ROAD TO SEDALIA AND SOUTH DAKOTA: Bothwell Hotel

Blog #6- Tour Sedalia-July 1, 2012

What a special town this is! Lots of history centered around the Railroads and the Missouri State Fairgrounds, which is where our Rally is being held.

We began our Sedalia Tour with a visit downtown to the Hotel Bothwell. Open the front door, and step back in time when you are greeted with a lobby filled with beautiful leather chairs, fine furniture, a magnificent Chrystal chandelier, original old elevator(the kind you can see all the cranks and chains in) , and friendly staff to check you in. This seven story building is Sedalia's tallest and was constructed during the years 1925-1927 by developer, philanthropist, John Homer Bothwell. Named to the National Register of Historic places, the Hotel is an example of Classic Revival Architecture. Some of the Hotel's famous visitors have been Harry Truman, Bette Davis, and Clint Eastwood. It also features fine dining and the Ragtime Store, housing music etc. from Scott Joplin's era, as he went to college here as well as starting his musical career.

Note the beautiful brass mailbox on the wall, and the mail shoot above it from which guests can send their mail down without leaving their floor. The clocks on the wall, with "Zulu time" (flight/aviation/world time.) Whitman AFB is nearby, which is a SAC Base. In 1927 the rooms were priced from $1.50-$3.00 . The "King's Suite" costs $159 and a regular room is $89 today. Move over Motel 6!!!! The Holiday Season begins with Fireworks on the roof Thanksgiving weekend.

We enjoyed visiting the beautiful Hotel Bothwell! They also welcome you with a bag of popcorn from their old fashioned popcorn popper, and they have a quaint little coffee shop and gift shop as well. Truly a "treasure" in this town of Sedalia!

We invite you to continue exploring Sedalia, MO in our next Blog.

We miss y'all! Keep cool:-)

Blessings, Mary Ann, Les & Pollybird