While traveling
through Milford Utah to explore the many outdoor
activities around the area you couldn't help but
notice this grand old building. It appeared it was
open as there was a lot of activity around the
building. Being very curious we stopped by and
our luck paid off as we began to talk with the
current owners of the hotel, Diana and Bryan Mccarty.
They were so gracious to give us the grand tour of
the old place. When we walked into the lobby it was
as though we entered a time portal taking us back to
the year 1913, when the hotel was built.
The
lobby still has the old fireplace, counter and mirror that would have
greeted you almost a hundred years ago. The carpet on the wide stairs,
the old windows and wood work is just incredible. Walking through the
lobby you enter the cafe area with a set-up that reminded us of an old
diner. Going to the back we entered a large spacious area with a bar and
beautiful stained glass windows. Friends and neighbors were gathered
laughing and chatting. We only wish we could have spent the day.
Continuing our tour we went up
stairs to see some of the old rooms and hallways. Many of these
rooms still had the original furnishings. In an old hotel that is in
the process of being renovated we could not help but ask, is this
place haunted? Bryan didn't hesitate as he told us about the
previous owner of the hotel who was a little lady with lots of
attitude. He told us of a couple of rowdy railroad workers who were
disturbing other patrons in the Hotel. After several
complaints she sent the hotels caretaker to kindly ask the two men
to quiet down. The two drunk railroad workers didn't
appreciate being told what to do and beat up the caretaker. As
the hotel caretaker stumbled to his feet and made his way back down
stairs he insisted to the hotel's owner there was nothing they could
do about these men. Just then the woman took her keys and
headed up to the third floor to confront the men. After one of
the men continued to be drunk and belligerent she cold cocked him
upside the head with her large ring of keys, dragged him by his foot
down two flights of stairs and out onto the hotel's front sidewalk,
where she left him unconscious. Not wanting the same fate the
railroad workers buddy decided to leave the hotel. Bryan said, he
has heard reports of her keys rattling or the railroad workers head
thumping down the stairs, as it did so many years ago. Diane
said she has seen the little lady walk across the lobby.
This is a wonderful old hotel,
what stories these old walls could tell. I can't wait until someday
in the future when this old hotel will re-open as a bed and
breakfast and visitor's will be able to experience a night in this
grand hotel, who knows maybe you will be visited by the little lady
with here big set of keys as she checks on the well-being of her
patrons. For the last seven years Bryan, Diane, family and
friends have spent almost every weekend restoring this old place.
If you're ever traveling through Milford on a weekend stop by this
grand old hotel and ask for Bryan or Diane and they would be happy
to show you around. If you love historic places and history we
are sure you will enjoy your visit. The hotel is projected to
be restored and open in 2013 as a bed and breakfast.
Driving Directions:
Beaver Utah To The Milford Hotel
From Beaver Travel North Main Street and
Center Street, turn right onto W Center ST / UT-21. Continue to
follow UT-21 for 30.4 miles. After traveling 30.4 miles you
will be in Milford. When you enter the town of Milford the hotel
will be in full view. Located on the corner of South Main Street and
5th South.
