Historic Memphis Hotels 2 - The "Other" hotels.

...The Smaller Hotels of the City

Historic Memphis Hotels-1 covered the 8 major Memphis hotels from the 1920s through late 1960s. There were many small to medium sized hotels in the downtown area during this same period. Some of the buildings have remained intact and have been renovated. Others have become part of "lost Memphis". These hotels were never as famous as the larger ones and it's not easy to find information about them, but many are listed below, including hotels that go back to the earliest hotels in Memphis. Chances are, if the hotel lasted 3 years or longer, it will be referenced below with as much information as we have been able to locate..

The original intent was to cover only the Major Luxury hotels in Memphis from the 1920's up to the late 60s. So many emails have been received mentioning other hotels that this 2nd page has been added to cover a more extensive history of Memphis Hotels. This page will always be "under construction" and will change whenever new information or new photos become available. Please check back often. (If you have more information or more photos about the Historic Hotels of Memphis, please contact Gene Gill so this page can be updated. <gene.gill@verizon.net> )

- Click on small photos to see enlargement -

Adler Hotel and Adler Annex . Corner Main-Linden . 73 Linden . 263 S. Main.


Adler Hotel	Adler 1927	Adler Hotel Envelope 1929	Matchbook	Annex ANNEX - 1950	Annex being renovated 1981

From old records we learned that the Adler Hotel Building at 263 S. Main dates from 1908. (New evidence below, proves that the building is older). An alteration may have been added to the building 4 years later (See Note below). A new and much larger building behind the hotel was built on Linden around 1924-25. However the only verification of dates is the hotel at 263 S. Main has been listed at that address in the Memphis Directories from 1913 up to 1958. The 73 Linden Avenue building has been listed at that address in the Memphis Directories from 1925 up to 1958. Neither Hotel nor Annex is listed in the directories after 1974. Based on this information

it appears that the ANNEX on Main was actually the original Adler Hotel and after the larger building was built behind, it was renamed the Adler Annex. Today, the original building on Main has been converted to apartments. We cannot find any records when the Linden building was demolished, but it was after 1950, because it shows in the photo above.

Greg Morrison writes: "I'm currently doing some research on the S. Main area around Beale and Linden as part of my graduate thesis in the master's of architecture program at UT. I've been investigating the age of the extant structures in this area, and discovered that the Adler Hotel is actually an expansion of Hoadley's Ice Cream. If you compare images of the two buildings, you can see that the upper story, above the segmental-arched windows was added, but the two stories below this are the original Hoadley Building, which is on the 1907 Sanborn Map. This means that the construction date of the building occurred before 1907, although as you note on historic Memphis, it was not yet the Adler until 1908. I just thought you might find this interesting, as it makes the structure one of the earliest remaining in this area. The image is from "Pen and Sunlight Sketches of Memphis- 1911" featured on historic-Memphis. Your website has been a terrific resource for my research!" 11/15/2012 =>

Hoadley's Ice Cream 1910

Note: Thanks for the great detective work Greg! Hoadley's Ice Cream is listed in the Memphis Directories at 263 S. Main from 1905 up to 1910. They moved to Madison Avenue in 1911 or 1912. The photo of the Hoadley's Building was taken shortly before the Adler took over the building. It definitely proves that the Adler Hotel added a third floor to the building and the directory listing confirms that the building dates from as early as 1904 or 1905.

ALCAZAR Apartment-Hotel - 257 Adams at 4th (133 Adams)

Robert Galloway, the father of the Memphis Park System, built the ALCAZAR in 1892. It was the first Apartment-Hotel in Memphis. The Alcazar is listed in the Memphis Directories from 1894 to 1918. In the 1900 Directory it was listed at 133 Adams and the address changed in 1905 to 257 Adams - when the numbering system probably changed.

Ambassador Hotel - 345 S. Main. -

The Ambassador Hotel was built in 1915 and had 140 rooms. It was Near Central and Union Stations. Early in the 1900s the trains brought hundreds of visitors to Memphis and many of them needed affordable places to stay, thus the Ambassador became one of the largest of these medium-budget hotels - a sprawling place that originally occupied three separate buildings.

The hotel closed in 1982. One of it's three buildings burned to the ground many years ago, and another fronting Vance has been converted into condominiums (Ambassador Commons). The Main Street building remains vacant. Over the years there have been "plans", but it hasn't happened. The exterior still looks decent, but vandals and vagrants have crept inside and made a shambles of the interior (See photos above). The Ambassador Hotel was listed in the Memphis Directories from 1915 up to 1958.


Ambassador - 1948	Ambassador - 2000	1952 Envelope	Ambassador	Ambassador Commons


Ambassador 1927			Ambassador today	Ambassador today

Arcade Hotel - Winona Hotel - 110 E. Calhoun

The Arcade Hotel was another of the Train Station Hotels - across the street from Central Station. It's listed in the Memphis Directories from 1937 to 1961. The decaying hotel was featured prominently in the 1989 movie "Mystery Train" and was demolished in 1993, shortly after the completion of the film. Originally, the Arcade Hotel building housed the Winona Hotel from around 1913 up to about 1937. See Winona Hotel below

In their 1990 book "Memphis, an architectural guide", architects Johnson and Russell describe the Arcade, "One of the best buildings in the Beale to Crump district, the Arcade Hotel has a ground floor topped by a horizontal tin garland held up by huge brackets. Above the garland, the pilasters have frames that stop just under the arches on top to do a little geometric jig. Under the splendid tin arches, complete with egg-and-dart mouldings, are roundels, made of red and white brick, that comes straight from fifteenth-century Italian architecture. There's a lot of joy in this facade".

Arlington Hotel . American (US) Hotel . Apium House . Worsham Hotel . Duffy's European .
- 156 N. Main . N. Main and Adams .

See Worsham Hotel - below. This is one of 5 hotels to occupy this building and it's listed in the 1895 Directory and then is listed continuously up to 1958. Sometimes the hotel was listed as "ISELE'S Hotel Arlington." The Arlington Hotel occupies the old Worsham House Building. (The Worsham closed in 1887). In 1906 the Arlington had 110 rooms - American Plan. Rates $2-$3 per day. Extra meals cost 50 cents.

Email from Walter Bolton: "It was located where the State and country office buildings are now in the Civic Plaza and was more of a low end hotel. It had a shoe shine parlor that opened on to Main street and it its windows were posters for all the downtown theaters and what was currently showing at the five downtown first run theaters".

Advertising 1908 Directory

Vintage Isele's Hotel Aluminum Stamp Holder


			1904 Letter	1904 Envelope

Baumgarten Hotel and Cafe - 8-10 S. Main

Opened 1910. "A palatial hotel with regal furnishings, recognized as one of the most up to date places of the kind in America. The daily menu at the cafe is selected and prepared with the most discriminating care, and the very best of everything. The hotel contains about 40 spacious, well ventilated and perfectly lighted rooms, and the furnishings and decorations display the very best of good taste. Steam heat, electric lights, hot and cold water, telephones and bell service add to the quota of comfort for the guests".

Baumgarten Cafe 1911

This hotel must have been located in the D. T. Porter Building, because the address is the same. The Porter Building was built in 1894. The Baumgarten Hotel was listed in the 1912 Directory. Currently, we have not found a photo showing the Hotel sign.
		Porter Bldg

Bell Tavern - Memphis' first hotel. On Front Street between Jackson and Auction.

			The Bell Tavern dates before the Civil War and the building stood for almost 100 years. It was associated with owner Irishman, Paddy Meagher. The tavern was frequented by Sam Houston and Davy Crockett on their travels. At various times it was a tavern, gambling den, store, church, and warehouse. It was demolished in 1918.
Bell Tavern	Bell Tavern 1891	Bell Tavern

Bismarck Hotel - 135 S. Main

The Bismarck Hotel is listed in the 1906 through 1916 Memphis Directories. We found the building in a most unlikely location - a small building sandwiched between the Gayoso Hotel and Goldsmith's Department Store. The hotel sign "Bismarck" shows in the 1910 photos below

Braun's Hotel and Cafe - 192 Main . 145 N. Main (Re-numbering in 1905)

Listed in the 1896 through 1922 Directories. It was a small hotel and cafe.
	Braun's Hotel-Cafe 1911	Hotel Sign top-center

Brennan's Stag Hotel - 381 Main St . 163 S. Main (Re-numbering in 1905)

This hotel was originally named Brennan's European Hotel and the name was changed to Brennan's STAG Hotel about 1905. This hotel is listed in the 1895 - 1915 Memphis Directories. They had a pool hall and Saloon on the lower floor. The 1910 census lists Thomas F. Brennan (49), his wife (41), and John Brennan (37) as the hotel proprietors.


*Brennan's Demo 1971*	Billiards	*1903 Directory*	*1907 Directory*	Brennan's	Complete 1905 Postcard

Central Hotel - 63-69 Adams The Central Hotel dates back to 1848 and is one of the earliest Memphis Hotels. It is listed in the 1858 through 1878 Directories. The hotel must have closed in 1879, because it's not listed again until 1896 at the same location. It's not listed from 1898-1903. In the 1904-05 Directories, a "Central Hotel" is listed at 14-18 Beale - probably a different hotel.

Advertising in the 1870 Directory

Advertising in the 1896 Directory

Church's Hotel - 2nd and Gayoso

Robert Church was Memphis' first black millionaire. He built his hotel on the southwest corner of 2nd and Gayoso. Promoted as the only first-class "colored" hotel in Memphis, it had large airy rooms and a dining facility. Church furnished it with the best equipment of the day. The knowledge he had gained as a steamboat steward equipped him to meet the individual needs of his clientele in a lavish style. (We have not been able to find additional information or a photo of this hotel, although we suspect the hotel was located on the second floor of Church's Billiard Hall)
	*Robert Church*	*Church's Hotel???*

Clarendon Hotel - 157 Madison .

Listed in the 1880 - 1918 Memphis Directories. In 1883, the address was 61-63 Madison. In 1906, the address was 157-159 Madison. In 1906 there were 71 rooms - European Plan. $2.50 for one, $2 for two.


*Clarendon 1895*	*Clarendon 1911*	*Clarendon 1905*	*1905 letter*	*1883 Envelope*	*Guest List 1886*

Clark Hotel - Jackson Hotel - 138-144 Beale Street

Hotel Clark began as a rooming house on the second floor of the Lerner Building on Beale Street in the late 1920s. It was operated by Rosie Butts. Around 1930 Hartman Clark turned the rooms into a small hotel with around 12 rooms and named it Hotel Clark. The hotel quickly became a popular stopover for visiting jazz musicians, including Count Basie. It also rented rooms to gamblers and prostitutes working the strip. Hotel Clark remained in business until the 1960s when the name changed to Hotel Jackson. Today, the building is home to the Blues City Club and the hotel rooms, now used for storage, are still evident above the club. There were 4 different Clark Hotels in Memphis from 1941-1948.

Hotel Clark

Hotel Jackson

Cochran Hotel - 164-168 N. Main.

This hotel is listed in the Memphis Directories continuously from 1876 - 1927. The listing picks up in 1937 at the same address - for 1 year only. It's original name was Cochran Hall, but that was changed to Cochran Hotel about 1894 when they moved from 182 Main to 184 Main. The number changed to 164-168 N. Main about 1906. In the photo on the right, showing the Cochran, the street decorations are for a parade featuring the Liberty Bell which was on a tour of the South in 1915. In 1906 the Cochran's 62 rooms cost $2 -$3 a week. Meals - 25 cents.

Cochran 1915

Cochran Hall - 1883

Commercial Hotel . Priddy House . 8-11 Jefferson at Front

This hotel was built around 1848 and is one of the cities earliest hotels. It is listed in the Memphis Directories from 1855 to 1882. From 1883-1886 the listings change to "PRIDDY HOUSE". The listings continue in 1889 when the "New Commercial Hotel" opens in the same building. It's listed for only two years. John H. Priddy, proprietor of the Priddy House, was a native of Virginia. Although reared on a farm, he became a brick-layer and plasterer. In 1833 he married Maria A. Priddy and in 1835 they moved to Shelby County She died in 1868, leaving 6 children. In 1869 John married Lucy A. Martin, of Memphis. She was keeping a boarding-house at the time and it prospered under its new landlord until 1882, when John took a five years' lease on the Jefferson building and ran it in first-class style.

Commercial Hotel

1870 Directory Ad for the Commercial Hotel

1883 - 1885 Directory Ad for Priddy House

In the 1850s, Architect Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of New York's Central Park, traveled through the South to investigate the institution of Slavery. His observations were published in 3 volumes which were influential in turning readers against slavery. Around 1857 he traveled to Memphis, where he stayed at the Commercial Hotel. Although it was considered a first-rate establishment, things did not go well for Frederick in the dining room as his journal reveals. Among the dishes appearing on the not-too-elegant menu were "Beef heart egg sauce," "Calf feet mushroom sauce," Bear sausages," Fried cabbage," and for dessert, "Sliced potato pie." Better than whole pie, I guess.

He wrote: "Being in a distant quarter of the establishment when a crash of the gong announced dinner, I did not get to the table as early as some others. The meal was served in a large, dreary room exactly like a hospital ward; and it is a striking illustration of the celerity with which everything is accomplished in our young country, that beginning with the soup, and going on by the fish to the roasts, the first five dished I inquired for...were "all gone;" and as the waiter had to go to the head of the dining room, or to the kitchen, to ascertain this fact upon each demand, the majority of the company had left the table before I started at all. At length I said I would take anything that was still to be had, and thereupon was provided immediately with some grimy bacon, and greasy cabbage. This I commenced eating, but I no sooner paused for a moment, than it was suddenly and surreptitiously removed, and its place, without the expression of any desire on my part, with some other Memphitic chef d'oeuvre, a close investigation of which left me in doubt whether it was the denominated "sliced potato pie," or "Irish pudding."

Cordova Hotel - 166 Madison, NW corner of 3rd.

The Cordova is listed at this location as early as 1900 and up to 1915. In 1906 the Cordova had 75 rooms - American Plan. Single rooms cost $2.50. Doubles cost $2. Extra meals cost 50 cents.

Cordova on corner- 1915

Cordova Postcard 1911

Cordova Hotel

1909 Xmas Menu - Cordova

Duffy's European Hotel . American (US). Apium House . Worsham Hotel . Arlington Hotel
Main and Adams

This is one of 5 hotels to occupy this building and it's llisted in the directories from 1886-1894. The name changed from Duffy House to Duffy's European when it opened in this building. Not to be confused with the "European Hotel". See Worsham House, below and Arlington Hotel, above.
		1890 Envelope	1885 Ad

Eureka Hotel - 212 S. Third - 356 Mulberry

Memphis Heritage helped save this 120-year old house with a forgotten history from the wrecker's ball. The red brick Victorian was once an upscale hotel for African Americans. Henry and Cheri Rudner had recently inherited the property and were preparing to demolish it. The building was just a shadow of its former self- the upper porch and roof were gone and it had been stripped of much of its interior woodwork. But the Rudners didn't know its true history. A listing discovered in a 1943 directory proclaimed: "Eureka Hotel, Memphis' Oldest and Best Colored Hotel". Apparently, some great musicians had stayed there when performing in Memphis. Rumor even had it that Duke Ellington was at the Eureka when he wrote "Sophisticated Lady". Henry and Cheri Rudner called off the demolition.

JULY 2011 ... update

Too late!!! So much for those "good intentions". Another Memphis Landmark bites the dust. Another piece of Memphis History is lost forever.

European Hotel - Winter's European . Sturla's Hotel (See Sturla's below) . 370 Main -112-116 S. Main

The EUROPEAN Hotel is listed in the 1876-1884 Memphis Directories. Originally located at 274 2nd Street. it moved to 370 Main in 1882. At various times 4 to 5 hotels have occupied this building. The rooms were probably located on the upper floors. And two hotels may have occupied the building at one time - possibly sharing the reception. There were 45 rooms at the hotel. STURLA's Hotel is listed in the 1889-1892 Memphis Directory at 370 Main. The name changed to Sturla's European in 1891. In 1905 the Memphis numbering system changed 370 Main to 112-116 S. Main. The Sturla's Euopean listing continues to 1909. WINTER'S European is listed in 1893-1904 Memphis Directories. In the 1904 Directory the name changes to Winter's Stag Hotel at 163 S. Main - listed for one year only. Rates in 1906 at Sturla's European were: Singles 50-75 cents. Doubles $1-$1.50. Meals A-La-Carte.


Winter's European 1900	Winter's European	Winter's European	Winter's European	Sturla's Token


One or more of the hotels mentioned above may have a connection with the Waldorf Cafe and/or The Mivelaz Hotel at 112-116 S. Main. In 1909 "The NEW Waldorf Hotel and Cafe" is listed at the 112-116 S. Main address. The photos on the right show the corner building around 1909. >
	112-116 S. Main

Fransioli Hotel - 80 S. 2nd and Union

The Fransioli Hotel was in existence from 1883 to 1925 at the corner of 2nd and Union. It had 4 floors and 100 "large and airy rooms". The elevator was an open iron-grill type. In 1919 the hotel was sold to the Hallidays who operated the Gayoso. Later it was sold to the Southern Hotel Co who tore it down in 1925 and built the "new" Peabody Hotel on the site. The Fransioli existed for such a long period of time and was considered the best hotel in early Memphis. It is so closely associated with The Peabody that one can't really discuss the Peabody history without mentioning The Fransioli. In 1906 there were 108 rooms - American Plan $2.50 for one, $2 for two.


Fransioli Hotel	Fransioli Lobby and Elevator	Fransioli Entrance Detail		Ad 1916


Fransioli Envelope 1888	Fransioli Vintage Key - Fork	Hotel Ad 1900	P. Fransioli 1903	Fransioli Envelope 1915


1889 Fransioli Envelope	Letter, Page 1	Letter, Page 2	Letter, Page 3	Letter, Page 4.

1889 letter ... Very interesting 4 page letter from a gentleman staying at the Fransioli, to a cousin in Virginia. He's asking his cousin to consider buying half interest in a store and/or some acerage that might be available in the near future. Easy to read handwriting...

John Gaston's Hotel - 33-35 S. Court - 27-35 Court - 107 - 111 Court Av (Renumbering in 1905)

Ever hear of Gaston's Hotel? Memphians know about the John Gaston Hospital, but Gaston's hotel? Gaston opened his hotel in 1878 and it closed about 1916. It was a highly rated and popular hotel and by 1883, and had such amenities as a bar, barber shop and billiard parlor, in addition to 100 rooms for guests. Gaston's establishment became the place to be for movers and shakers who often met at the hotel to discuss business arrangements. And then there were the celebrities, such as Oscar Wilde, who were a common sight here. The hotel actually grew out of the more famous Gaston's Restaurant which opened first on Court Avenue. In 1906 the Gaston had 75 rooms - European Plan - $1 per day for one person or $2 for two. Meals were 50 cents. The name was originally Gaston's European Hotel. The "European" was dropped in 1883. The final address was 107-111 Court, about 1906.

Gaston's Hotel 1911

Gaston's Hotel with the blue roof

Gaston's Hotel Envelope 1895

John Gaston Hotel


*John Gaston*	*John Gaston Marker*	*Gaston 1870 Directory Ad*	*Gaston* *circa 1893*


*Gaston Letterhead 1908*	*Gaston's Hotel Building today*	*1885 Ad*	*Oscar Wilde Lecture*

An 1883 book describes Gaston's: "This is one of the leading hotels in Tennessee in all that pertains to a first-class house. Founded in 1877 by its present proprietor, and twice enlarged since that time, it has attained a position in the estimation of the public that ranks it equal to any similar establishment in the United States, reflecting credit upon the enterprise that designed it and the ability with which it is conducted. Ever since its opening it has been universally regarded, not only as the most pleasant and convenient resort of the traveling public, but as one of the most home-like and comfortable hotels in the South. In every thing that pertains to the comfort and well-being of its guests it stands unrivaled. In the matter of elegant and sumptuous furniture, heating and ventilating apparatuses, airy hallways, prompt and polite attention, and a menu unsurpassed in this section, the reputation and popularity of Gaston's Hotel, in the light of these advantages, is not surprising. The building is one of the most elegant structures in the city, four stories high and 185 x 100 feet in size, and contains 100 sleeping rooms, with two spacious and elegant parlors, a large dining-room with a capacity for seating 100 guests, all furnished in the most tasteful and appropriate manner. Each floor is supplied with gas, water-closets, bath-rooms and other conveniences, while ample precautions are taken against fire. Hydraulic passenger and baggage elevators are in use, as well as an improved system of electric bells. The front of the building is lighted by electric lights. An elegant billiard parlor and a first-class bar are connected with the house, along with a barber shop.

Who was John Gaston? He was born Jean Gaston near Bordeaux, France, in 1828, and at a young age, went to live with his uncle, who had a small restaurant in Paris. From there, he moved on and became a steward on ocean steamers and after crossing the Atlantic many times, he decided to remain in America. He changed his name to John and became a waiter at the famous Delmonico, as well as steward of several of the first hotels of Macon and Augusta, Ga. During the Civil War he was employed for the Confederacy, and after the war landed in Memphis almost penniless. Once again he found employment at a waiter and gradually saved his money until in 1866, he opened the Commercial Restaurant downtown at Adams and Main. Within weeks, the newspapers of the day called him "that prince of caterers."

In 1883 his growing reputation allowed him to open a larger restaurant called Gaston's — complete with first-class hotel — overlooking Court Square. His hotel grew to 100 rooms and his restaurant was termed by connoisseur's as "the Delmonico of the South". And Gaston became one of the wealthiest citizens of Memphis. When he died at the age of 84 he left his fortune to his second wife Theresa. Upon her death the money was largely donated to the city for the formation of a city charity hospital. The city of Memphis added some federal funds to the bequest and built the six story John Gaston Hospital. That hospital still exists today under the umbrella of “The Med“ which combines John Gaston Hospital with Gailor Clinic.

Billie Nicole Lovett writes: 6-21-2013...My grandparents, William and Mary Webb, were caretakers of the Gaston Mansion after Theresa Gaston Mann died. ... My Uncle was actually born there. I have a desk-wash basin from the mansion that actually was used in the hotel. I have a print "Widgeons and Partridges" that hung in the dining room ... and a piano stool. We recently found an 1867 check from the German National Bank of Memphis made out to John Gaston and endorsed by him on the back. My Mother told me that Mr. Mann (Theresa Gaston's 2nd husband) gave them several items from the mansion but they were sold because they were just too large to fit into a small home. I know that local neighborhood dances were held in the mansion ballroom on a routine basis on weekends. Gaston Park had many activities for the neighborhood children. They even held contests with other parks. My parents actually met each other at one of these contests when they were children .

My uncle Billy (whom I was named after) was born in the mansion in 1932. The picture, below, is the family before he was born. It was taken about the time they moved into the mansion. The picture with the two girls, below, is my Aunt Lillian and my Mother. It may have been taken at Gaston Park during a parade or one of the contests.


*This desk-wash basin from the Gaston Mansion was originally from the Gaston Hotel*


*Piano Stool*	*Dining Rm Print*	*1867 Check to John Gaston and endorsed by him*


*Webb Family*	*Aunt-Mother*	*Very rare 1888 Mardi Gras invitation to John Gaston ...*

Thank you Billie Nicole Lovett, for allowing us to publish your collection on the Historic-Memphis.com website

Gehring Hotel - 333 1/2 Main - 182-84 Main -Union (Re-numbering 1905) - 82 Union.

The Gehring Hotel sign shows on the left in this postcard of Memphis' Main Street (below). This hotel is listed in the Memphis Directories as early as 1898 at 333 1/2 Main, but around 1908 the address changed to 182-84 Main which is the earlier address of the Cochran Hotel. They obviously moved to the Cochran building. In 1918 they moved to 82 Union. See the aerial photo below for this Main Street location. The Gehring is listed in the directories from 1898 - 1928. In 1906, the Gehring had 75 rooms - European Plan which does not include meals. Rooms cost $1 for one person, $1.50 for two. Meals 35 cents.


Thanks Mo Thoni White for finding the postcard.		*Hotel Gehring -1910*	Advertising in 1908 Directory

George Vincent Hotel - Blackstone Hotel . 855 Union Avenue

Very little information is available for the mid-city George Vincent Hotel. The building was originally the Lucy Brinkley Hospital for Women. It was converted to the Blackstone Hotel in the late 1930s, and became the George Vincent Hotel around 1948. Those who remember the George Vincent, think of it primarily because each Christmas it set up a huge display of papier mache figures of the Nativity on a small lawn next to the hotel.


George Vincent Hotel	Lucy Brinkley Hospital 1926	Nativity Scene	Matchbooks	Lobby 1948

Green Tree House - 351-355 Front St


The Green Tree House is listed in the Memphis Directories as early as 1865 up to 1916. That's 51 years. When a hotel lasts this long, we wonder why we can't find a photo or more information about it. The advertising below, appeared in the 1900 Directory and there is a drawing of the hotel and the Front Street address.


	Ad from 1903 Directory	Ad from 1872 Directory

Jefferson Hotel - See Read Hotel or St. Nicholas Hotel below...

Lehner House - 2nd-Washington. Listed in the 1867-74 Directories
		*Ad from 1868 Directory*

Lincoln Hotel - 315 1/2 Beale Listed in the 1911 - 1921 Memphis Directories. J. H. Rice, Manager. The Lincoln Hotel was located next to the famous P.Wee Saloon, and across the street from Battiers Drug Store on Beale Street.
	Lincoln Hotel

Longinotti Hotel - Manhattan Hotel ... 489 Main . 299 S. Main (Re-numbering in 1905)

Listed in the 1897-1945 Memphis Directories. 43 years! Why haven't we been able to find a decent photo or more information about this hotel? The 3 story building with basement hotel was built in 1895 by the brothers August and James Longinoti. They also made and distributed whiskey from the hotel. The hotel was located at 299 S. Main. In 1948 to 1951, the Manhattan Hotel and Cafe occupied the Longinotti building, until it closed in 1954. A fire in 1961 heavily damaged the upper floors and they were removed, leaving the ground floor, as it is today. 24 Rooms, American Plan. In 1906, rates were $1.50 single, $1.50 for double.


Longinotti Building c.1951	Longinotti Building today	Longinotti Family c.1905	James Longinotti	Obit	Longinotti whiskey

Lorraine Motel-Hotel - See Windsor Hotel - Marquette Hotel - Lorraine Hotel below...

Luehrmann Hotel - 314 Main - 296 Main at Madison. - 10 S. Main (Re-numberting in 1905)

The Luehrmann Hotel was listed in the 1889-1906 Memphis Directories. In 1905 the number changed to 10 S. Main. In 1906 the Luehrmann had 25 rooms - European plan. Rooms cost $1 up, per person. Restaurant a la carte. Proprietor Luehrmann was a prominent brewer as well as hotel owner. The hotel burned in 1910.

The hotel was the upper 3 floors, with only 38 rooms - reserved for men only, although some women in fine clothes appeared at intervals. The fortune it took to build and equip this magnificent establishment came largely from beer, in particular Schlitz Beer.

Luehrmann's

Luehrmann's 1906

Luehrmann's 1908

Luehrmann's restaurants

Henry Luehrmann

Tokens


1st Hotel	Luehrmann's Home	Elmwood Grave	Match Holder 1900	Beer Bottle	Token

Luehrmann's was a splendid place for leisurely dining. There were 135 kinds of wine and the seafood was very fresh. Henry Luehrmann bought only live lobsters, crabs, and oysters to be fattened in his basement, where he personally fed them. In the restaurant, the waiters wore tails. Napkins and tablecloths were made of thick linen, embossed with Luehrmann's crest and logo. This Restaurant and Gaston's Restaurant, around the corner, were the two most popular restaurants for fine dining in Memphis. And Luehrmann's had the highest prices in town.

H. Luehrmann


*Cup*	*Creamer c 1900*	*Plate*	*Serving Platter*	*Condiment Dish*

From the Commercial Appeal, 1883 ... after a major Main Street fire that destroyed several city blocks: "The building on the southeast corner of Main and Monroe has been pulled down and will be replaced by a substantial brick structure. Henry Luehrmann will occupy it, using the basement as a saloon and restaurant and the roof as a beer garden."


*Excellent article . pg 1-2*				*1901 Ad*	*1896 Luehrmann Race*

Majestic Hotel - 174-190 Linden Listed in the 1914 - 1948 Directories . 3 story building with 66 rooms



Majestic Hotel ... 1899	1914 Directory Ad

Mitchell's Hotel - 195 Hernando-Beale . Annex 84 Calhoun . 180 Hernando . 162 Hernando

Listed in the 1945-58 Memphis Directories as a "Colored Hotel". This hotel opened in 1944 and was known as the "Leading Colored Hotel of Memphis". It was located on the 3rd floor , above the old Pantaze Drug Store, on Beale. The 2nd floor was occupied by Club Handy, which was the last club on Beale to book headline acts. Many Blues Musicians called the Mitchell "Home". Today the Pantaze-Mitchell building on Beale has been renovated and was the home of the Center for Southern Folklore, but is now the home of "Wet Willie's". The hotel had many nearby annexes.


*Pantaz Drugs - 1970*	*Pantaz Drugs*	*1957 Phone Directory Ad*	*Pantaz-Mitchell Hotel today.*

Mivelaz Hotel ...a hotel mystery - Main Street

This hotel represents a mystery. The Mivelaz family is closely associated with the hotel business in Little Rock, although Leo Mivelaz and his wife died in Memphis. There is no listing of the Mivelaz Hotel in any Memphis Directory, yet the Mivelaz Hotel sign appears in several famous photos above the Waldorf Cafe on Main Street. In 1899 the Mivelaz, L.L. Restaurant is listed at 352 Main and the Waldorf Restaurant is also listed at 352 Main. In 1900, both of these restaurants are again listed separately, but at the same address. In 1905 after the numbering system changes, Leo Mivelaz is listed as the proprietor of a restaurant at 112 Main (that's the address of Sturla's Hotel). In 1906 there is a listing for Waldorf Cafe Hotel with 24 rooms at 112 Main. In 1908 there is a Mivelaz Restaurant listed at 17 N. Main. In 1909 the New Waldorf Hotel and Cafe opens at 112-116 S. Main. We suspect that the "Waldorf" and "Mivelaz" cafe-hotels might be the same?

Monarch Hotel - 165 S. Main .

The Monarch Hotel is listed in the Memphis Directories from 1940-1958. It was a small hotel located a couple of doors from the Princess Theatre and an alley between it and the Gayoso. The building was demolished in 1971.

Monarch

Monarch Demo 1971

Vintage Key

Overton Hotel - Main and Poplar

The Overton Hotel was getting ready to open when the Civil War began. During the war both sides used the building, as a hospital and as quarters. After the war ended, it officially opened as a hotel in 1866. In 1874 the hotel was sold to Shelby County and was used as a Courthouse until 1919. The city removed the top floor and created two towers at both ends. The Courthouse building was demolished in 1925 and Memphis Ellis Auditorium was built on the space. This hotel is listed in the 1867-1874 Memphis Directories.

Overton Hotel with top floor

Overton Hotel

Courthouse 1906

The Grand Duke of Russia stayed at the Overton in 1872 and a grand ball was held in his honor. A special train brought his entourage from Louisville to Memphis.


Grand Duke Alexis	Invitation to Grand Ball	Special train from Louisville to Memphis - 1872

Pagoda House - Palmer House - Oxford House ... 232 S. Main


In the Pagoda Ad, below, at the top, side of building, there is a sign which appears to be "Palmer House". In the 1910 - 1913 Memphis directory, the hotel at this address is listed as Palmer House. In 1914 the directory it is listed as Pagoda House, so there was a name change. The name changed again to OXFORD Rooming House in the 1919 to 1924 Directories.


Pagoda - Palmer House	Oxford House	Oxford House

Plaza Hotel - 216 E. Calhoun

Listed in the 1913-1958 Directories - across from Union Station. "For Colored"

Pontotoc Hotel - 69 Pontotoc (S. Main - 1 block from the river).

Built in 1906, the Pontotoc Hotel flourished as a fine European style hotel, complete with Turkish Bath. By 1920 the hotel became one of the areas best known bordellos. Still listed in the Memphis Directories up to 1940. In 1929 George Touliatas, purchased the hotel, moved in, and then actors and performers began to stay there. His family lived there until 1969, at which time the hotel was sold to Bob Kapos. Leigh Davis purchased the hotel in 1980 and established residence in July 1981.

This hotel is first listed in the 1916 Memphis Directory and is listed up to 1958.

Email from Leigh Davis: "... Interesting tid-bits: George Touliatas Jr. was born at the Pontotoc and his younger brother, Plato, born at the hospital, followed him home a couple of years later. George Jr. told me the story of how he and Plato would take a wagon down South Main to the train station to "haul" back grapes that his father used to make wine. Every year, George St. shared a boxcar of grapes with a few Greek friends and the boys would make several trips with their wagon to collect his share of the grapes. Many trips...as George Jr. stated. Mexican artist, Dionicio Rodriguez, creator of the Crystal Shrine Grotto in Memorial Park Cemetery, lived at the Pontotoc for almost seven years, while creating his work at Memorial Park. (...I have yet to uncover a crystal at the Pontotoc!). My son, James Jr., born in 1983, was 2 days old when we brought him home from the hospital. He now has his own studio apartment in the Hotel. During those early days, I would walk and he would ride his trycycle from home to Beale Street, to have lunch at Ronnie Grisanti's restaurant. Not many have done that! He has lived his entire life in Downtown. (so far) ... I am happy to be included in the history. The Pontotoc has a wonderful karma and presence". - Leigh Davis ... November 24, 2013

Pullman Hotel - 520 S. Main .

The Pullman Hotel is Listed in the 1917- 1958 Memphis Directories. Built in 1912, this hotel was named for the Pullman railroad sleeper cars, and was one of the numerous small hotels near Central and Union Stations. Passengers as well as railroad workers frequented these hotels. Most of the buildings in the South Main Historical District are now used as private residences.

Queen Anne Hotel - 228 Vance

Hotel Queen Anne is listed "For Colored Only" in the 1951-1958 Memphis Directories. No other information.

Read Hotel . Jefferson Hotel - St. Nicholas Hotel - 146 N. Main SE corner Main-Washington

This hotel building goes back to at least 1898, and probably longer. Click on the left postcard (below) and you'll see "Hotel READ" just below the lighted Dinstuhl's candy store sign on the left side of the photo. The Read Hotel is listed in the 1907-1914 Memphis Directories and The Jefferson Hotel is listed in the 1914-1940 Memphis Directories - same address. In the photos above the Read Hotel is identified on the left, and the Jefferson Hotel is identified in the photo on the right. Not sure when the name changed. Look closely at the two buildings and you'll see that they are the same. We now know that before this building was the Read or Jefferson Hotels, it was the St. Nicholas Hotel, which is listed here from 1881-1887, and again in 1892-1906. This corner no longer exists. It's where the Civic Center is now located. See St. Nicholas Hotel, below.


Read Hotel	Jefferson Hotel	Read-Jefferson-St Nicholas	Read-Jefferson-St.Nickolas

St. Nicholas Hotel - Read Hotel . Jefferson Hotel . 194 Main .Corner Main-Washington .

The St. Nicholas Hotel is listed in the 1881-1887 Memphis Directories and again from 1892-1906. We now know that the St. Nicholas building pictured on this envelope later became the READ HOTEL around 1908, and later the JEFFERSON HOTEL around 1914. (See photo of Read Hotel above). This corner no longer exists. It's where the Civic Center is now located.


**Envelope postmarked 1897**			*1884 Ad*

Sturla's Hotel - Sturla's European . 370 Main - 112-116 S. Main

. Hotel is listed in the 1889-1892 Memphis Directory at 370 Main. The name changed to Sturla's European in 1891. In 1905 the Memphis numbering system changed 370 Main to 112-116 S. Main. The Sturla's Euopean listing continues to 1909. Rates in 1906 at Sturla's European were: Singles 50-75 cents. Doubles $1-$1.50. Meals A-La-Carte. See EUROPEAN HOTEL above

John, Frank, and Jacob were the businessmen of the large Italian Sturla family. At various times, from the early 1860's they owned or ran, restaurants, saloons, hotels, Upholstery Businesses, and Furniture, Carpets, and Household Goods . Their Oyster House and Saloon was located at 337 Main Street and Union Av. The Sturla's married into the Canale Family.


Sturla Building	Sturla Token	Sturla Token c. 1875	Sturla Ad 1871	Sturla Ad 1880	Sturla Ad 1882

Tri-State Hotel - 362 S. Main


The Tri-State Hotel was listed in the 1940 to 1958 directories. Another of the budget hotels near the train station.
	Tri-State Hotel	Tri-State Hotel	3 Hotels...

Waldorf Hotel and Cafe - 112-116 Main at Gayoso

Listed in the Memphis Directories for the first time in 1909, continuing through 1928, picking up again in 1937 for 2 years. The Waldorf Cafe was rather famous and located for many years at 94 S. Main and before that at 352 Main. Sturla's Hotel was located at 112-116 Main. The two may have merged to become "Waldorf Hotel and Cafe". In 1906 there was a "Waldorf Cafe Hotel" on Main, with 25 rooms. Rates were $1.50, singles, $1.00, Doubles. American Plan. The hotel-cafe is listed at this address from 1910-1918.

1915 Ad

Windsor Hotel - Mecca Hotel - Park Hotel - 37 Court (119 Court) . Main at Washington ??

The Windsor Hotel is listed In the 1904-1906 directories at 37 Court. It's opposite Court Square and next to the Gaston Hotel. The "Windsor" vertical sign appears in the 1906 photo below. In 1906 this hotel had 40 rooms - Rooms 75 cents to $1.00. American Plan - Singles $1.50, Doubles $1.25. In 1910, the Windsor building became the MECCA HOTEL. The name changed again to PARK HOTEL, which is listed at 119 Court in the 1911-1914 directories. The Memphis street numbers changed in 1905-6. The Park Hotel sign shows in the Vintage postcard below. This building still exists - it's a Bank on the ground floor with apartments above. This is not the same Windsor Hotel which later became the Lorraine Hotel-Motel.

There was an earlier listing for Windsor Hotel at Main-Washington in the 1892-1895 directories. It's probably the same hotel and may have occupied the same building as the St. Nicholas Hotel, which later became the Read Hotel, and later the Jefferson Hotel.


Windsor - 1906	Windsor Postcard	Park Hotel - Sign	Windsor-Park today	Windsor-Park today

Windsor Hotel - Marquette Hotel - Lorraine Hotel - Lorraine Motel . Mulberry and Huling



Lorraine Hotel and Annex	Lorraine Hotel

The first hotel on this site was the 16 room Windsor Hotel built on the northern side of the complex around 1925. It was later renamed the Marquette Hotel. Walter Bailey purchased it in 1945 and renamed it for his wife Loree and the song Sweet Lorraine. During segregation it was an upscale accommodation that catered to a black clientele. Bailey added a second floor and then drive up access for more rooms converting the name from Lorraine Hotel to Lorraine Motel. Its guests included Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, Aretha Franklin, Ethel Waters, Otis Redding, and The Staple Singers.

The Lorraine Motel complex become the National Civil Rights Museum after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King.
	Lorraine Motel	Lorraine Marker	Key

Winona Hotel - Arcade Hotel - 110 E. Calhoun

The Winona Hotel is listed in the 1913 to 1939 Memphis Directories at 108-110 E. Calhoun. The first photo below is the Winona in 1918. The photo depicts 1300 African Americans outside the Central Station at Calhoun and Main. They have been drafted to serve in WW1. The sign on the side reads "....A HOTEL". The hotel was owned or managed by Luke Casey, and may have also housed a speakeasy in its later days. The Winona closed around 1937 and moved to 516 S. Main. It's listed at that address for 3 years. After the Winona moved from Calhoun, the Arcade Hotel took over the building and remained there up to 1961 - perhaps later. The decaying Arcade Hotel was featured prominently in the 1989 movie "Mystery Train". The building was demolished in 1993, shortly after the completion of the film. See Arcade Hotel, above.

In their 1990 book "Memphis, an architectural guide", architects Johnson and Russell describe the Winona-Arcade, "One of the best buildings in the Beale to Crump district, the Arcade Hotel has a ground floor topped by a horizontal tin garland held up by huge brackets. Above the garland, the pilasters have frames that stop just under the arches on top to do a little geometric jig. Under the splendid tin arches, complete with egg-and-dart mouldings, are roundels, made of red and white brick, that comes straight from fifteenth-century Italian architecture. There's a lot of joy in this facade".

Email from Preston Sisk, 11/2012: "... My late father told me some wonderful stories that happened at the Winona when he lived there during 1930-31 after his parents lost their house during the Depression. The hotel was owned or managed by Luke Casey, and apparently had a speakeasy in it. His stories included the information that he was not allowed to enter the speakeasy, but that the hotel also had a good restaurant. There was an African-American man who worked at the hotel, and my dad was most impressed by his strength - the man could bend a railroad spike with his bare hands". The photo (left) may have been taken at the Winona "...some time between 1928-1935. My grandmother's sister would have been visiting from Arkansas. The lady on the right is my grandmother, Maude Wenzler, Her sister, Berthat Mae Sisk is on the left. The only identifiable landmark is the awning ... of a Piggly-Wiggly Store. I wonder whether there was a Piggly-Wiggly near the Winona"?

Winona c. 1930's

Webmaster's Response: I believe your grandmother and her sister might be outside the Winona Hotel under the Hotel's canopy. The taller building in the background on the opposite side of the street could be the Stratton-Warren Hardware Co ... because it was across from the Winona and it's about the right number of floors and has the right window arrangements. To the right of the Winona, next door, were 2 low rise, small buildings and one of them would have been the right size for the standard Piggly-Wiggle store"

Winter's European Hotel - See EUROPEAN HOTEL above...

Worsham House - American (US) Hotel . Apium House. Duffy's European . Arlington Hotel. . Main -Adams

This hotel was listed in the Memphis Directories from 1855 to 1905. The hotel was owned by John Worsham and described in a 1860 book: "This place (Memphis) supports two large hotels, of which the Worsham House is said to be the best. It is neat, well-appointed and kept-an excellent table, and polite attendance. Mr. Worsham, the landlord, is an agreeable gentleman, and superintends this fine establishment, and is ever on the look-out to make his guest comfortable." "The building has a frontage on Main Street of 75 feet, and a depth on Adams of 150 feet. The parlor is large and handsomely furnished. There are 66 sleeping apartments for the accommodation of the guests of the house, well ventilated, nicely furnished and strictly neat and clean. the dining room has a seating capacity of 100. Connected with the establishment are a fine bar, billiard-room barber shop and bath rooms. Fourteen male and six female employees are required. The house is fitted out in the most thorough manner, with all modern improvements and conveniences, gas, water-closets, etc. Every department of the house is in complete repair, and no pains or expense are spared by the proprietor and his assistants to make the sojourn of their guests pleasant and agreeable." The Worsham closed in 1887. Later, the ARLINGTON HOTEL will occupy this building up to 1916 - maybe later. The hotel opened in 1848 and was first named the AMERICAN HOTEL. From 1855 to 1859, the hotel was called APIUN HOUSE. See Arlington Hotel adn Duffy's European Hotel, above

Ad from 1880 Directory

Ad from 1885 Directory

Worsham House Business Card - 1880


Ad showing Worsham *Sign*	*1855 Apium House Ad*	1860 Ad

< This photo of the Arlington Hotel shows it occupying the same building as the earlier Worsham Hotel drawings. The portrait, above is John Jennings Worsham in his civil War Uniform. The token, above is for the Worsham Hotel Cigar Stand. It is brass and about the size of a nickel.

An 1883 book describes the Worsham House: "The building has a frontage on Main Street of 75 feet, and a depth on Adams Street of 150 feet; is four stories high, well arranged, architecturally handsome, in the center of the city, and within a convenient distance of all railroad depots and steamboat landings. The parlor is large and handsomely furnished. There are sixty-six sleeping apartments for the accommodation of the guests of the house, well ventilated, nicely furnished and strictly neat and clean. The dining-room has a seating capacity of 100. Connected with the establishment are a fine far, billiard-room, barber shop and bath-rooms. Fourteen male and siz female employees are required in the hotel. The house is fitted out in the most thorough manner, with all modern improvements and conveniences, gas, water-closets, etc".

Other Memphis Hotels - no photos or very little information

The first "Hotel" was the BELL TAVERN on the corner of Front Row and Toncray's Alley. About 1830, the MISSISSIPPI INN was erected on the east side of Main Street, north of Commerce. About 1835 the UNION INN opened on Adams, corner of Third. Around the same time, the CITY HOTEL was erected on the southwest corner of Main and Winchester. The first owner was Nat Anderson. In 1837, the EXCHANGE HOTEL was built on Exchange Square near the corner of Poplar - T. C. McMacklin, the landlord. In 1841, the NEW CITY HOTEL was built of brick. It was just east of the OLD City Hotel. The CENTRAL HOTEL was built about 1845-46 on the southeast corner of Main and Adams - and burned a few years later. The WORSHAM HOUSE opened as the AMERICAN HOTEL about 1848. The COMMERCIAL HOTEL was also built around 1848.
... From the "Old Folks Historical Record" - Volume 1 - 1874-75:



City 1849	Commercial 1959	Commercial 1866	Richmond 1849	Union 1849	Washington 1854	Whitmore 1859

The Memphis City Directory of 1849-1850 lists 8 hotels:
The GAYOSO ... CITY HOTEL at Main and Front ... RICHMOND HOUSE at 23 Front ... UNION INN at Adams and 3rd. ... WHITE HOUSE on Madison ...
O'HANLON'S EXCHANGE at Main near Adams ... and BELVIDERE HOUSE on Washington under the Theatre. ... EMPIRE HOUSE on Madison

The Memphis City Directory of 1855-56 lists 9 hotels:
APIUN HOUSE at Main and Adams ... BOSTICK HOUSE at Adams ... COMMERCIAL HOTEL at Jefferson ... CENTRAL HOTEL at Monroe ... GAYOSO HOUSE on Shelby ... GERMANIA HOUSE on Shelby ... TEMPERANCE HOTEL at 16 Union ... WARF BOAT HOTEL ... WASHINGTON HOUSE at 114-116 2nd Street.

The Memphis City Directory of 1860 lists 18 hotels:
BARNETT HOUSE ... COMMERCIAL HOUSE ... GAYOSO HOUSE ... GERMANIA HOUSE ... MCCLARE HOUSE ... MECHANIOS HOUSE ... MERCHANTS HOTEL ..;. MISSISSIPPI HOUSE ... MISSOURI HOTEL ... MOZART HALL HOTEL ... NAVY YARD HOUSE ... OLDRIDGE HOUSE ... PLANTERS HOUSE ... REDFORD HOUSE ... SEVEN SCHWAHEN HOTEL ... SHELBY HOUSE ... WHITEMORE HOUSE ... WORSHAM HOUSE.
...Thanks Stephanie Sutton, Director Library Technical Services, Tennessee State Library-Archives, for scanning the 1850 Directory.

BALDWIN - 72 Beale . Listed in the 1911 -1916 Directories. Three story fire-proofed building- elegant in appointments and fittings. All modern conveniences, including telephones, baths, steam heat, electric lights and bell service. Can accommodate up to 60 guests.

BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOTEL - 899 Madison . Listed in the 1937 -1951 Directories

BINGHAMTON - Binghamton . Listed in Memphis Directories from 1894-1914

BLACKSTONE - 855 Union . This hotel became the George Vincent in the late 1948.

BLACKWELL - 122 Washington and 228 Vance . Listed in 1937-1958 directories.

BRENNER'S ROOMING HOTEL - 172 S. Main . This hotel listed in the 1912-1913 directories. Click here for a photo.

BROADMORE - 228 Vance . The BROADMORE is Listed in the 1924-1927 Directories. The building originally housed THE VANCE HOTEL from 1914-21, and then HOTEL MARION from 1922-23. Click here for a photo of Hotel Marion

CHAMBERS HOUSE - 2nd, NE corner of Washington - 190 2nd . Listed in the 1878-1899 directories. Moved to 190 2nd in 1883.

CHELSEA HOUSE - 2nd north of Chelsea . Listed in the 1891-1895 directories. Not listed 1896-1900. Listed again 1901-1909 at the same address. Not listed 1910-1914. Listed again from 1915-1918, same address. Click here for a photo.

CHICKASAW - 99 S. Main . Listed in the 1922-1945 directories. Moves to 73 Monroe in 1942.

CUMBERLAND - 109-111 Adams . In 1906, listed at 131 Poplar.. Listed in the 1868-69 Directories.

DELTA - 2nd and Poplar . Listed in the 1901-1909 Directories. In 1906 it had 40 rooms- European Plan. Rate of $2.50-$5 week.

DeSOTO - 154 E. Calhoun . Listed in the 1920 - 1958 directories.

DEVOY - 69 Jefferson . This hotel became the King Cotton. See Hotels, page 1

FISHER HOUSE - 80-84 Market . Listed in the 1907-1918 Memphis Directories. Continues in 1920 for 1 year and then again in 1924 for 1 year.

FRANKLIN HOUSE - 12 Union - 37 Adams . Listed in the 1870-1882 directories. In 1882, the hotel moved to 37 Adams. Not listed from 1883-1890. Listed again in 1891, 1894-1902.

FREEMAN'S - 120 Front . Listed continuously in the Memphis Directories from 1898-1913.

HOPKIN'S HOUSE - 7 Jefferson - 67 Jefferson (Number Changed) . Listed in the 1901-13 Directories. Click here for a photo

HOBSON - 677 Poplar . Listed in the 1914-1918 directories.

JEFFERSON - 146 N. Main . Listed in 1940-1954 Memphis Directories. See READ or ST. NICHOLAS above.

LORRAINE HOTEL-MOTEL . See Windsor Hotel above.

MADISON - 223 Madison . Listed in the 1948-1958 directories. Click here for a photo

MAGIC - 192 E. Calhoun . Listed in the 1940 -1958 directories.

MARQUETTE - 507 Linden . Listed as "Colored" in the 1942-58 directory.

MEMPHIS - 83 Jefferson . Listed in the 1942 - 1954 directories

MERCHANT'S HOTEL - 322 S. Main . Listed in 1859 Directory. Building burned in 1996. Click here for a photo

MONROE - 631 Monroe . Listed in the 1948 - 1958 directories

MOZART - 2nd, corner of Chelsea - 13-15 Washington . Listed from 1868-1876. Not listed 1877-81. Listed again in 1882 with a new address at 13-15 Washington. Listings continue until 1884.

MILLER HOUSE- 716 Main . .Listed in the 1902-1904 Directory

ORIENT - 378 1/2 S. Main . Listed in the 1923-1926 directories.

PHOENIX - 198 1/2 E. Calhoun . Listed in 1919-1928 directories.

PLANTER'S HOUSE - 301-303 2nd . Listed in the 1878-1883 Memphis Directories.

POWELL - 119 Adams . Listed in the 1911 - 1958 Memphis Directories. Click her for a photo

REID- 223 Madison . Listed in the 1938-1945directories Click here for 1938 memorabilia photo

REX -200 Union . Listed in the 1940-1958 directories. Click here for a photo ... Click here for memorabilia photo

ROSARY - 181 Beale. 212 S. Third . Listed as "Colored" in the 1940-1958 Memphis Directories. In 1948, this hotel had an annex located at 212 S. 3rd. Click here for a photo

ST. AGNES- 114 1/2 Beale . Listed in 1945 - 1958 directories. Click here for a photo

ST. LOUIS - 61 Poplar . Listed in 1919-22 directories.

SCHILLINGS - 14 Adams . Listed in the 1891-1896 directories.

SHELBY HOUSE - 7-9 Poplar - 72 Poplar . Listed in the 1901-1906 directories. The number changed to 72 Poplar in 1906

SOUTHERN - 417 Main - 18 Beale - 253-257 S. Main . This hotel is listed in the 1867-1872 at 417 Main. In 1898-1902 it's at 18 Beale. From 1911-1942, it's at 253-257 S. Main - Numbering system changed.

STAR - 188 1/2 2nd St. The Star Hotel was listed in 1900-1903 Memphis Directory at 188-192 2nd St.
"I remember a hotel on the northeast corner of Main-Calhoun named the Star Hotel. It was small, maybe 2 or 3 stories and was frequented mostly by train crews & passengers arriving at Central & Union stations. I remember eating at their lunch counter at times when I worked at the Missouri Pacific RR office up Calhoun St. It must have been torn down years ago." - Roy Johnson

STOCK YARD - 150 W. McLemore . Listed in the 1937-1951 directories.

TENNESSEE HOUSE - 164 Calhoun - 10 W. Calhoun . This hotel is listed in the 1893 Directory at 164 Calhoun and continues to be listed at that address up to 1906 when the address changes to 10 W. Calhoun. The listing in the Memphis Directories continues up to 1958. In 1906 the Tennessee House had 30 rooms - American Plan. Rates $1.75 . European plan $1 per day.

TRAVELLER'S - 347 Vance . Listed in the 1941-1958 directories. Click here for a photo . Click here for 2nd photo

UNION - 244 Union . Listed in the 1907-1918 Directories.

VANCE - 228 Vance . The VANCE is Listed in the 1914-1921 Directories. In 1922-23, the building housed the HOTEL MARION. In 1924-27, it became the BROADMORE HOTEL. Click here for a photo of Hotel Marion

WATAUGA - 212 N. 3rd . Listed in the 1940-1943 directories.

WEAKLEY - 81 Jefferson . Listed in the 1920-1941 directories.

WHITMORE HOUSE - Adams, between 3rd and 4th - 109-111 Adams . Listed in the 1859-1882 Memphis Directories. Moved to 190-111 Adams in 1882 . Click here for a photo

ZANONE WAYSIDE INN - Thomas, NW corner Plum . Listed in the 1907-1921 Memphis Directories.

To more HISTORIC MEMPHIS Hotels - the MAJOR hotels: Click Here

CREDITS: The "Historic-Memphis" Team would like to acknowledge and thank the following organizations for their contributions which helped make this page possible: Memphis Public Library, University of Memphis Libraries, Memphis Commercial Appeal, Memphis Press Scimitar, Greater Memphis Chamber, Memphis Flyer, Vance Lauderdale Family Archives, Memphis Heritage, Tom Leatherwood Shelby County Register, Lee Askew, George Whitworth, Joe Spake, and many other individuals whose assistance is acknowledged on individual photos.

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