| Alcazar Hotel The Casino by Gil Wilson |
| The Tatler - January 22, 1898 Casino Opening The formal opening of the Casino for the season of 1898 occurred on the 18th, and was a brilliant affair thoroughly enjoyed by hundreds of citizens and visitors to the city. Every hotel in the city was represented, cottagers were out in force, while St. Augustineites who are especially devoted to the Casino were also there. Mr. Taylor, manager of the Casino, issued invitations to nearly one thousand persons, at least six hundred responding. Ladies in evening dress, others in street costume, many wearing picturesque hats. Gentlemen in street costume and in full dress, alike, thoroughly enjoyed the evening, the beautiful room with its myriad of gleaming lights, while the hundreds of dancers declared the floor as ideal. The music was excellent, and those believing dancing a lost art should have seen the merry dancers Tuesday night, the entire south side, one hundred and twenty feet by thirty was crowded the evening through, the north side comfortably filled with enthusiastic dancers. The Casino orchestra has again been selected from the First Artillery band, and is one of the finest in the Army, enthusing the dancers. At ten o-clock the measure changed, and fleet footed waiters flitted about serving to the six or seven hundred people present an appetizing collation of salads, bread and butter, coffee and ices, later a punch was served, when dancing was resumed and continued until the midnight hour. This popular place of amusement has an increasing number of admiring patrons each year who delight in the pool and music in the morning, and the opportunities for dancing in the evening. Casino parties promise to be very fashionable this season, the hostess taking her party of young people there for dancing and later giving supper at her own home. The formal opening of the Casino includes all branches of this popular place of amusement. The Turkish and russian Baths, gymnasium as well as the pool, private bath rooms, billiard rooms, bowling alleys, which have been entirely rebuilt. Tennis courts and bicycle school. The Turkish baths are now open to the public. The hours between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. are for ladies, with Miss Charlotte McKenna in charge. From 2 o'clock until dark Mr. Frank O. Bierne will have charge and they will be open for men. Sundays from 9 until 2 for men only. Willie de Medicis, the Turk, will be in attendance as usual. The regular admission to the casino will be ten cents for bath day and evening, except when special entertainments are given. The evening concert will consist of music for dancing only, thus affording parties an opportunity to utilize the perfect floor and excellent music. Seldom indeed have the patrons of the Casino been more delightfully entertained than Thursday evening by the "Biograph," one of the marvels of this electrical age. The reproduction of living, moving men and women, life size, of galloping horses, dashing trains, gave very general satisfaction. When the last scene appeared, and the audience passed by beautiful scenery through Haverstraw tunnel and out again along the banks of the historic Hudson, their enthusiasm was boundless. While the audience was a good one, had the people of St. Augustine had the least idea of what the show would be, the great hall would have been crowded. We bespeak a full house tonight. |
| Casino Fact Sheet March 1889 The Casino pool is open for 25 cents non-hotel guests. The Alcazar Pool. 1890 Probably one of the most luxurious apartments in the world is the Alcazar pool. One can go there when it opens, take a bath in any style, from the romantic oriental to the prosaic plunge bath; can revel in hot, cold, salt, sulphur, or fresh water as he chooses, in a pool or bathroom, take a good rubbing down, and have a quiet siesta in one of the loggias, listening to the music, or watch the devotees of Terpsichore float in the dream of a waltz over a floor like glass to the strains of one of the finest orchestras in America. The loss by fire of the Casino which joins the Alcazar, and contains the immense ball room, swimming pool, Turkish and Russian baths, the bowling alleys and billiard room was said to be over $75,000. But while the debris was still steaming, Mr. Flagler’s contractors had gangs of men clearing it away, and preparing to restore the place in all its former magnificence. In less than six weeks the Casino will be open again and ready to hold the grand fair in aid of Alicia hospital, the pet charity here 1925 - R. S. Fuller swimming instructor John Walton, therapeutic baths and massage Water sports 8:30 pm Dancing 9:15 Admissions .50 downstairs $1.00 upstairs The water in the pool was artesian from a well sunk 1,400 feet deep. It's natural temperature was 80+. The water was sulphur so it left a good rotten egg smell in the building. The water curculated through the pool and was then used in the flush of the sewer system. There were two smaller pools one for the women and one for the men. The woman's pool was hidden so that modest women could swim in private. |
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| Below: Picture of pool drained. Notice the glass ceiling 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") |
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| Detail of outside - 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") |
| Associated Pages The Ponce de Leon Hotel The Alcazar Hotel The Casa Monica Hotel The Most Popular Hotels in America --- The Famous Hotels of Mr. Flagler in St. Augustine |
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| Casino Pool Filled |
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| Casino showing Tennis Courts and Power Plant |
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| Statute from the 1893Columbian Exposition at back of Casino today |
| His First Bath. A Modest Young Man at the Casino Learning the Ropes. An incident occured in the Casino baths on last Sunday morning which furnished much amusement for many at the expense of one. When a person goes in for a Russian bath he is assigned to a dressing room. There he disrobes and wrapping a towel about his loins comes out and repairs to the steam room where he spends half an hour in a temperature of 130 degrees. He is then taken in charge by Voltaire, the attendant, who conducts him to the scrub room and gives him a good rubbing down. The third gentleman to reach the baths on Sunday morning was assigned to room 6. Others came pouring in and as soon as they were undressed, they emerged and went into the steam room. Voltaire went about his business and had nearly finished his mornings work. He was passing through the saloon when the occupant of room No. 6 stealthily opened his door and sticking his head out so as not to expose his nude body, enquired how long he was expected to remain in his room. It was impossible for those lying about to suppress a laugh, even the attendant had to chuckle. The occupant of No. 6 then realized that probably he had made a mistake and frankly confessed that he was having his first Russian bath. He remarked that he had heard something about a sweating room and said that he had tried his best to get up a prespiration in his room, but failed. Glancing at the clock he discovered that he had been in his room for just one hour and that sixteen persons had got ahead of him. No. 6 then followed the attendant and when he robed in the saloon he remarked that he enjoyed his bath exceedingly well. |
| St. Augustine News February 28, 1889 INAUGURAL. Opening of the Casino. Amid Floridian Flowers Plenty of Pretty Maidens and Pretty Dancers. Everyone was surprised at the large number in attendance at the informal hop at the Casino, last evening, as only the guests of the hotel were expected. The ladies' social hall of the Casino was brilliantly illuminated and dressed with flags of all nations, bunting and plants of all descriptions. It presented an exceedingly imposing sight to see all the fair maidens with their escorts gliding around under these massive and varlegated colored decorations. All this was under the chief instructions of the genial manager, M. J. Joyce, who also acted as floor manager. His assistants were Mr. Marder, Jr., Doctor Carson, Mr. Rockwood and Mr. Milliken. The orchestra was located in the dining room, in front of the social hall. The selections rendered by Joyce's orchestra gave the finishing touch to the pleasures of the evening. After the proprogramme was half through with, refreshments of cream, cake and coffee were served. Then the dancing was resumed and kept up until a late hour. Among the costumes of the ladies present were some of very costly material and very handsomely made up. Most of the gentlemen present were in full dress. Among those present were noticed Mr. and Mrs. Springer, Miss Gertrude Palmer, Mr. Tate and Miss Tate, Miss Ella Dow, Dr. Le Cato, Miss Magill, Miss Ida Thursby and Miss Emma Thursby the prima donna, Miss Hyde and Miss Lulu Hyde, Mr. and Mrs. H F. Beliac, Mr. York and his sister, Miss Monroe, Mr. and Mrs. Denny, Mrs. M. J. Joyce, Miss Martin, Miss Fanny Oliveros, Miss Ballard, Mr. and Mrs. George Alba, Mrs. S. D. McCare, Mrs. Munger, Mr. and Mrs. Coigate, Miss Lowe, Miss A. McCleary, Miss Ruggies, Miss Perkins, Mr. and Mrs. A. Guigon, Mr. and Mrs. Tyler, Miss Klapp, Miss Alexander, Dr. Anderson, Lient Lotus Niles, Judge McWilliams and Messrs Gray. Dalias, Milliken, rockwood, Vedder, Savage, Palmer, Warden Jr., Bugley, Seavy and Mason. The day the formal opening of the hotel takes place, an admission fee of ten cents during the day and 25 cents at night will be charged. This will entitle the visitor to a thorough inspection of the building including the baths. Three grand concerts will be given by Joyce's Military Band and the orchestra in the the evening. Dancing will take place again tonight betewen each selection of music for the last concert. The following programmes has been prepared by Mr. Joyce: Ten o'clock this morning - Military Band. 1 National aires. 2 Overture, "Semiramide." 3 Spanish Fantasie, "La Paloma" 4 Nylocalure Solo, "Song that Reached my Heart." 5 Fackel Tanz, "Number One." 6 Operatic Potpourri, "Jubilee." 7 Waltz, "Sounds from the North." 8 Finale, "Sleigh Ride." Orchestra 8 to 10 p.m. 1 March, "St. Augustine Casino." 2 Overture, "William Tell." 3 Cornet Solo, "Bonnie Besgie." 4. Selection, "Gipsy Baron." 5 Gavotte "Heartease." 6 Xylophone Solo. "Southern Melodies." 7 Patrol, "The Elks." 8 Finale, "Hunting Scene and Chorus." * * * 1895 Tatler Every day the Casino grows in public favor, daily many ladies now enjoy the swimming in the early morning, returning for the noon concert that quite fills the pool floor. The concerts given by the Imperial Hungarian Gypsy Band both in the morning and afternoon are delightful and largely attended, while the young men swing from ring to ring for exercise with the trapeze, returning to the water for a frolic occassionally. Commencing on Monday next, the Casino restaurant will be prepared to serve lunches, supper and light refreshments in the Casino proper, where tables will be arranged for the purpose. This no doubt will add greatly to the popularity of the Casino, placing it on the plane of similar places of amusements elsewhere. The Casino will also be open in the evenings, the second concert occurring at eight instead of half past two. the Casino has been treated to a fresh coat of paint that extends to the floors of the pool, all appearing very bright and fresh. Gentlemen visiting there find it a great convenience to be able to purchase cigars without leaving the building. Mr. A. M. Taylor, the superintendent, is very confident that the new departure will be appreciated by the patrons of the Casino. He has entire charge of the buildings including the Turkish and Russian baths, pools, Casino proper billiard room, bowling alleys and tennis courts, and will undoubtedly conduct them satisfactorily. The opening of the bowling alley will meet with favor, as a number of good players are eager to renew their contests of last season. A number of good tennis players are here and soon the courts will be gay with bright faces and fresh young voices. * * * The Casino has grown in popularity with each succeeding day, the crowds visiting there increasing. Evidently water sports are the fad of the hour, judging from the rush to see them; but even this is excelled by the cake walk. On Friday night of last week at least one thousand persons gathered to see a cake walk and as one man tritely remarked "the cake did not walk after all." It did not; but evidently every visitor got his or her money's worth. A large crowd was again in attendance Saturday night when the boat races caused great amusement. Water sports will be "the order of the night," to-night, when an unusually large crowd will no dobt be present. Tudsday and Wednesday the Casino will be given over to the hospital fair. This will not, however, interfere with the regular pool program. One of the most fearless and dashing athletes now frequenting the pool is Mr. Mayer. His leap from the second balcony several days ago was a beautiful feat. * * * The Imperial Hungarian Gypsy Band, of the Casino, will give a benefit concert and dance Tuesday evening March 5th, in the Casino. they will be assisted by Miss Mildred Perryn, violinist, Henry Perryn cornetist and Mr. Reedun Rumley, pianist. The "Cordova Quartette" will render selections during the evening. The Hungarian bands have been the fashion for several years in Northern cities, and still are. Their wierd, strange music is singularly impressive. The romance attaching to them as natural musicians playing from childhood, has made them popular. To announce a concert by them or their presence at an entertainment was to insure its success. Last year, at the San Marco, this band, under another leader, "was the fashion," winning a prestige that still clings to them and will, no doubt, fill the Casino with an enthusiastic audience. * * * The Casino Opening Thursday evening the Casino was formally opened for the season. Mr. Knott extending a general invitation to attend the first evening convert, given by the Imperial Hungarian Gypsy band, and to inspect the Turkish and Russian baths, the finest in the country. Long before the appointed hour, 9 p. m., a perfect stream of people passed through the Alcazar Court and loggias to the Casino entrance, and all through the evening it was augmented by newcomers. The young men enjoying a plunge in the pool before dancing, others spending the entire evening in the water and exercising on the ring and trapeze. Many of the ladies in attendance donned their prettiest gowns in honor of the occasion. The music was excellent and intended especially for dancing, the young people availing themselves of it, the entire room bright with them. Many of the visitors inspected the baths, expressing wondrous delight at their beautiful marbles and luxurious appointments. The room adapted to the use of the athletic club especially delighting the young people. The latest addition to the Casino attractions are trapeze, suspended from the rafters over the water, affording those fond of athletic sports additional amusement. They are on the north or entrance side, and every precaution has been taken to guard against accident. A large awning will be suspended over the broad veranda on the south, overlooking the tennis courts. It is the purpose of the management to serve lunches and refreshments of various kinds in the Casino. Tables will be placed both in the Casino proper and on this broad veranda for the purpose. Waiters will attend and visitors be served as they enjoy the music and other entertainments. The Turkish and Russian baths will hereafter be open to ladies from nine until two every day but Sunday, the afternoons, from two until dark, and Sunday reserved for gentlemen. * * * Casino. On Wednesday night the restaurant of the Casino was opened most auspiciously, guests from the hotels dropping in during the evening for a salad or a Welsh rarebit, others testing the chief’s skill in preparing chops and steak or trying a cold collation; many of the dancers were served with tempting lunches between the numbers. The arrangements are certainly very complete, the tables presenting an attractive appearance; the west end of the Casino being utilized as the restaurant; the stage at the south side concealed by pretty draperies, a happy arrangement of plants, mirrors and a alarge bouffet cutting it off from the main hall, at the same time permitting a perfect view of the pool below and the dancers on the same floor. The tables seat six person, are daintly laid with pretty china, cut and engraved glass and handsome siler, while upon each table is placed either a dinner lamp or handsome silver candelabra, completed with pink shades, imparting a roseate hue in keepingwith the reflections on the walls. Plants and flowers are freely used, making the place extremely attractive; well-trained waiters are in attendance, and the bill of faire offered, appetizing and reasonable in price. For the benefit of the public it is given below: Oysters On Half Shell Per Doz. .50 On Half Shell Per Half Doz. 30with Brown Bread and Butter Pan Roast, Extras, per doz. .75 Fried per doz. .50 With Saratoga Chips. Broiled on Toast, per doz. .75 Stewed Porterhouse Steak 1.00 With Saratoga Chips, Sirloin Steak .60 With Saratoga Chips, Fish .50 Broiled or Fried. Hot Porterhouse Steak, Served for Two, 1.50 With Saratoga Chips London Mutton Chops, per brace .75 with Saratoga Chips. Welsh Rarebits., .50 Cold. Smoked Tongue Roast Beef. Ham. 40 Served with Bread and Butter Kalamazoo Celery, .25 Salads, .25 Tea, Coffee or Chocolate .10 The restaurant will be open from eleven a.m. to eleven p.m., enabling persons occupying rooms in the city to obtain meals here, ordering just what they wish, as in restaurants in the cities. This will undoubtedly become the fashion for Welsh rarebit parties the fad of the day or rather night, so difficult to manage, especially for the guests in the hotel. It is frequently asserted and oftener believed, that everything here is more extravagant in price than at summer resorts, when really the reverse obtains, as a rule, the Casino here offering greater attractions than at Narragansett Pier, the charges being much less. There, general admission to the Casino is fifty cents, to a semiweekly dance, $1.00 to the tennis courts twenty-five cents. Monthly privileges, these are admission to the library, tennis courts, billiard rooms, attendance at the dances and daily concerts. The admission to the Casino here is but 10 cents, twenty-five giving privilege of the pool and dressing rooms, the trapeze and rings and the restaurant. While common tickets may be purchased, reducing the amount to twenty common tickets may be purchased, reducing the amount to twenty cents or less. Admission to the dances is but twenty-five cents, the music equally good, the floor much better, the room handsomer, while the guests of the Ponce de Leon, Alcazar and Cordova are furnished with tickets without cost. |
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| A. M. Taylor |
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| Back of Hotel beginning of Casino |