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Presidents that Visited the Windsor Hotel
The Windsor Hotel was established in 1892 as a destination for
northern hunters and vacationers escaping the cold winters. The
castle-like Victorian style structure represents an eclectic mix of
architectural elements, and it is a true gem of the American history.
Originally a 100-room, five story Victorian structure complete with turrets,
balconies, and a three story open atrium lobby, the Windsor was the site
of numerous balls and celebrations. Countless illustrious guests graced
the Windsor’s halls, such as former U.S. presidents, writers and
businesspeople. Over the course of decades, many important decisions,
meetings and speeches took place at the Windsor, therefore giving the
hotel a unique spot in the American history. The Windsor Hotel is located
in the city of Americus, in Southwest Georgia.
A former U.S. president that has visited the Windsor Hotel
is President Jimmy Carter. Since the Windsor is located only 9 miles away
from Plains, hometown of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and city where they
currently live, the couple has visited the hotel in a number of occasions.
Mr. and Mrs. Carter have always been invited to Indian dinners organized
by the management of the Windsor, and have attended some of them. In 1999
President Carter had a reception at the Windsor for his 75th
birthday. The reception gathered over 250 guests; among them were famous
people such as Sam Donaldson, Jack Kemp, McGuire Sisters,
Pat Boone, the Indigo Girls and Rosie Greer.
The Windsor Carter Presidential Suite was named after
President Jimmy Carter before he ever spent the night in the Suite.
November 1st of 2001, however, was a historic day for the
Windsor Hotel. On this day, Mr. and Mrs. Carter spent the night at the
Windsor for the first time. The couple spent the evening at the Windsor
and enjoyed an Indian dinner at the Grand Dining Room with Sharad Patel,
owner of the Windsor, and his wife Ila, and then spent the night at the
Windsor’s Carter Presidential Suite. The Americus Times Recorder published
an article about the event. In the article Mr. Patel says: “This is the
first time the Carters have stayed at the Windsor. We appreciate their
willingness to visit us and to officially make the Windsor’s Presidential
Suite, the Jimmy Carter Suite. Their visit will add to Windsor’s
celebrated history.” (A copy of the article can be faxed or mailed)
President and Rosalynn Carter have always been great
supporters of the historic Windsor Hotel.
Former president Franklin Roosevelt visited Americus in 1928,
while he was still governor of NY.
Former presidential candidate Howard Dean stayed at the
Windsor in January of 2004 while visiting Americus during his presidential
campaign. |
