The Elton Hotel, at Prospect and West Main Streets on the Green (Video link) in Waterbury, was for many years the city’s grandest hotel and a social and businesses center. Built in 1904 and designed by Wilfred Griggs in the style of the French Renaissance, the Elton Hotel featured luxurious amenities, including several restaurants and ballrooms. The hotel was constructed on the site of the colonial-era Scoville Homestead, which was torn down to make way for the new building. The Elton Hotel‘s first manager, Almon C. Judd, developed what became known as the “Ideal Tour,” an automobile route through New England, starting at the Elton and stopping at various hotels and resorts. Over the years, many celebrated people stopped by or stayed at the Hotel Elton. John F. Kennedy made a campaign speech in 1960 from the hotel balcony and the humorist, James Thurber, wrote the story, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” (pdf) which features a Waterbury hotel lobby, at the Elton. Today the building serves as an assisted-living facility.
Elton John is a very good musician and has been my idol ever since.-‘:
Elton John is actually a living legend, what a great musical artist he is.;,’
elton john is already a living legend with his great musics;,.
sir Elton John is one of the best singers that i know of, great voice and great compositions”‘,
elton john can be only be the best singer and composer that i know. i like the song Candle In The Wind ~:’
My Name is Steve Lauber and I have a letter written on this Hotels letterhead stationary. It is dated August 28, 1930 and was written by a sales agent that worked for the company I am retired from. If anyone is interested in acquiring this you can contact me at: slauber@woh.rr.com
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Historic Book Matches?
During World War 2 my brother, a very well qualified British mechanical engineer was sent to USA on secret government business in 1942 and stayed in Waterbury for a short time. He died recently at the grand age of 92. On clearing his estate I came across an Elton Hotel book-matches he had kept. There were some unused matches remaining in it and on striking one it burst into flame instantly as though it had been bought today. For a moment I had a 74 years old watime flame in my hand. God bless America.
My mother was born and raised in Waterbury. As a child we visited her family several times and on one occasion we stayed at the Elton Hotel. I remember our room was large enough to “play ball”. Wish I could have gone inside the Elton recently on a visit to Waterbury. Sadly it is now an assisted living facility. Hope it is as grand as when I was a child.
Well here goes a long shot. I recently discovered through Ancestry that my father Lawrence Ursini worked at this hotel in 1941 at age 19. The hotel is listed as his employer on his draft card. Since I was put into foster care and did not grow up with him I don’t have a single photograph of him. So I’m wondering if there is anyone who might have photos of the staff at this hotel during that period in any archives. I would certainly recognize him from the few brief visits I had with him in my life.
My contact info has been provided.
Thank you.
Lawrence,
You might try contacting the Waterbury Public Library for their Genealogy and Local History Resources: Genealogy and Local History Resources
Thank you for that recommendation. I will certainly look into it. Great idea.