Hotel LaBonte facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Hotel LaBonte
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Location | 206 Walnut St., Douglas, Wyoming, United States |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1914 |
| Built by | Edward Reavill |
| Architect | Baerresen Brothers |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 08001003 |
| Added to NRHP | October 10, 2008 |
The Hotel LaBonte is a historic building located in Douglas, Wyoming. It was built a long time ago, between 1913 and 1914. This hotel was an important part of Douglas growing bigger in the early 1900s. Back then, new railroads and roads were built, which helped the town become more connected.
Local people invested their money to build this hotel. They hired architects called the Baerresen Brothers from Cheyenne and Denver. A builder named Edward Reavill then constructed the three-story brick building. When it was first built, the hotel was very modern. It had electric lights, steam heating, and even telephones in its 54 guest rooms!
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Hotel Design and Features
The Hotel LaBonte has a unique U-shape. It sits on a corner where North Second and Walnut Streets meet in downtown Douglas. The building has two parts, or "wings," that stick out towards Walnut Street. In between these wings, there's a space that goes inward, creating a courtyard where the hotel's main entrance is located.
Inside the Hotel
On the ground floor of the east wing, there was a dining room where guests could eat. The west wing, right on the corner, had two storefronts. These were likely small shops or businesses. When you walk into the lobby of the hotel, you'll see a floor made of tiles, a ceiling with decorative beams, and fancy columns.
Changes Over Time
Like many old buildings, the Hotel LaBonte has been updated over the years. The windows were replaced in 1967. After a fire in 1981, more renovations were done. The hotel was renovated again in 2015. Even today, it still operates as a hotel, welcoming visitors to Douglas.
The Hotel's Name and History
The name "LaBonte" was chosen for a special reason. It sounds like "bountifulness," which means having a lot of good things. It also honors Pierre LaBonte, who is believed to be the very first person to live in Converse County, where Douglas is located.
National Register of Historic Places
Because of its history and unique architecture, the Hotel LaBonte was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 10, 2008. This is a list of important places in the United States that are worth preserving because of their historical significance. Being on this list helps protect the building and recognize its value to the community and the country.
