Hotels of Lake Helen: Granville Hotel

Prior to the 1900’s there were grand hotels built to accommodate the many visitors to Lake Helen. One of these was the Granville Hotel. It was not as large as the others but was built as solidly and was every bit as accommodating. The Granville had a grand veranda and glowed in white splendor under the many stately and swaying pine trees. The palms were so picturesque that they were probably used to identify and photograph the hotel.

Built around 1886, the Granville was a handsome two story building and was full every winter with snow-birds. It had several large, airy and welcoming rooms used for people to gather. As with the Harlan Hotel, during peak season, cots had to be deployed in these rooms and in the hallways to accommodate the many guests over and above what the Hotel could normally house.

The Granville was a grand hotel but did not offer the same amenities and activities as the Harlan Hotel. However, guests could take a horse and buggy ride or stroll to the Harlan to engage in those activities.

Do you know where the Granville Hotel stood? Stop by the museum with your answer. The first person who gets it right will win a prize.

Lake Helen Historical Society Museum
327 S. Lakeview Drive (inside City Hall)
Open:
Wednesday thru Friday
10am – 3pm, closed noon ‘til 1pm