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previously believed this brewery was erected "after the Civil War" about 1866, by Henry B. Ogden. However, research for this booklet reveals it was actually built in the summer of 1859. While building the foundation, a fine source of water was discovered.
By 1876, the brewery was operated by William and Anna Burke. Apparently, at some point, the brewery ceased operation. In February, 1883, it was announced the Burkes had purchased "the old brewery property" for $3500 from the Thurbers of New York City with the intention of converting it "into a big hotel."
Additions to the former brewery building resulted in a large hotel. Three stories in height, the hotel had 100 guest rooms. Overall dimensions were about 84 feet on Linden Avenue and about 60 feet on Franklin Street. The main entrance to the hotel was on Linden Avenue. Hallways were a "spacious" 12 feet wide, covered with Brussels Carpets. On the first floor was the reading room, reception room, parlor, commercial room, a large dining room capable of being divided by folding doors, and the hotel office. The fully equipped kitchen in the basement was connected to the dining room by dumbwaiters. Also in the basement were a vegetable cellar, a large butcher's-type ice box, and a wine cellar. The bar was located on the Franklin Street corner. On the third floor, besides 15 guest rooms, was a small ballroom (25 x 50 feet) with a separate entrance for private parties. All rooms were connected to the office by telephone and electric bells to call the porter. The building was heated by steam and had its own laundry. Private bath rooms were provided. The grounds were landscaped, and had large barns and a shed. Total cost was estimated to be around $25,000. While still under construction, the owners named it the Franklin House. By late February, 1884, the hotel was essentially complete. The architect was Samuel H. Wilcox. Brooks & Smith were the masons, Henry Williams was the carpenter.
The hotel was leased by C.C. Veber (the same Mr. Veber who had Owned the Veber House previously referred to) who decided to name it the Madison House, after the late President. The Madison House opened May 26, 1884, and was considered one of Middletown's finest hotels. It is probably best remembered at Hotel Waldo, which it became about 1905. The building was "modernized" at about this time. Over the years, the quality of the hotel deteriorated until it was closed March 21, 1962 for code violations. The building was demolished in April, 1964.
In 1879, William C.F. Bastian was the proprietor of the Erie Hotel which still stands at 126-128 East Main Street, at the railroad crossing. In May of that year property across the street (119-123 East Main Street), razed it, and began construction of a new hotel. Mr. Bastian apparently intended to call his new hotel "the New Erie Hotel," but later changed the name to Bastian's Hotel. The hotel opened in late 1880. Architect of the handsome structure was Cornelius J. Sloat. Over the years, the hotel was known by different names, such as