Two Rivers, Wisconsin History " Rustic Inn"

Rustic Inn Footage from 1937-1940's

Two Rivers Wisconsin History Lion's Club Dinner 1937-1940's

Clips of a Two Rivers Lion's Club Dinner from 1937-1940's. 

Two Rivers, WI History Brault's Tavern

Two Rivers Wisconsin History Al's Tavern

Two Rivers Wisconsin History " Hotel Hamilton"

Hotel Hamilton was built on the 1500 Block of Main St, which is now known as Washington St.  The massive 3 story red brick building allured everyone's eyes as they entered into Two Rivers.

Postcard of the Hotel Hamilton

It opened on July 6th 1905, and was the 1st public lodging facility erected of it's kind in Two Rivers.  Upon entering you could see the craftsmanship and no amenities were left out.

Check in counter

The Hotel had a nice restaurant with a dining room. There also was a common seating area to gather.

Seating area and dining room

You could spend a night in one of the state of the art rooms for $2.00 a night.

Guest Room

Many social events and wedding receptions were held in the magnificent structure.  The hotel also served as temporary housing for the Hamilton Factory employees, where the rooms offered all the comforts of home, and walking distances to their jobs.

 In the late 1930's and 1940's Two Rivers hospitality, cool weather and athletic facilities caught the interest of many well known teams and serves as their training camps. Walsh Field, Washington High School, and the  J.E. Hamilton Community House served as the training grounds while the Hotel Hamilton served as their housing facility. In 1939 the Pittsburgh Pirates now known as the Steelers enjoyed Two Rivers, after that word had gotten out and in 1940 the Columbus Bullies of the AFL which is a team no longer in the league enjoyed the area. The Philadelphia Eagles used T.R. in 1941 & 1942, and the Chicago Rockets AAFC enjoyed the area in 1947. There even was a sign that greeted visitors to the area. A large football player that read," Welcome to Two Rivers, The Coolest Spot in Wisconsin, Training site of Famous Pro Football Teams."

Picture is from from The Images of America Two Rivers by Patrick J. Gagnon and Cassandra Kronforst. This is a great book and you can get yours here, I highly recommend it.

The Hotel even held The City's Christmas decorations.

By 1950 the Hotel was out dated and worn down. It sat vacant for many years. In 1960 the once magnificent 3 story state of the art hotel was now looking abandoned, outdated and tired. It was taken down by wrecking ball. A sad fate for a historic structure.

Today, the street scene looks much different. There is no Hotel, and today's generation doesn't even know one used to sit there. The Medicine Shoppe Drug Store Sits where the Hotel Hamilton's used to sit.

2013