Did I tell you my husband and I almost bought the Rogue Elk Hotel? I found my old scrapbook from the 1990’s. I thought you might be interested in hearing about this old historic hotel.
The Rogue Elk Hotel was built with nearly 150,000 feet of lumber hauled by horse teams above Butte Falls, Oregon; C.O Power was the architect. I read 26 foot support columns support the 30 ft. wide entrance. Two huge fireplaces built of native stone are estimated to weigh 90 tons. The furniture designed for the hotel by the McDonald brothers were made from the finest quality heavy oak; hand detailed carvings that were embellished with deer hides and elk hide paintings. The walls were graced with an exquisite art collection featuring a painting of Crater Lake and Oregon nature scenes. The outside grounds were lighted by a spectacular light system. At the time, the building was one of the finest in Southern Oregon with 19 sleeping rooms. The grand opening of the Rogue Elk and was July 22, 1916, over 200 people attended the affair. Massive flower arrangements with ferns and flowers adorned every corner and exquisitely displayed food and drinks graced every table. Music, dancing and poem reading was the entertainment. In the morning there was horseback riding hunting and fishing. Through the years some elite visited the hotel including Herbert Hoover and Zane Grey. In the 1920’s opposite of the hotel located on the river bank there was a well-known dining room and open air dance pavilion. This was the only floating dance floor in Oregon! It became quite the hot spot, but soon too much drinking and fighting brought many problems to the hotel. Mysteriously In the 1950’s the dance pavilion burnt down. Remnants of the rock fireplace are still visible from the road.
“When you wonder where in the world to go, and you long to be where the cool breezes blow; just crank up your car, and drive’ like sin’. On the Crater Lake Road, to the Rogue Elk Inn. There you’ll find by the river, a hotel, grand, as nice as the finest home in the Land, Where the food is good; the beds, soft and clean, — the kind of place which spring makes one dream.” Will McDonald 1916
I found this postcard Written from McDonald pictured above, to Emma Andrews in 1926, Weird how these things seem to migrate to me… I am remembering when our friends Ron and Janet stayed the night to check out the rundown hotel on our behalf. They said it was Beyond Spooky and they said they were Scared out of their wits! They commented on strange bad smells and sounds, especially a popping sound like a power breaker. In the long process of buying the place we collected a massive painting of a Rogue Elk to hang and other art of Crater Lake, Zane Grey collectibles and unique furnishings to complement the historic decor. I was obsessed with the research and mapping out our plans of how we were going to execute this huge historic money pit endeavor. We were unable to negotiate a deal with the separate lot, the eyesore parcel across the street on the river where the dance hall used to be. Unfortunately, a deal breaker because this is what you see when you walk out on to the grand porch or look out on from the massive windows. We declined from the purchase, in turn losing our large down payment. However, looking back I think it was the best decision. We have great memories of driving out to Trail Oregon, walking to the river, checking out the camp grounds, and talking to the neighbors. Not to mention all the humorous memories of eating at the old cafe on the property! If time travel was possible I would definitely love to go back to the grand opening of the Rogue Elk Hotel. Anyway, thanks for reading my blog! Oh’ and I almost forgot if by chance you buy the place, could you please get rid of the hideous blue paint! Note historic photos above, thanks!
My scrapbook….. Pictures! you can click on them. Notice the picture below is the pavilion with floating dance floor on the Rogue River.
15 thoughts on “Did I tell you my husband and I almost bought the Rogue Elk Hotel?”
1909ventilo
Just in case yo want to buy it….http://www.oldhousedreams.com/2015/10/06/1914-hotel-trail-or/
Mechelle
My husband & I are going to look at it tomorrow. If we go through with the purchase I would love to talk with you about the history. We’d like to restore it not remodel like the last few owners have tried to do
Patrick Meyer
Very interesting article you wrote about the Rogue Elk Hotel. My family and I lived in it 1953-55 when my parents took it over as caretakers for the owners. We moved up from San Diego lock, stock, and barrel. It was a fascinating experience to explore the hotel. My parents took in boarders and we had occasional travelers as guests. I used to pump gas at the filling station there then, and my dad changed tires and repaired cars. I met a lot of ” colorful” locals then as I learned about living there in “God’s Country.” I do remember seeing hundreds of salmon in the Rogue River right across from the hotel each year during spawning season. We used to fish where the Elk Creek and Rogue River met. Fishing was usually good there. My parents hosted Mass every Sunday for people who were unable to get to Medford. Eventually that congregation built its own parish in Shady Cove-Our Lady of Fatima. I helped to dig foundations and hammered a lot of nails as a young teenager along with many other volunteers. My favorite memory was sleeping in the huge room with the front balcony where Zane Grey wrote “Rogue River Feud.” I’ve read the book at least three times since as an adult.
I have stopped by to look at the hotel in recent years when visiting family and friends in the valley where I had grown up. It’s a shame to see its deplorable condition. It’d take a bundle to fix it up. I remember dancing on the restaurant floor at my older brothers’ (two) prom for Prospect High School in either 1954 or 1955. I attended Elk Trail Elementary (now closed) and Eagle Point High School. I left the valley at age 17 to go to college (UO) and see the world. I’m still out there seeing what I can.
Thanks for your background history on the Rogue Elk Hotel. I loved it.
Regards,
Patrick Meyer
Nashua, New Hampshire.
1909ventilo
Thank you Patrick for posting this!! I loved reading it!
Conni
Out of curiosity, how much was it for sale for in 1990?
It must have been quite the place when it was first built!
Anna
Do you have any idea of some of the major repairs needed? Roof,piping, etc? Headed down that way next week!
Sandra Paz
Hi Anna, I wanted to know if you made it to see the Rouge Hotel? I too am curious about the condition now. It is hard to think of buying a project that starts at $189K then there will be 3x that amount in repairs. Would be nice to know if the realtors, are still showing it.
would love to see pics too.
1909ventilo
Hi Anna, It needed so much work back then, I have no idea about now. Good luck. 🙂
Tammy Lee
I am and was the owner of this property when you took these pictures, that is my Elk head. Now per the eye sore across the way… you attempting to buy it… everything you have written was a LIE. Sorry not haunted, I lived there for over 20 years and raised 5 kids. It was sold in mid 2000’s by force, I am the only owner that refused to sell. Per whoever you gave a down, this would have had to been before 1995 and involved my sister in-law … the most biggest scam artist you could ever met… I would have given you your money back myself period. Per Leahy/Ferris property, yes it was an eye sore which they willfully and gladly sold to me for 70 grand on my name which I now own fully and NEVER ever shall ever part with. My sister in-law who drove her parents into their graves before their time and court forced the selling the the Rogue Elk may have sold off the family’s precious estates, lost what my children and my husband call home but no one shall ever own the river front but a Haselden, and currently Mr. Haselden the child robbed on his home by a rotten sister refuses to allow anyone to enjoy the river and there is no view any longer of any kind, sad but guess his way of revenge, they took his home. The building sits and waits for love, the boy that loved it parted now for almost 10 years, no one cares for the old place any longer, steps are caving in the old pump house torn down with a tire tossed over the well head, the new owners trying to play the locals. Like that carved Rogue Elk window seal trim, the was made as a gift by gentlemen my husband grew up with when him and his high school friends worked on it as a project in 1978…. every one knows who supplied the wall paper, who did what trim, who made what, where this and that came from, even the ol antique sofa … local have a way with themselves, like you taking a picture of the Elk Head that Toby’s dad stuffed for a local who then brought it to us one day to hang in the Rogue Elk since he had no where to hang it, then one point after his death is then given to us that being Robert and Tammy Haselden. Now it you were one of the guys my sister in-law Margaret Christensen was trying to rob, which she did find a sucker sadly… during the late 2000’s, sorry but I do remember man offering me half million dollars for my riverfront and me going to court to get a order that made it clear not only that I (( PURCHASED )) this property but that I clearly wrote in all documents that I would only sister the property with the national monument once I had clear titled of both, not while my husband owned with his family. This was a good thing too as it prevented my land from being stolen from me. My sister in-law did try to argue she should be allowed to sell it, however the judge who got wind of her willfully deceiving citizens (her brochure included my land so yes this unlawful) made it clear if he had to have the owner who was an honorable judge of the state come to his court to clarify which Haselden he sold his land to there would be heads rolling if it was me… and not her nor the Rogue Elk… plus Janet Haselden made clear her daughter was lying and I was the owner, though her words were stricken it is still inside the oral recordings… Margaret was a thief, truly sorry you got robbed. The building however is not nor has it ever been haunted. Beautiful building that was robbed of its wealth over and over by rotten spoiled children of Janet and Joseph Haselden which left Robert the only child left as the heir with this being the exact reason, in the will it also made clear his unborn children would disinherit his sister from ever getting ownership if he died, reason she took him to court, she needed the land sold before her parents died so everything would be hers and not one sibling would inherit anything. Janet died during the escrow proceedings, her blood pressure could not handle anymore stress. Joe died after escrow was released, sadly Margaret tied up his estate during the entire time so he never saw one nickle. Horrible nightmare. Will truly always be sad that something that was beautiful and well loved by the community and my husband was lost. Greed has no mercy. As said, my land, never ever shall be sold, day I won both sides that is the day the Rogue Elk will be restored back as a riverfront resort. I myself think that the county should never have allowed in the 50’s after McDonald died that beautiful resorts frontage to be parted from it, truly beautiful… the entire stretch is a castle brick wall with layers which once was gardens… stone grand stairs still lay… just have wood building sitting on top…. each terrace in tact all the way to the rivers shore …. only thing that property needs it all buildings removed and the old Pavilion dance hall restored, the exact reason I myself acquired the property back in 1998. That being said if you had tried to buy it from Leahy or Ferris never feel offended they refused even dear friends of mine who offered them at the time 150 to 250 grand, everyone was shocked when they sold it to me for 75 grand total 5 grand down with 8 grand yearly installment over 10 to 15 year stretch. Not sure why but they adored me, they presented the price and then we wrote up the contract, they even were the reason why I did not sister my properties contracts (at time I was purchasing out my husbands and families old company, Rogue Elk as of 1995 so that we no longer just inherited but at some point just owned period or at least had a lien encase my nutty sister in-law ever did try to force a estate sale which we all see she accomplished as mentioned earlier) Best thing I ever did, beautiful property, been gone for few years but this year took it back under my wing, it will be beautiful once again, though as mentioned as well, can’t blame what my x=husband did, he loved his home, scorn has a way of making people no longer care.However my river front shall never remove the buildings, I am placing my children on as the owners, my youngest child named after her grandmother and becoming a architecture of the state understands this, never as long as the Rogue Elk is being abused. Maybe one day the Rogue Elk will either be recovered or loved, tell that day my interest my be the grandfather rights of my land, sad truth. Well hoping this helped clear up false truths. Loved the photos from the time when the cafe was mine, happy to hear you loved our homemade cooking, nope we will never sell our recipes either, many have also tried to get them even his sister, I own the only recipe book, it was made for me special by my husband and his parents, it was to pass to the grand children with the things they had taught me, no worries we are doing just that. Sincerely Tammy Lee, former owner of the Rogue Elk during its glory days of true renovation and restoration projects, then we loved the old building.
Amber
Hi, i came across your blog by chance. I believe my step moms family owned this property in the 80s i remember going there as a little girl. The pictures are so familiar. I would have been 4 or 5 years old. So interesting to read about the hotels history. I remember exploring the hotel and the surroundings with my step sister there was a little fort in the woods to the right of the hotel. What a trip. Thank you for sharing
Autumn
In case you are interested, it is currently for sale!
1909ventilo
I think that listing was from a while back, I’m not interested, but thank you!!
Elisa Davidson
As a child in the 1960’s and 70’s my family was friends and neighbors with the Hazelton family that owned and operated the property. Fond memories.
Heather Nelms
I am purchasing the Hotel and was wondering if the people in this blog would not mind writing me letters of support for my grants to restore the old rogue elk hotel my name is Heather Nelms and if you are willing to write letters of support in restoring this old hotel please send them to nelms111@gmail.com
Tina Daniels
I wish I could find a picture of the awesome oversized claw tub. I’ve never seen another like it.