Once
a favorite stopping place for the rich and famous because of its incredible elegance and
sumptuous furnishings, the former Hotel LaFontaine is now available for tours and events
by interested groups. Built in 1925, the LaFontaine encompassed the most outstanding
features of the 50 finest hotels in the United States, but as the years passed it fell
upon hard times and finally closed in 1974. Extreme deterioration and vandalism caused it
to fall into such a state of decay that eventual demolition seemed to be its only sad
option. However, a small group of determined preservationists committed themselves to
saving the once-grand building, and they succeeded against formidable odds.
Thanks to photographs of the beautifully
decorated lobby, formal ballroom/dining room and summer dining room, all of these public
areas have been duplicated to closely resemble their original elegance. Some of the
original furnishings which were sold at auction have been returned from various other
states, and other pieces of furniture were carefully reproduced by retired Berne, Indiana
craftsmen. The Huntington Art Guild members donated countless hours duplicating the
original stenciling in the lobby which resembles a Spanish courtyard. The Art Guild also
contributed considerable time reproducing the exotic wall murals of birds, trees and
flowers in the Venetian (Summer) Dining Room. In addition to viewing these public areas,
the Open House will include many interesting stories of the famous guests who came to the
LaFontaine- including annual visits by Henry Ford and his son Edsall on their way to and
from the Indianapolis 500, movie stars Ronald Coleman and Betty Hutton, pilot Amelia
Earhart, and even the infamous John Dillinger.
The Egyptian Swimming Pool was the largest
in any commercial hotel when it was built and featured world championship swim meets when
it opened in 1925. This event attracted the well-known Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller, who
stayed at the hotel for a week.
Although the hotel has been converted to 65
apartments for senior citizens, the lower floor is open to the public. Group luncheons and
events may be catered by previous reservation. Fully handicapped accessible. Washrooms
available. Motorcoach Parking For more information contact the LaFontaine Center at 260-356-9099.
