Did you know that the Grand Hotel was constructed at Point Chautauqua between 1878-1880 as a community focal point and to provide lodging for visitors to the Baptist Assembly? It was the largest of the resort hotels dotting the Chautauqua Lake shoreline during this era. At the time, it was assumed that the Assembly would find success similar to that of the Methodist Assembly at Fair Point (years later to become Chautauqua Institution) which was located on the opposite shore. However, neither the Baptist Assembly nor the Grand Hotel ever achieved sustainable financial operations. By the late 1880s, the Assembly had disbanded and the hotel was sold at auction. But renovations and management by new owners failed to improve the hotel’s fortunes. In October, 1902, the hotel was destroyed by fire. It was later determined to be a case of arson; and following three trials covering six years, a guilty verdict was reached. One of the owners, James Crate, had been accused of the crime, but died during the trial. However, his close associate, Mrs. Lara Allen, was convicted and sent to prison. The short life and manner of disappearance of The Grand Hotel lives large in Chautauqua Lake regional lore.

Reference and Photo Credit:

Fenton Historical Society