A hundred years ago, the George Moore Academic and Administration Building at Clinton Community College was The Hotel Champlain. It was a luxury resort on Bluff Point -- a summer retreat that catered to the wealthiest and most prominent people of the day. But which Hotel Champlain was it?
The original Hotel Champlain was built in 1890. It was a five-story, wood-frame Victorian building that burned to the ground in May 1910. In just over a year, the second Hotel Champlain -- this one of masonry and steel -- was constructed on the same site. In fact, it was one hundred years ago today, July 1, 1911, that the second Hotel Champlain opened for business.
Anyone who has set foot on the CCC campus knows why this site was chosen for the hotel. This perch is the highest point on shores of Lake Champlain. From here the vistas are magnificent! To the east, the views of Valcour Island and Crab Island are beyond compare. These historic islands figured prominently into the American Revolution and the War of 1812, respectively. Beyond the islands are spectacular views of the Green Mountains, including Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. To the west, the Adirondack High Peaks are our skyline. It is no wonder that five U.S. Presidents, heads of state, captains of industry and sports legends chose this spot among all others for rest and recreation.
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hotel Champlain II, it is important to honor the historic role that the Hotel played. It was the "Summer Whitehouse" to President William McKinley in 1897 and 1899. It was the site where President William Howard Taft came to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain's discovery of this remarkable lake. And it was Yankee slugger Babe Ruth's vacation getaway.
As impressive as it is to drop the names of the rich and famous who once vacationed here, I suggest that we have every reason to be equally proud of the work that we do here today. Then, this was a place of leisure and recreation. Now, the Bluff and the former Hotel Champlain are home to an institution of higher education. Our mission is not only to enrich individual minds, but also to strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life for all people in our region. Few causes could be nobler.
In commemoration of this historic metamorphosis, the CCC Foundation has commissioned a new book, Hotel Champlain to Clinton Community College: A Chronicle of Bluff Point. The book is written by historian Richard B. Frost, widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on the history of our region. It is chock full of photographs, archival materials and personal recollections of the Hotel and the College. It is essential reading for anyone who would like to know more.
That's what I think. I am interested to know what you think. Please contact me at presidentsblog@clinton.edu to share your thoughts.
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