Hall House, Liberty, N.Y.
Well-known photographer Otto Hillig published this vintage postcard of the Hall House located at the village of Liberty in Sullivan County, New York. The postcard was mailed, although the postmark date is illegible.
The four-story Hall House was constructed between 1885 and 1890 and operated for many years by John Carrier Hall. By 1930, after several changes in ownership, the hotel was known as The Lenape, for the Native Americans that once lived in Sullivan and Delaware Counties. The hotel shut down on November 30, 1956, but reopened again in 1958 under the new ownership. The Frey family then operated the hotel from 1958 to 1970. The hotel was then converted into one-bedroom apartments for senior citizens. For more history on this historic hotel, you can refer to an article by Delbert Van Etten, Liberty Historian, titled “Hall House – The Lenape” in the May 12, 1977 issue of the Liberty Evening News.
Below are a few advertisements from the early 1900s that describe the popular Hall House.
1900 advertisement
“The Hall House, at Liberty, J. C. Hall, proprietor, stands on high ground in the center of the village, in the midst of well shaded and well drained grounds. It is about a quarter of a mile from the depot. There are fifty rooms and the illumination is by electricity. The piazza is broad and the balcony affords a fine view of the village and the surrounding hills. The place furnishes a vegetable garden, spring water and croquet grounds. The amusement room, with the piano, is ample for the accommodation of the guests. References are supplied upon request.” (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. June 17, 1900.)
1901 advertisement
An ideal place to spend the summer or any portion of it is at the Hall House. It is situated at Liberty at an elevation of 1,600 feet, which insures freedom from all undue humidity and dampness. Malaria, and asthmatic affections are unknown in the vicinity. The table receives the most painstaking care and is well supplied with the best that can be obtained in the markets. Delightful grounds with plenty of shade surround the house. Rate will be furnished upon application to the proprietor, J. C. Hall.” (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. June 16, 1901.)
1902 advertisement
“The Hall House is situated on an eminence at an elevation of 1,600 feet, in the village of Liberty, in the midst of well-shaded grounds. The house has been enlarged, and now consists of fifty fine, airy, pleasant rooms for guests; is lighted by electricity, and is modern in structure and conveniences. The piazza is broad and extensive, and the balcony affords a fine view of the village, and an extended panorama of the surrounding country. The house is conducted in a strictly first-class manner, and there is ample provision made for the amusement of guests. The rates are $8 to $12 a week. J. C. Hall is the proprietor.” (The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. June 22, 1902.)
