|
PRESS RELEASE: The Windsor Hotel and Georgia
Southwestern State University
- CONTACT: Christiane Grune
- 229-924-1555, Ext 109
- windsor@bellsouth.net
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.
Among the many interesting
facts that shape the history of the hotel, the rumor that John Dillinger
or Al Capone spent the night in the Bridal Suite with an armed bodyguard
posted at the foot of the stairs is perhaps the most appealing one. Other
illustrious guests that spent the night at the Windsor are 39th
U.S. president Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn. The hotel’s
Presidential Suite was named in honor of President Carter. Also, the
Roosevelt Boardroom is called the "Lucky Room" because it was the
headquarters for many successful local political campaigns. Franklin D.
Roosevelt made a speech to the Chamber of Commerce from the adjoining
balcony when he was Governor of New York in February 1928. It has also
been used for sequestered juries and ball teams too, such as the old
Georgia/Florida baseball league. To learn more about the history of the
Windsor, visit the hotel’s website
www.windsor-americus.com.
Today, the Windsor has 53 rooms and occupies an
entire city block. Because it so splendidly represents the history of the
United States, the Windsor is one of the main attractions to thousands of
visitors that come to southwest Georgia every year. The Windsor is not
only a hotel but also a landmark of the olden times.
The Windsor is located in the charming city of
Americus, Georgia, home of the Rylander Theatre, Habitat for Humanity and
Georgia Southwestern State University. The university has been a vital
part of Americus since 1906 when it was founded, and so has the Windsor
Hotel. Therefore, the two have established an enduring beneficial
relationship over the time. From time to time the Windsor receives
baseball teams coming from other towns to play against the Georgia
Southwestern baseball team. In addition, candidates for faculty and
administration jobs at the university, as well as new faculty, stay at the
Windsor. The Hotel is also the first choice when a guest speaker comes to
Americus to speak at the university meetings and events. Moreover, due to
its different meetings and reception services and facilities, the Windsor
is also one of the favorite places to host business meetings and retreats,
as well as family reunions, anniversary celebrations, and Christmas
parties, among other events.
Every year Georgia Southwestern receives two to five
senior groups that wish to extend their education, in a learning program
where classes are taught, not only in the classroom, but also in the
outdoor, in museums, antique buildings and many other places. This is the
Elderhostel program, a non-profit and the world’s largest educational and
travel organization for older adults, since 1975. The groups that choose
to come to Americus have a
fun learning experience through active programs coordinated by Georgia
Southwestern State University, all within a learning environment.
These older adults have the opportunity to
visit the infamous 1865 Confederate prison where
45,000 Union soldiers were confined, and hear the haunting story that
revolves around the only war in which American combatants were held
prisoner on American soil. They also learn about the era of our 39th
President and stroll the streets of tiny Plains, home of Jimmy Carter, and
appreciate the work done by Habitat for Humanity at the International
Headquarters in Americus.
The Elderhostel
groups that come to Americus have always stayed at the Windsor Hotel since
the beginning of the program coordinated by Georgia Southwestern
University.
The beautiful Victorian architecture of the hotel makes it undoubtedly,
the perfect place to stay while in Americus.
The hotel’s charming beautiful round tower
suites, balconies and three-story atrium lobby, trimmed in golden oak,
match perfectly with the Victorian and Antebellum buildings and houses
that compose the city of Americus. Besides, where would be the best place
to study history than in a hotel where a lot of history took place?
-
Christiane Grune
-
Public Relations
|
