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St. James Hotel circa 1879, courtesy of Tom Westbrook.

The St. James Hotel on Hemlock Lake NY.

By D. B. Waite in 1883

Before we take our departure, we will say, that this well built and commodious Hotel stands forty by eighty feet on the ground, three stories in height, is well finished and furnished throughout, for one located on an inland resort like this, was built in the season of 1879, by Daniel S. Beam, for Whitney and Ackley, and was opened to the public in the summer of that year.

Whitney and Ackley have been its constant proprietors, and the business it has done must be its best recommendations. It is capable of accommodating sixty regular boarders besides transient ones.

Here will be found free picnic tables and seats; accommodating employees, and decidedly the best arranged public grounds on the lake. In the cove on the north of the landing, is where young Shepard was drowned.

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St. James Hotel circa 1880, courtesy of Karen Roberts Chrysler.

The St. James Hotel on Hemlock Lake NY.

From the Livonia Gazette, 6 August 1884.

Hemlock - In the early spring we published an article relating to and describing the new hotel projected by Messrs. Whitney & Ackley on the east side of Hemlock Lake.

At that time the building which was to be used as a billiard parlor, with a second story as a dancing hall, and also the barns, were erected, only the ground being broken for the hotel proper. This it will be remembered is several rods from the other building, and is three stories high, with the basement.

The dining and sitting rooms are on the lower floor, where also is a separate dinning room for private parties. The office is on the second floor. The sleeping rooms are large and so arranged as to secure the most fresh air. One of the best features of the hotel - a feature that most hotel proprietors seem to forget in building - are the two large verandas on both the east and west sides, so it is the fault of the guest himself if he allows the hot rays of the sun to get at him at all.

In addition to this, a large cupola has been erected on the top, so that a view of almost the entire length of the lake can be had.

The inside of the hotel will be finished in hard woods. A large ladies’ sitting room faces the lake, protected by the shade, though the beautiful view remains unobstructed.

One of the nicest groves on the lake is found here, which the proprietors offer free of charge to Sunday-school and other picnic parties. This is a gradual slope to the lake and is furnished with tables, rustic benches, etc., for their use.

The home dock of the steamer Corabelle is at this house, which makes regular trips, and can be chartered for parties of all kinds at reasonable rates.

A free stage to and from the trains will also be run by Hawley Bishop for the benefit of regular guests of the house.

The terms of the hotel are as follows: Board by the week, from seven to ten dollars; by the day, two dollars; children under twelve years of age and servants, half price. Satisfactory terms will be made for families desiring to remain several weeks.

This hotel has been built at a large expense, and no pains have been spared in suitably furnishing it. It will be conducted as a first-class hotel should be, and we believe the proprietors will find that their money has been well invested.

The fame of Hemlock as a summer resort is increasing so rapidly that the accommodations are becoming inadequate to the demand upon them, though the lake boasts of good hotels and is dotted thickly with cottages; and the building of the St. James is still another invitation for tourists to come and enjoy the beautiful scenery the lake affords. No time has yet been decided upon for the formal opening, but due notice will be given.

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Group at the St. James Hotel in 1884, courtesy of Tom Westbrook.

The St. James Hotel Accommodates Camp Meeting

From the Livonia Gazette, 8 August 1884.

Hemlock - The grounds of the St. James last Sunday were crowded with carriages, and hundreds took the boat at the dock, leaving their horses at the hotel barns. This was the handiest way to attend the camp-meeting.

The St. James does its share of the hotel business on the lake, and a pleasanter location, or a more convenient spot for picnics and excursions, cannot be found anywhere.

Whitney & Ackley give the free use of their grounds and tables to Sunday schools and other societies, a fact which ought to be and probably is appreciated.