny Hess. She was a Schleisner before she got married. Their son, John, became associated with the Schleisner store through this connection. I thank Henrietta Moore for this information.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Jack but as far as the times changing,they are definitely not for the better. The politicians could care less,they are just out there to make a name for themselves. They could give a shit about me and you!!!! And thats a fact Jack.(no punt intended)
ReplyDeletewhich is attorney is moving in ???
ReplyDeleteI remember my mother talking about a hospital, PGH at the time, Christmas party that was held in the ballroom for employees.
ReplyDeleteThe attorney is William R. Hall. His address is listed in the phone book as One Plaza East, Seventh Floor.
ReplyDeleteWow !! Does that bring back memories. I remember taking Ballroom Dancing there from Peyton Zieger in the late 1950's. My first "date" with Charlene Haymon was at a dance there. Around the same time we would take swimming lessons at the City Park, believe it or not.
ReplyDeleteGreg Dennis
i guess the older we get we remember the past through rose colored glasses,yeah things were a whole lot more peaceful and safer in salisbury back in the 50's and 60's,but to say that crime was non existent then is simply not true,i remember many murders during that time,quite a few which went unsolved by the way.anyway enjoy reading the historical infomation.
ReplyDeleteI also took ballroom dancing in the ballroom from Peyton Zieger. I can remember Penny Dennis (Bradford)(her Mom being the 1st businesswoman in town), Jeff Bounds, and I think his sister Margaret Bounds being in the class. Now Kitty Dennis' flower shop has matured from her to Penny and on to Robin. (Probably on to another generation; but I am NOT that old). Mrs. Zieger on occasion would have her husband at the class and when they danced, it was like watching Fred and Ginger! They danced as one. I am so pleased that someone is restoring the ballroom.
ReplyDeleteIf anyone wants to see the space I will be glad to show them. Temco spent close to 18 months fixing the old Ball Room into office space. Give me a call at 410-749-1699 and I have space to rent as well!
ReplyDeleteWilliam Hall