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Blogs by Holly Weiss
Lover Of Historic Inns 6/15/2010 10:30:25 AM
What's the story behind the historic inn where you slept last night? Sometimes I am amazed when I think of how my novel, Crestmont, germinated.
Have you ever stayed at an old inn or historic hotel and wondered how it began? What were the stories of the people who owned it, worked there, stayed there? I think this goes through the minds of people who seek out interesting old accommodations instead of modern hotels.
My husband, Ernie, and I travel a lot and try to find unusual places to stay. When we were in the Scottish Highlands, we found a crofter’s cottage named, “Holly Cottage.” It was perfect as a base for our three week exploration of the beauty of northern Scotland.
When we stopped at The Crestmont Inn in Eagles Mere, PA in 2006 after visiting my family for Thanksgiving, I started to wonder about the people who worked there. The restful atmosphere of the inn, the beauty of the surrounding area, and the graciousness of innkeepers Fred and Elna Mulford captivated me. More importantly , the rich history of the inn struck me. We stayed in The Evergreen Lodge, which was converted into its current form from staff quarters built in 1926. Two small staff rooms housing two or three waitresses in the 1920s through the 1970s were cut through to create the large, luxurious suite where we stayed. Original transoms over the doors and antiques from the inn’s early years perked my interest about how these staffers lived and worked.
I started by asking Elna and Fred Mulford, the owners of the Crestmont, if I might write a book about their inn. They readily agreed. I took numerous trips to the Crestmont. I talked to the Mulford’s and others who had worked at the old Crestmont. People in the town of Eagles Mere graciously shared their stories about the town and its history. The Eagles Mere Museum gave helped me to set the story in its historical context.
Sadly, the old Crestmont, the big house, as it is referred to in Crestmont, was demolished in the 1980’s. However, The Crestmont Inn lives on. The Evergreen Lodge houses the guest rooms. The old laundry building is now a dining room with a Parisian flair, a pub with an inviting fireplace and view of the woods, reception area and traditional cherry bar area.
Go. You’ll love it. You can check it out on www.Crestmont-Inn.com
I have attempted to remain faithful to the spirit of the Crestmont in my imaginings of their stories.
Please check out my novel, Crestmont, at www.hollyweiss.com
