Alcazar Hotel St. Augustine Florida

Alcazar Hotel
St. Augustine Florida

Alcazar Hotel opened by Henry Flagler on December 25, 1888. Building
designed by Carrere and Hastings. Constructed by McGuire and McDonald.
Supervising Architect -- J. W. Ingle . Today's St. Augustine City Hall and
Lightner Museum.

In the beginning....Olivet Methodist Episcopal Church, North was removed.
The San Marco roller-skating-rink building was demolished and the Maria
Sanchez Creek was filled in.

Fact Sheet
1887 - May - concrete pouring for the foundation begins.
1888 - December 25th - first guests registered
          Tropical Tennis Tournament begins would later be played on the four
             asphalt courts behind the Casino.
1889 - February 22 - Casino opens.
          March - Alicia Hospital Fair and Ball
                        Grover Cleveland pays second visit to St. Augustine views
                           Casino. Secretary of State Thomas Bayard swims in pool.
1891 - 40 rooms added
         Greenleaf & Crosby jewelers
         Alcazar gets own electricity with the addition of two Edison direct
             current dynamos.
1892 - H Tumlinson - steward
         F. W. Prior - clerk
         A. Bagley - bell boys
         Angell - superintendent
         E. J. Morrill - Register
1893- January 24 - Casino partially destroyed by fire
1893 - Joseph Fleck - Chef pastry clerk
         E J Morrill - room clerk
         E K Thom - assistant clerk
         Mrs. Price - housekeeper
         Harvey Tomlinson - chef
         William Crawford superintendent
         Count Favelle - Piccolo
         Al Volkman - clarinetist
         A. Laurendean - oboe
         Harlem Cordes - cornet
         Stewart Ripley, flute
         Kolterman - pianist
         W. H. Smith - double bass
1894 - Rooms $3.50 per day American Plan
         Imperial Hungarian Gypsy Band
         Opened for rooms only
         Dr. and Mrs. Fremont Smith occupy rooms in the Alcazar Towers
1895 - C. W. Barker, general superintendent
         C. B. Knott manager of all three hotels
         E. Barron chef, French
         Mrs. Eaton, housekeeper
         Mr. J. Robertson, night clerk
          Edward Grabon - night clerk
          Jessie Harris, head waiter
1896 48 bathrooms added to Alcazar
       J. P. Greaves, manager
       Ernest Slenker, band director also violin
       Henry Heildelberg, flutist
       Garfond Mercadante, pianist
       Harry Koop, cellist
       William J. Henry, Superintendent Casino
       F Allen - Riding Academy
1897 J. P. Greaves manager
       Ernest Slenker leader of hotel band, violinist composed a march to
          honor Greaves
        Café expanded
1898 J. P. Greaves, manager
       Asa Loomis, room clerk
1899 J. P. Greaves, manager
       James C. Gray, Night clerk
1902 City Council Ordinance for a span over Cordova Street with an
elevated bridge
         Large concrete-walled dining room built
1907 Mr. Anderson, manager
1918 Hosmer's Boston Orchestra, Franklin Charles, director
1921 Wm. McAuliffe, manager
1922 Wm. McAuliffe, manager, Hosemer's Boston Orchestra, Franklin
Charles, director
1925 and 1926 - Amateur Athletic Union Women's National Swimming
         Championships in Casino pool.
1926 - February 3 Will Rogers on state in Casino Ballroom.
1932 - Hotel Closed
1939 - City of St. Augustine takes 3 year lease with option to buy.
1947 - July 7 Otto C. Lightner buys building from Florida East Coast Hotel
           Company and turns it over to the City of St. Augustine in trust.
1968 - City Commission turns Alcazar into City Hall.

Benefit held for Maine suffers 2/26/1898

Favorite Guest - Thomas Edison

Swimming Pool
45 feet from the pool floor to glass roof
pool 120 ft long 50 feet wide
depth 3 to 12 feet

1939 Performance
Will Rogers and De Reszkie Singers on stage at the Casino

February 19, 1900
Casino Tomorrow Night.
Master Jamie Crippen, contralto, a dainty, polished little gentleman of 11
years, who has sung in hundreds of concerts with Roney's Boys, and has
established himself as a favorite in the affection of thousands. He will be
heard at the Casino Tuesday evening, with Roney's Boys and Blatchford
Kavanagh.

February 22, 1900
Dewey Pictures and Washington Ball to be Given There Tonight.
This morning at the Casino the orchestra played National tunes, and an
unusually large crowd was there all morning.

Tonight one can go the two Georges for fifty cents, twenty-five cents per
Jawge. That is to say, from eight until nine in the evening there will be
moving pictures of the naval and land parades incident to the Dewey
celebration, after which a Washington Birthday Ball will be the attraction. The
ball room is being lavishly decorated in evergreens.

February 23, 1900
At the Casino.
Dewey Moving Pictures and Washington Birthday Ball.

The Casino presented an unusually beautiful appearance last night. Around
the pool stood potted palms, and large Japanese lanterns of unique design
shed soft light over the water. Above the pool five great American flags hung
in billows. The stairs were banked with cedar lighted with myriads of tiny red,
white and blue incandescent lights, and opposite the entrance to the ball
room one was dazzled by an illuminated design, lettered with Washington in
incandescent lights, alternately red, white and blue; the background in wild
smilax and a festoon of the same beneath. The stage was arranged for the
portrayal of the moving pictures reproducing the familiar success of the
Dewey parades which lasted from eight until nine o'clock, after which the
ballroom was devoted to the Washington Ball until half past twelve. A
program of sixteen numbers, each bearing an improvised and appropriate
title was rendered. A great many were present and the evening was in every
way a delightful one, the music being up to the usual standard of excellence.
The very artistic decorations will remain over tonight, when an especial
dance program will be given.

February 26, 1900
The Casino tonight.
Manager Taylor has arranged for special dance programs tonight and
tomorrow night, the only remaining evenings before the beginning of Lent,
next Wednesday being Ash Wednesday. The dance program will continue
from 8:30 until 11 o'clock for these two nights, and every one will have an
opportunity of spending two more evenings in dancing. The regular price of
admission will obtain.

February 27, 1900
Lamar, the little son of Mr. J. D. Rahner, is among the Casino patrons who
have recently mastered the art of swimming. He is able to strike out for
himself now without the assistance of Mrs. Scott, his instructress.

March 3, 1900
The Casino Company.

The Casino Company, a musical, dramatic and social organization, has just
been organized for the purpose of producing plays and entertainments for
recreation and charity. The company has adopted a novel plan, which will
enable any recognized organization, church or charitable society to realize
money, without any responsibilities or risks. The company's plan is to sell
blocks of tickets to any worthy organization, and allow them 25 cents on
every ticket sold through them. The members of this company, which
consists of some of the best amateurs in St. Augustine, have prepared for
production the three act farcical comedy by W. S. Gilbert entitled "Tom Cobb,
or in Love With a Soul." This will be presented at the Casino on the evening
of Friday, March 9. Tickets will be sold at 50 and 75 cents each, and
reserved seats are now on sale; the diagram being on exhibition at the
Casino office. The Casino stage has been enlarged and special scenery
painted for this play. It is the intention of the Casino Company to give a series
of entertainments and plays from time to time throughout the season.

It would be advisable for such organization as come within the scope of the
above outlined proposition to communicate with the Casino company under
the management of Mr. A. M. Taylor, where all particulars may be learned.

Casino Bowling Alleys.
At the Casino Bowling Alley three prizes will be awarded for the month of
March: A large "Stein" for the best score made during the month, and a wee,
blue mug for the best cocked hat score made in the month.

The tournament for the News Herald challenge cup is now on. This cup was
won in 1896 by John O'Connor, in 1897 and 1898 by William Carcaba, and
last year by Donald Dunham.

To further encourage ladies who go in for bowling, a hatpin contest will be
inaugurated by Mr. Taylor for those making a certain score. He has several
attractive hat pins, some with a coon head design and others with
coat-of-arms of the State.

* * *
Water sports at the Casino tonight will embody some good high diving
exhibitions and fancy swimming.

March 5, 1900
Casino Water Sports.
The Water sports Saturday night were witnessed by about 500 people a
larger crowd than they have ever before attracted. Dancing, as usual, was
the amusement with the majority of the young people.

March 9, 1900
Informal Reception at the Casino.
An informal reception was given at the Casino last evening by Mrs. H. S.
Houston of the Florida House in honor of Miss Pearl Houston of Holyoke,
and Mr. R. H. Chapin of Springfield, Mass. A very enjoyable evening was
passed in dancing.

March 10, 1900
The Casino Company.
"Tom Cobb, or In Love With a Soul" Presented Last Night.

It was the unanimous verdict of the large audience which attended the
performance of W. S. Gilbert's farcical comedy that the play was well
rendered. The numerous bursts of applause and the continuous ripples of
laughter throughout each act testified to the opinion of the spectators. The
amateurs who participated in the play proved themselves to be no novices in
the histrionic art and acted with ease and vivacity.

Mrs. R. P. Kettle, as "Caroline Effingham," was perfect in her part, and
sustained her reputation as a painstaking and accomplished actress. Miss
Rosa Hoey in a small but important part, "Mrs. Effingham," demonstrated her
undoubted ability in a character part, and her make-up was extremely good.
Miss Estelle Hayden, as "Matilda O'Fipp," was the dutiful daughter of
"Colonel O'Fipp," a part splendidly portrayed by J. Clifford R. Foster. Mr.
Foster's make-up was very fine, and his acting as usual, good. Geo. Brown
played the part of "Tom Cobb" in an artistic manner and had the sympathies
of his audience throughout his changing fortunes. As "Tim Whipple" Mr. W. A.
Riley played the semi-villain's part very well, and at the opening of the
second act sang "Without Thee" in good voice and with exquisite taste,
evoking a round of applause, Mr. Charles E. Kettle as "Mr. Effingham" an
aged man, but hale and tough as hickory, was inimitable, while Mr. Harry
Robertson as "Bulstrode Effingham" was too droll for anything, and raised the
biggest laugh of the evening. The "Washington Black" of James Coxetter was
all right and his make-up perfect.

The enlargement of the Casino stage and the preparation of the specially
painted scenery is a great improvement, which, together with the excellent
music of Prof. LePaige's orchestra, puts the Casino on the footing of an
opera house.

It is to the untiring effort and instruction of Mr. A. M. Taylor that the success
of this little comedy is in large measure due, and it is hoped, if only for the
benefit of the few who did not attend last night that the play may be repeated.

March 12, 1900
The Smith-Gorton company, who made such a hit here in the earlier part of
the season, will give another performance at the Casino tomorrow night, in
which their specialties will be of a different character. Mr. Smith will repeat
his impersonation of Elizabeth Cady Staton, which took so well before, and in
addition a one-act play will be given, the well-known farce; A Happy Pair.
Reserved seats at 50 cents are now on sale at the Casino.

* * *
The Ponce de Leon waiters will give their twelfth annual cakewalk at the
Casino Thursday night.

March 13, 1900
These Famous Entertainers Will be at the Casino Tonight.
Those who were fortunate enough to hear Smith and Gorton, the famous
entertainers, when they were at the Casino some weeks ago, will be
delighted to attend their performance tonight, which will consist of their
inimitable impersonations, sand etching, clay modeling, etc., and in addition a
one act play entitled The Happy Pair. This will be well worth seeing.

March 15, 1900
Alcazar Ball.
The ballroom at the Casino never looked more beautiful than it did last night
on the occasion of the Alcazar ball. The entrance was through a bower of
aromatic cedar and palm branches and stately potted palms stood irregularly
around the spacious room. The balusters were thickly trained with wild
smilax, and the opening arches overlooking the pool were trellised with long
fronds of the coconut palm brought from Miami. Wreaths and festoons of
delicate greenery adored the white walls and were massed in corners.
Gigantic punch bowls were embowered in a grotto fashioned of gray Spanish
moss, studied thickly with pink roses, and, embedded in festoons, wreaths
and mossy grottoes, on the vine-robed balusters and in green recesses were
thousands of miniature colored incandescent lights which shed a soft glow
over the scene of enchantment.

The cornices of the windows were draped in pink and green. One wing of the
room was converted into a supper room where fifty little tables each
accommodating from six to eight persons, were arranged on heavy rugs.
Between four and five hundred invited guests were present among whom
were many beautiful women robed in handsome gowns. An original order of
dances consisting of twelve numbers was contained in a dainty program of
blue and silver, and with exquisite music and the floor in perfect condition, no
detail was lacking which goes to made an ideal ball.

March 17, 1900
The twelfth annual cakewalk of the Ponce de Leon waiters at the Casino last
night was a pronounced success. There was a regular crush. The first part of
the program consisting of some singing and dancing did not amount to much,
with the exception of some good buck dancing which was done for a $5 prize.
This was won by Wragley, to the satisfaction of everybody.

The cakewalk itself, which began about ten o'clock was the main thing, of
course, and the contestants included some very clever steppers. After a short
time it became evident which was the favorite couple in line and the decision
of the judges a warding the cake to couple number fourteen met with general
approbation. The cake is the large and much ornamented one which has
been on exhibition at the Casino for the past several days, and was won by
the Valencia bell-boy and his partner, a dusky belle of Jacksonville. A couple
of two steps and waltzes were participated in after the award by the entire
and some very graceful dancers were seen.

March 19, 1900
Special program of music, swimming and dancing at the Casino tonight.

March 21, 1900
The fruit exhibit in the Alcazar is redolent with orange blossoms brought up
today from Rockledge, and the waxy blooms nestling amid green leaves are
much admired by visitors.

March 23, 1900
Tom Cobb Tonight.
Successful Farce to Be Repeated at the Casino by Original Cast.

A large number of seats have been sold for the second presentation of Tom
Cobb, or In Love With a Soul tonight at the Casino. This farce, which made
such a hit on the evening of the 9th instant, is the funniest, most laugh
producing play ever seen on the Casino boards, and bids fair to be even
more largely attended than before.....

Curtain up promptly at 8:30, and down for the last time at 10:30. Incidental
music by the Casino orchestra under Prof. LePaige. Reserved seats 50 and
75 cents.

Cakewalk at the Casino.
By the Alcazar Waiters It was Highly Successful.
The cakewalk of the Alcazar waiters at the Casino last night was a fine affair,
and attracted a crowd of over seven hundred people. The concert which
began the entertainment was quite good, better than that of a week ago with
the exception of the song and dancer attired in a green and red suit, who was
very tiresome. Grace and Annie in wing dances were excellent, as were the
three Jones brothers in musical specialties.

The cakewalk which began about 10 o=clock, included seven couples all of
whom were good walkers. After a close contest of almost an hour=s pacing,
the first prize, $7.00, was awarded couple number one, Jim Jones from
Jacksonville and Lillie a tiny darktown belle attired in pale blue. This little
thing is not over seven years old, and her antics were very cute. She and her
partner, a shining coal black man, received vociferous applause. The second
prize, $3.00 was won by Samuel Lee and Mabel, a graceful couple, and the
third prize, the cake, was the reward of Campbell and Annie, the latter
another small walker. The floor manager was F. Garvin who is deserving of
much credit in arranging this very successful entertainment.

The Alcazar waiters have challenged. The waiters of the Ponce de Leon to a
competition walk to come off next week, which will be the last cakewalk of the
season.

March 24, 1900
Special program of water sports at the Casino tonight, consisting of height
and distance leaping off the springboard, high diving from the balcony, tub
races, shooting the chutes, greased pole climbing, etc.

Water Sports at the Casino Tonight.
Manager Taylor is decorating Mr. Flagler's private box in the Casino in honor
of Admiral Dewey, who is expected to witness the water sports tonight.
Special music has also been arranged.

March 26, 1900
There was a large crowd at the Casino Saturday night to witness the usual
water sports, which were up to their general standard in way of excitement
and amusement. In anticipation of a visit from Admiral and Mrs. Dewey, a
private box had been draped in American flags, and a song and chorus,
composed specially by Professor Le Paige for the occasion, had been
rehearsed by a score of trained voices embracing some of the best talent in
the city. Owing to fatigue incident to their journey and reception in
Jacksonville, the Admiral and his wife did not make a public appearance, and
the crowd at the casino was disappointed on that account, but the chorus
was sung anyway, and enthusiastically applauded. The composition has not
only a rousing and catchy air, but is good music without any trashy
characteristics, as is not always the case with patriotic songs, and it rang
very true and strong Saturday night.

December 16, 1909
Hotel Alcazar Opens for Season of 1910 Tomorrow
With the formal opening dinner tomorrow night from 6 to 8 o'clock the doors
of the palatial Alcazar hotel will be thrown open for the winter season of
1909-1910. Manager Wm. McAuliffe has everything in readiness for the
opening and the season is expected to be one of the best in the history of the
hotel.

Mr. McAuliffe has been in the city several weeks superintending the work of
preparing this great hostelry for the coming winter season. Everything
possible has been done to have everything better arranged than ever before
at the Alcazar for the coming season. All of the East Coast Hotel Company's
magnificent hotels are popular but it is planned to make this one on the most
popular of all and Mr. McAuliffe is working with this end in view.

Invitations have been sent out to the opening dinner and many citizens or St.
Augustine people will be present as the guests of the hotel. Tourist travel is
daily increasing in volume and the hotel will doubtless have many guests as
soon as the doors are opened.

Mr. McAuliffe is himself a man of wide experience in hotel work and is well
known and popular among many of the regular winter visitors to the East
Coast. In carrying out his plan for making this one of the best seasons in the
history of the Alcazar he has associated with him a staff selected from among
the best and most experienced attachés of the leading hotels of the country.

The staff is as follows:
Chief Clerk, Frank T. Kealing; cashier and bookkeeper, H. G. Loud; mail
clerk, H. A. Brooks; night clerk, W. E. Wilson; chief steward, Stephen C.
Meigher; chef, Frank C. Travers; housekeeper, Miss Margaret Crocker;
assistant housekeeper, Miss Fannie C. Augur; head waiter, W. H. Wilkinson;
head bellman, Geo. W. Boykin; head porter, Daniel L. Reardon.

The wine room will be in charge of S. P. Sheridan. Prof. E. W. Prouty,
formerly of the Poinciana, has been engaged as leader of the orchestra. The
orchestra will as usual be of the highest class and its music will be a pleasing
feature of the Alcazar during the new season. Prof. John F. Conroy will have
charge of the Casino and will hold it up to its accustomed high standard. The
barber shop will be in charge of Geo. W. Murray.

December 31, 1909
Dance at the Hotel Alcazar.
The management of the Hotel Alcazar will give a New Year=s eve dance in
the spacious ball-room of the hotel that will be enjoyed by its many guests,
and many of the residents of the city.

January 3, 1910
Dance at the Hotel Alcazar.

A notable event announcing the commencement of St. Augustine's social
season was the New Year's dance given in the parlors of the Hotel Alcazar
Friday evening by the management of the hotel. As the dancing continued
until past midnight those participating danced the old year out and the new
year in. The music, which was of the best, was furnished by the Alcazar
orchestra and as the floor was perfect for dancing the affair proved most
delightful. This function was enjoyed by Manager McAuliff's many guests in
the hotel, and a large number of invited friends. This is the first of a series of
pleasurable affairs that will be given at the Hotel Alcazar during the season.

January 4, 1910
Change in Orchestra.
Prouty's orchestra at the Hotel Alcazar will henceforth be under the direction
of Mr. E. J. Quiory of Worchester, Mass. Mr. Quiry has played in the
orchestras of a number of large hotels in the leading summer resorts of the
North, and has a wide experience as an orchestra leader. Mr. Prouty, who
has been here since the opening of the Hotel Alcazar, has left for Nassau to
assume the leadership of the orchestra at the Hotel Colonial there.

Dance at Alcazar.
A delightful informal dance was enjoyed last evening in the parlors of the
Alcazar Hotel by a number of guests in the hotel, and many young people in
the city. The management of the Hotel Alcazar plans to give one of these
enjoyable affairs on Thursday evening of each week throughout the season.

January 15, 1910
Casino Will Open Monday For 1910 Winter Season
The Casino will open for business on Monday, January 17th, at 9 a.m. The
guests and patrons will find it more comfortable than ever before as it has
been thoroughly painted and the baths and gymnasium have been put in
first-class condition. There will be music from 11 to 12 o'clock. The usual
water sports and dancing will occur on Saturday evenings.

It will be in charge of Prof. John F. Conroy, a well known athlete and author,
who has been physical director and fencing master of the municipal
gymnasium of Boston, Mass., and also the Roxbury Latin School for the past
ten years. He is a Harvard graduate and professor of Hygiene and Massage;
has been awarded the Congressional Medal by the United States and the
Carnegie Medal for bravery in saving life. He has published several books
relating to the art of swimming and of saving life and also on physical culture.

He is ably assisted by Mr. Gustave Anderson and Mme. Edith Stromblad,
both of whom are experts in hydro therapeutic and Turkish treatments and
graduate operators of the art of massage. Mr. Anderson has devoted the past
eight years to the hydrotherapy and Turkish bathing and has operated in
some of the famous Turkish baths in the country as well as in the
Massachusetts General Hospital of Boston.

The lady patrons of the baths will find in Mme. Stromblad a very fine operator
of the hydrotherapy baths and massage. She is a graduate of Sanders
Institution of Stockholm, Sweden, and New York. She has made massage a
life study and will be remembered by patrons of the north shore of
Massachusetts as she has treated there for a number of years.

Hours for ladies will be from 9 a. m. to 2 p. m. and for gentlemen from 2 p. m.
to 6 p. m. Classes in physical culture for both ladies and gentlemen will be a
special feature. Prof. Conroy will be in charge.

February 16, 1910
Dinner Party
Among the dinner parties given recently at the Alcazar grill was that at which
Mr. And Mrs. Paul A. Sorg, of New York City, entertained a number of friends
complimentary to Mr. And Mrs. Sherer, of London, England, who have been
guests of the Hotel Alcazar for the past six weeks.

February 23, 1910
Washington Ball A Brilliant Event
Given by Management of Alcazar
Delightful Event
Beautiful Decorations and Two Orchestras Features of Notable Affair.

Foremost among the social affairs that celebrated the birthday of George
Washington was the grand ball given in the Casino by Mr. Wm. McAuliffe,
manager of the Hotel Alcazar. This was one of the most brilliant social
functions given in St. Augustine in years, and was enjoyed by hundreds of
residents of the city, and a large number of visitors from the various hotels.

The magnificent ball-room had, with the aid of artistic decorations, been
transformed into a bower of beauty. The great arches were draped with red,
white and blue bunting, while large American flags and hundreds of tiny ones
arranged in most attractive designs adorned the walls. A large picture of the
Father of Our Country draped with our nation=s colors, and illumined by
many tiny varicolored electric lights occupied a prominent place in the hall.
Southern smilax, that most graceful of all vines, twined the pillars, and the
effect of the glossy green leaves in contrast to the white columns was
exceedingly lovely. In the alcove, where punch was served during the
evening, quantities of smilax were used most artistically in draping the walls
and arching the windows.

The beautiful ball-room thus adorned was a most lovely setting for the
number of beautiful women who thronged the room. The display of exquisite
evening gowns rendered the brilliant scene like a great parterre of gorgeous
flowers, and this was illumined by the soft radiance from myriads of electric
lights of the colors red, white and blue.

The Ponce de Leon, under the direction of Professor Shaw, and the Alcazar
orchestras, led by Mr. E. J. Quiry, furnished the delightful music for the
dances, and dance followed dance in rapid succession until eleven o'clock
when a delicious course supper was served the guests in the spacious dining
room of the Hotel Alcazar. An hour later dancing was resumed and continued
until the wee small hours.

The dance cards bore on the covers excellent likeness of our first President.
In dainty lettering the cards contained beside the program of dances the
names of the patronesses and members of the floor committee, and formed
very pretty souvenirs of this brilliant ball.

The patronesses, who are the leading society ladies of the city, and visiting
guests of the Ponce de Leon and Alcazar hotels, were: Mrs. Andrew
Anderson, Mrs. W. N. P. Darrow, Mrs. R. N. Dickman, Mrs. G. M. Fletcher,
Mrs. G. W. Gibbs, Mrs. L. J. Jopkins, Mrs. C. F. Hopkins, Mrs. J. E.
Ingraham, Mrs. W. A. Knight, Mrs. Albert Lewis, Mrs. Thos. A Lawton, Mrs. H.
Marcotte, Mrs. N. M. McCoombs, Mrs. Geo. F. Miles and Mrs. Murray W.
Seagears.

The committee in charge was composed of Messrs. J. D. Ingraham,
chairman; C. F. Hopkins, Jr., W. E. Moncure, C. L. Lyon, and Whitefield
Cohen.

Mr. McAuliffe entertains most royally and the hundreds of guests enjoying the
hospitality of the Alcazar management last evening are most appreciative of
the delightful evening of pleasure accorded them. Mr. McAuliffe and the
members of the floor committee who so ably co-operated with him were the
recipients of a deluge of congratulations.

Among the guests were: Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Anderson, Dr. and Mrs.
Alexander, Mr. And Mrs. Butler, Mr. And Mrs. A. V. Benson, Mr. And Mrs. J. L.
Bickford, Mr. And Mrs. E. L. Barnes, Mr. And Mrs. Clarence Bevan, E. Ben
Carter, Miss Cole, Mr. And Mrs. J. W. Estes, Mr. And Mrs. Edwards, Miss
Edwards, H. H. Floyd, Mr. And Mrs. J. B. Floyd, Mr. And Mrs. Wm P
Genovar, Mr. And Mrs. C. F. Hopkins, Mrs. A. L Hunt, Mr. And Mrs. J. E.
Ingraham, Mrs. John Boyd Kellogg, Miss Kellogg, Mr. And Mrs. W. A. Knight,
Mr. And Mrs. E. I. Leighton, Mr. And Mrs. W. A. MacWilliams, Miss Donald
Allen, Capt. And Mrs. Marcotte, D. P. Morse, Mr. And Mrs. Eugene Masters,
Miss Masters, Mr. And Mrs. Geo. F. Miles, Mr. And Mrs. A. V. Monson, Mrs.
A. T. McMillan, Misses McMillan, Mr. And Mrs. McCoombs, Mr. And Mrs. G.
S. Meserve, Mr. And Mrs. J. T. Petter, Miss Petter, Mr. And Mrs. H. B.
Rouse, Miss Shepard, Mr. And Mrs. A. M. Terwilligar, Dr. and Mrs. DeWitt
Webb, Miss Emily Wilson, Mrs. Alanson Woods, Mrs. And Miss Edwards, Lt.
Col. H. G. Cavanaugh, Rear Admiral and Mrs. Winslow, Mrs. I. M. Arndt, Mr.
And Mrs. I. W. Hamilton, Mrs. J. Camp, Miss M. E. Huston, Miss A. N. Blair,
Mr. And Mrs. C. W. Roberts, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Beaumont, Mr. W. B.
Kingham, Mrs. M. Kingham, Mrs. G. H. Schimpff, Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Guthrie,
Mrs. E. P. Savery, Mr. and Mrs. E. D. Waldon, Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Wood,
Major Saml Mahon and daughters, C. B. Contrell, Miss Mary Price, Mr. and
Mrs. J. L. Robinson, Mrs. Samuel Wait, Mrs. W. G. Stone, Mr. and Mrs. H. E.
Seeley, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Boutwell, Miss Butler, J. C. Branta, W. P. Boger,
Mr. and Mrs E. K. Barrett, Whitfield Cohen, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert N. Casson,
Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Callaway, Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Clarke, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Roy
Canfield, Russell Dale, Joseph Dunn, Ethelbert Dyson, F. O. Dunham, Pierce
Evans, Geo. L. Estes, Dr. and Mrs. E. F. Estes, W. B. Edminister, Gen. And
Mrs. J. C. R. Foster, Misses Floyd, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Farris, Mr. and Mrs. E.
J. Forward, Misses Gibbs, Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hoatson,
Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Howatt, Miss Hunt; Misses Hopkins, G. C. Hopkins, Mr.
and Mrs. F. A. Henderich, C. F. Hopkins, Miss N. S. Hawkins, Howard
Hawkins, Carl Hawkins, J. D. Ingraham, Miss Kathleen Ingraham, Geo. W.
Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Kirtland, Miss McLaughlin, Miss McWilliams, A.
E. McCoy, Dr. Moseley , Robert Meserve, Clifford Noda, Misses O'Brien, Mr.
and Mrs. S. T. Penna, A. E. Pilgrim, Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Rahner, W. J.
Renfroe, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Snow, Jack Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Spear,
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Spencer, Eugene Segui, Miss Edna Stanley, Miss
Thornton, Miss Anges Usina, Miss Elsie Usina, Percy Van Ness, Mr. and
Mrs. A. H. Walker, Dr. and Mrs. S. M. Worley, Dr. Geo. Young, Miss
Bamberger, Miss Landis, Mr. and Mrs. D. Scoffum, Mr. and Mrs. Porter
Smith, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Wakelin, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Russell, Mrs. A.
Dupont, Mr. and Mrs. J. Harvey, Miss E. R. Curtis, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. West,
Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Waterhouse, Mrs. Hackett, Dr. J. B. Shaw, Mr. and Mrs. G.
F. Miles, Miss E. L. Borden, Mrs. P. H. Gardner, M. K. Jones, W. T. Knox, E.
L. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Dusenberg, J. R. Collins, J. W. Wilson, R.
Kenbach, Mr. and Mrs. Bursill, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Hallgood, Mr. and Mrs. R.
Turner, Mrs. W. Barney, Mrs. Stromborn, Miss Chambers, W. H. Chambers,
Col Murray, Mr. and Mrs. C. King, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Keiser, Mr. and Mrs. A.
G. Cox, Mrs. Koethon, Mrs. Berry, Miss McMillan, C. W. Henking, Mrs.
Chew, Joseph Wagner, John Wagner, Mr. J. H. West and party, E. J. Sokoll,
Miss Sokoll, Mrs. And Miss McCauley, the Hon. Mr. Justice and Mrs. Riddle,
Mr. and Mrs. L. Brown Belfield, Mr. and Mrs. D. D. Brokaw, Mr. and Mrs. J.
E. Casserly, Mrs. C. W. Silcox, Miss Robson, Mrs. J. H. Sanders, Miss Helen
Sanders, Miss Eisie Walker, H. B. Welborne, Mr. and Mrs. Huber, Mrs. H. R.
Mallory, Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Savage, F. L. Thompkins, Mrs. H. B. Stough, Dr.
and Mrs. J. Hammond, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Hills, Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Mecham,
Misses Atwater, Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Hawes, Mrs. H. L. English, Miss J.
Stockrell, Mrs. M. W. Hazeltine, Miss J. Hazeltine, R. T. Pettibone, Mr. and
Mrs. H. C. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Stierell, Mrs. G. B. Sanford, M. E.
Robinson, Dr. and Mrs. M. W. Seagers, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Putman, Mr. and
Mrs. W. H. H. Neal, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Dickey, Miss MacDonald, Miss
Dorothy O=Neil, Miss Florence O'Neil, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Bishop, Mr. and
Mrs. H. M. Bean, Geo Van Nostran Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McClave, Mrs.
H. H. Benedict, Mrs. E. M. Treat, Miss Rack, Miss A. R. Shephard, Miss E. E.
Cole, Mr. and Mrs. J. K. Myers, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Myers, Mrs. H. E. Wells,
Mr. and Mrs D. E. Spangler, Mr. and Mrs. Remson Derick, Mr. and Mrs. A. L.
Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. B. Tobias, Mr. W. Hooker Atwood, Mrs. Wilson L.
Smith, Mrs. E. E. Daniel, Rev. Dr. Geo. C. Houghton, Mrs. E. Sackett, Mr.
and Mrs. James R. Riser, Miss Grace Riser, Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Cox, Miss
Georgia MacMillan, T. E. McMullen, Miss McMullen, James E. Fitch, W. E.
Dee, Dr. M. C. Baine, A. W. Boyden, J. W. Miller and wife, Mrs. E. B. Mix,
Miss L. H. Woodworth, W. Bodek, Thos. W. Short, Chas. Strand, Miss E. J.
Caldwell, Miss L. B. Hosley, B. M. Caldwell, Col. And Mrs. Geo. D. Post, Mr.
And Mrs. Harry L. Brown, Miss Cruchfield, Gen. R. L. Hoxie Mr. and Mrs. C.
C. Milton, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Dennis, Mrs. Irwin, D. L. Taylor, J. J. Maher,
Whitman Taylor, M. Hart, F. J. Noland, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Farnam, Mrs.
Wm. Monypeny, Mrs. R. L. Beckwith, W. S. Weed, Mrs. J. V. Thomas, Mr.
and Mrs. H. B. Ogden, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Budd, Mrs. C. C. Williams,
Franklin Cox, H. R. Reed, J. B. Wilbur, Madam Wilbur, Mrs. W. L. Brown.

February 25, 1910
Local Notes.
Crowds of people are daily enjoying the baths at the Casino.

February 26, 1910
At the Casino.
At the Casino the following program of water sports has been arranged for
tonight: Fancy diving. Prof. Conroy; shower dive by boys, egg race, front and
backward somersault from the balcony by O. OP. Goode, candle race,
trapeze dive forward by Harry Evans, one length of tank for juniors; trapeze
dive backwards by N. Leonardi, tub race, trapeze flying squirrel dive by N.
Leonardi, relay race with four boys on team, rafter dive by Sam McDaniel.

March 1, 1910
Delightful Tea.

Among the pretty social affairs occurring last week was the very delightful tea
at which Mrs. Murray W. Seagears entertained a number of friends in honor
of Dr. James R. Angell, president of the University of Michigan, who is a
distinguished guest of the Hotel Alcazar. The roof garden of the Hotel Alcazar
was the scene of this pretty tea. With its number of potted palms and ferns
and lovely flowers this proved an ideal setting for the delightful affair. At the
daintily appointed table, centered with an exquisite arrangement of
carnations, Mrs. G. M. Fletcher poured tea. Among the guests were Dr.
James R. Angell, Mrs. A. C. Angell, Admiral and Mrs. Schley, Dr. and Mrs.
Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Hewson, Mrs. Kellogg, Miss Kellogg, Mrs. Marcotte,
Mrs. Dickman, Mrs. Saunders Lewis, Mrs. Lawton, Gen. And Mrs. Hardin, Mr.
and Mrs. Meigs, Mr. Lightfoot, Mr. Norris Williams and Gen. Wherry.

March 8, 1910
Water Sports at the Casino.
Among the many attractions that St. Augustine offers the winter visitor is the
Casino with its ever-varying program of water sports. A large assembly
witnessed these Saturday evening as presented by Prof. Conroy and the
water brownies. A number of thrilling feats were performed and were greeted
with enthusiastic applause by the spectators. Among these were the shower
dive from the balcony, backward dive from the balcony and the trapeze dives.
The candle race in which each contestant endeavored to swim the length of
the pool holding a lighted candle in his mouth was watched with much
interest. The tub race created much merriment and the winner in this
received much applause.

After the water sports the usual Saturday evening dance was enjoyed by a
large number of those present. The Casino floor is perfect for dancing, the
music furnished by the Alcazar orchestra under the direction of Mr. E. J.
Quiry is unexcelled and as each dance is attended by many young people
these are numbered among the delightful affairs of our winter season.

March 10, 1910
Barn Dance at Casino.
The Elks after much endeavor have arranged to hold the annual barn dance
at the Casino next Tuesday evening. There will be many new features this
year. It is announced that the Liar will make another truthful appearance at
the affair.

March 23, 1910
Grand Concert and Cakewalk.
Tonight the Casino of the Alcazar will have a splendid attraction in the great
colored entertainers from New York, who have been entertaining the entire
season at the Royal Poinciana Hotel at Palm Beach, Fla. This aggregation
will give one of their grand concerts and cake walks. This affair will be a
delightful treat for the people of St. Augustine who have never seen these
clever performers, who for years have pleased thousands of people. Don't
miss it, as you will later regret doing so. The opening begins at 8:30 o'clock.
Seats are on sale at the offices of the Ponce de Leon and Alcazar Hotels.

April 5, 1910

Mr. Wm. Kenney, accompanied by his wife, arrived at the Hotel Alcazar
yesterday from Kingston, Jamaica, where Mr. Kenney has been manager this
winter of the Myrtie Bank hotel. Mr. Kenney, who, it will be remembered, was
assistant manager of the Hotel Alcazar last year, will be assistant manager of
the Hotel Mt. Washington at Bretton Woods, N. H. this summer. Mr. and Mrs.
Kenney will spend a short time here to break the monotony of the long
journey home.

April 8, 1910
Dance at Alcazar.
The last of the pleasant informal hops to be danced this season in the parlors
of the Hotel Alcazar was enjoyed last evening. This floor is perfect for
dancing, the music, furnished by the Alcazar orchestra, is unexcelled, and
these Thursday evening dances have been a delightful feature of social life
at this hotel throughout the season. They have given pleasure not only to Mr.
McAuliffs many guests in the hotel but to a number of young people of the
city who were invited to attend the delightful affairs.

April 11, 1910
Alcazar Closes Tomorrow After Splendid Season
After one of the most successful seasons in many years the palatial Hotel
Alcazar will close its doors for the winter of 1909 10 tomorrow morning after
breakfast. Within a few days all of the members of the hotel staff will have left
for the North and all will be quiet about the great building.

Mr. William McAuliffe, the genial manager, will probably leave Wednesday for
Bethlehem, N. H., where he will spend the summer at his hotel, the Sinclair.
Mr. McAuliffe has made a host of friends among the people of St. Augustine
as well as among the tourist throngs this winter and under his management
the hotel Alcazar has enjoyed a most prosperous winter. He has been very
popular with the tourists and all hope that he will return next season.

Mr. McAuliffe has had a most capable staff associated with him at the hotel
and all have aided him in successfully holding the hotel service up to the very
highest standard. The members of the staff will be located in various parts of
the North during the summer months.

Mr. F. T. Keating, the chief clerk, goes to Lennox, Mass., where he will be
assistant manager of the Aspinwall.

Mr. H. G. Loud, the cashier, will return north. Mr. H. A. Brooks, the assistant
cashier, will also go north but he has not decided definitely where he will
spend the summer. Mrs. Brooks, who has had charge of the newsstand
during the winter, will accompany her husband.

Mr. Frank Ames, the night clerk, will be at the Waldorf in New York city.

Miss M. A. Bigelow, the stenographer, will spend the summer at Sunapee
Lake, N. H.

Mr. S. C. Meagher, the steward, will hold the same position with the United
States Hotel at Saratoga, N. Y.

Mr. F. C. Travers, the chef, will act in the same capacity with the Hotel
Sinclair at Bethlehem, N. H.

Mr. Dan Reardon, the head porter, will be head porter at the Oriental at
Atlantic Beach.

H. W. Wilkinson, the head waiter, will return north and G. W. Boyies, the
head bell man, will return to his home in Virginia.

April 16, 1910
Members of Orchestra Leave.
Members of the Alcazar orchestra left St. Augustine for the North this
morning, Mr. Edwin J. Quiry, the leader, going to Worcester, Mass., Mr. Jos.
Steller to Albany, N. Y., and the Messrs. Elliott, Welling and Vose to Boston.
All expect to return next season. During the past winter the music provided by
the orchestra was one of the most popular features at the Alcazar and was
often highly complimented by the guests of the hotel.

* * *
Mr. Conroy, who has had charge of the Casino during the past winter, Mr.
Frank Ames, the night clerk of the Alcazar, and Mr. W. F. Babbett of the
Alcazar news stand, left for the North yesterday.

April 25, 1910
Mr. McAuliffe's Father Dead.
News was received in St. Augustine Saturday of the death that morning of
the father of Mr. Wm. McAuliffe at Haverhill, Mass. Mr. McAuliffee, who
managed the Alcazar during the past season, is somewhere en route North,
and an effort was made to communicate with him to notify him of his father's
death. He has many friends in the Ancient City who will regret to learn the
news.

Hotel closes 1930.

1946 Advertisement
Alcohol .25 and Cologne rubs .50 Salt rub .50
pulleys, weights, parallel and horizontal bars and punching bags.

Hotel purchased by Lightner Museum of Hobbies in 1947

Carrere and Hastings Line Drawing
Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Historic
American Buildings Survey or Historic American Engineering
Record, Reproduction Number (Ex:"HABS,ILL,16-CHIG,33-2")

Note in picture below the front of the
building never completed.

Alcazar Bridge

Alcazar Courtyard Decoration
Side

Alcazar Courtyard Decoration
Front

Alcazar Park Construction
New Ponce de Leon Background
Library of Congress Photo

Alcazar Park
Casa Monica and Alcazar
Background

Alcazar Courtyard Walkway

Alcazar Garden Today

More Alcazar Garden

Fountain looking toward Lightner

Alcazar Fountain with PDL in
Background

Alcazar Back

Alcazar Washington Day Program
New York Public Library

Alcazar Valentine's Day Program
New York Public Library

Alcazar Parlor
today's City Council Chambers
New York Public Library

Alcazar Floor Plan
1st Floor
Library of Congress

Alcazar Hotel
2nd Floor Plan
Library of Congress

Alcazar Hotel
3rd Floor Plan
Library of Congress

1895 Tatler

Woman's Exchange,
Alcazar, St. Augustine, Fla.

Fresh homemade Cake, Candy and Pastry on hand
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Lunches put
up to order.

Orders for Preserves, Jellies, and marmalades of
tropical fruits, either wholesale or retail, promptly
filled.

Orders for plain sewing and mending promptly
executed.

___________

Griffiths, in the Alcazar, are displaying many exquisite
hats and bonnets adapted to different types of faces,
ages and conditions. Miss Hutchinson is thoroughly
capable to advise purchasers of the suitability of the
purchase, they also display novelties in collars, veils,
flowers, etc.

________

The shoes at the Surprise Store are as comfortable
in price as they are in wear.