Rumsey Hall (Shepherdstown, West Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rumsey Hall
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in West Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 129 E. German St., Shepherdstown, West Virginia |
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| Built | 1780 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001919 |
| Added to NRHP | March 30, 1973 |
Rumsey Hall, also known as the Entler Hotel, is a very old and important building in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. It stands right in the middle of the historic part of town. This building is actually made up of six different parts that were built at different times.
The oldest part was built in 1786. It was once the home of Christian Cookus. Sadly, this section burned down in 1912. The main hotel building started being built in the 1790s by Daniel Bedinger. This part of the building has a special style called Federal style.
Contents
A Hotel's Long History
The Entler Hotel grew over time. Before 1809, it expanded to the corner of the street. By 1815, another part was added along Princess Street. The complex also included a kitchen and a place to keep carriages. Many of the original inside features are still there today.
In 1809, a store opened in the corner building. It was run by James Brown. Around the same time, a place called the Globe Tavern opened. It offered rooms for people to stay overnight.
New Owners and Managers
In 1815, Daniel Bedinger sold the property to James Brown and Edward Lucas. Later, in 1820, it was sold again to Thomas Crown. By then, Thomas James managed the tavern, and Daniel Entler managed the hotel.
In 1823, Daniel Entler took over managing the whole property. His family, the Entlers, ran the hotel until 1873. They then moved to Piedmont, West Virginia, but they still owned the hotel.
Daniel Entler's brother, Joseph, also ran a hotel in Shepherdstown called the Great Western Hotel. Both brothers were the sons of a German immigrant who was a butcher and innkeeper from York, Pennsylvania.
A Hub for Social Life
The Entler Hotel was a very popular spot in Shepherdstown for social events. People gathered there for parties and meetings.
The Hotel During Wartime
After the Battle of Antietam in 1862, which was only three miles away, Shepherdstown became a hospital town. Many wounded soldiers were brought to the Entler Hotel for care.
Modern Connections and Challenges
On December 14, 1898, the Entler Hotel received one of the first two telephones in Jefferson County. This was a big step for communication!
The hotel faced several fires between 1899 and 1912. A fire in 1910 had a tragic outcome. In 1912, a very large fire burned several buildings on the north side of German Street. This included the original Entler property.
The hotel finally closed in 1917.
From Hotel to College Dorm
In 1921, the State of West Virginia bought the building. It became the first men's dormitory for Shepherd College. At this time, its name was changed to Rumsey Hall.
In the 1950s, the building was used for apartments for college teachers. After that, it was used for storage.
Saving a Historic Treasure
The Town of Shepherdstown bought the Entler building from the State in 1978. This happened after a special law was passed by the West Virginia Legislature. The college had planned to tear down the building to make a parking lot. But many people wanted to save it!
Delegates Clarence E Martin, III and Joseph Caudle helped pass the law to save the building. Restoration work began in 1982.
Today, the building is home to the Historic Shepherdstown Museum. It also has offices for non-profit groups and is used for town meetings. It's a great example of how old buildings can be saved and used for new purposes!
