The Mill
Before the Hotel Baker, the location was the site of the Old Haines Mill, founded in 1837. The mill was mainly used for two reasons: grinding corn meal and providing electricity for the city of St. Charles. In 1919, the mill caught on fire and unfortunately burned down. Thereafter, the site was disregarded and used as a dumping ground.
The Motive
The open land property continued to act as a dumping ground for 7 years, until Edward J. Baker came along. Edward Baker, later known as Colonel Baker, decided that a dump should not be the focal point of his beloved hometown. He acted quickly and purchased the property in the spring of 1926. Already nationally famous in racing circles for his fine stables, Baker was in search for a fitting place to entertain and host his racing friends and celebrities. He also desired to give back to the people of St. Charles by giving them a gala place to dine and dance. In conclusion, he thought of constructing a …show more content…
Charles Historical Museum listed the hotel as a local landmark for its architectural and historic significance. Later was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Features:
The Hotel Baker was one of the finest examples of Moroccan and Spanish architecture in the country; It included impeccable Baroque decor, which was very rare during this time. The Rainbow Room was and still is the most popular room of the Hotel. This room is a balconied, two story, and oval shaped dining hall. It also includes a unique dance floor in which 2,520 lights glowed 100 different color combinations right beneath. At the time of it’s opening, the Rainbow Room had one of the only three lighted floors in the world.
Unlike the Rainbow Room, many features are not in existence today, due to major renovations. Such features include the Writing Room, the Boathouse, Venetian Gondola rentals, the garage, and the Trophy Room. There used to be several stores and cafes on the main level for the hotel guests’ convenience as
Before the Hotel Baker, the location was the site of the Old Haines Mill, founded in 1837. The mill was mainly used for two reasons: grinding corn meal and providing electricity for the city of St. Charles. In 1919, the mill caught on fire and unfortunately burned down. Thereafter, the site was disregarded and used as a dumping ground.
The Motive
The open land property continued to act as a dumping ground for 7 years, until Edward J. Baker came along. Edward Baker, later known as Colonel Baker, decided that a dump should not be the focal point of his beloved hometown. He acted quickly and purchased the property in the spring of 1926. Already nationally famous in racing circles for his fine stables, Baker was in search for a fitting place to entertain and host his racing friends and celebrities. He also desired to give back to the people of St. Charles by giving them a gala place to dine and dance. In conclusion, he thought of constructing a …show more content…
Charles Historical Museum listed the hotel as a local landmark for its architectural and historic significance. Later was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Features:
The Hotel Baker was one of the finest examples of Moroccan and Spanish architecture in the country; It included impeccable Baroque decor, which was very rare during this time. The Rainbow Room was and still is the most popular room of the Hotel. This room is a balconied, two story, and oval shaped dining hall. It also includes a unique dance floor in which 2,520 lights glowed 100 different color combinations right beneath. At the time of it’s opening, the Rainbow Room had one of the only three lighted floors in the world.
Unlike the Rainbow Room, many features are not in existence today, due to major renovations. Such features include the Writing Room, the Boathouse, Venetian Gondola rentals, the garage, and the Trophy Room. There used to be several stores and cafes on the main level for the hotel guests’ convenience as