Sale of Central Hotel, Bainbridge, NY - 1917

Central Hotel Sold

Purchased at Auction Sale by C.W. Ireland

of this Village, It's Future in Doubt

Bainbridge Republican, August 2, 1917

Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY:  The Central Hotel property was purchased on Saturday by C.W. Ireland, hardware merchant, of this village.  Mr. R. Shupe who came into possession of the property last May through an exchange with J.W. Fuller, advertised an auction sale for last Saturday July 28th, there were only a few people present.

 

The only bidder was C.W. Ireland who secured the real estate at $4,950.  The auctioneer announced that there was a mortgage of $4,750, that there were also due taxes and with six months interest due, and water rent amounting to $60.  The price bid by Mr. Ireland included the claims against the property.  In other words the price paid was about what the claims against the real estate amounted to.

 

After the real estate was sold the auctioneer proceeded to sell the furniture, but the articles went at such a small price, further selling at auction was discontinued, then Mr. Ireland purchased the entire furniture and personal property connected with the hotel.  If Mr. Ireland had not purchased the personal property, the hotel would have been closed that night.

 

Mr. Fred Choat of Sidney has been managing the hotel since May 1st, and he was preparing to leave. Mr. Ireland induced Mr. Choate to remain for awhile to keep the hotel open to the public.  But whether the hotel remains open or closed depends upon patronage.  The real estate can be converted into business purposes easily and the furniture was bought at a figure which will permit Mr. Ireland to get his money back if her desires to dispose of it.

 

Since Bainbridge has been a no-license town the hotel properties have not fared very well.  In the summer season the transient trade permits an income sufficient to meet running expenses, but the hotels loose money in the winter season unless supported by the local people.  Mr. Ireland announces he is willing to keep the property as a hotel providing the public will assure him a return on his investment by patronage and support.  Hotels in a community are important institutions, not only for the traveling public but for local convenience.

 

The Central  Hotel has been a land mark in Bainbridge for many years.  It is centrally located and ought to do a good business.  Mr. Choate has been conducting it since it has been in his possession in a splendid manner and his excellent table was gaining a fine reputation for the hotel, just as the owner decided to dispose of the property and adopted an auction sale as the method to do so.

 

By buying the furniture, Mr. Ireland kept the hotel from being stripped and its doors from being closed on Saturday night.  If this place is to be continued as a hotel, it depends on the public and it should be a matter of interest to Bainbridge people and especially to the business men to see that the hotel is not closed.