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Bastian's the Monopol, Oriental, Higgin's, and Robbin's. About 1919, the building became a rooming house. The structure was damaged by fire November 2, 1980, which resulted in removal of the third floor.
Perhaps Middletown's best known hotel was the Mitchell Inn which stood on James Street next to City Hall where the First
1 Savings & Loan Association is today. To trace the evolution of this hotel, one must go back to Jonah F. France, one of the four partners in the Orange County France. Mr. France apparently built his large home on the James Street site in the 1840's. In late June, 1870, the property was purchased from Mrs. France by Samuel Davis who soon began improving and expanding the home. Improvements included "all the modern conveniences of gas, water, baths, etc." The house was "furnished throughout in palatial style," being "one of the most desirable places in the village.". Work on the residence of Mr. Davis was completed in September, 1870.
About a year-and-a-half later, Mr. Davis decided to enter the hotel business, breaking ground for a building to adjoin his house in April, 1872. With the foundation completed, framework began June 5, with "befitting ceremonies." VanHorn & Son were the builders. Mr. Davis named his new business the "Grand Cen Hotel," displaying in a store window the hotel's guest register with "the business cards of various firms in town" imprinted therein. This fine new hotel opened in October, 1872.
Around 1883, the hotel closed, and its contents were auctioned in late April of 1883. It apparently sat vacant a while until purchased by Albert H. Russell in early 1884. In the spring of that year, plans were drawn and work begun which would expand and improve the old hotel property. In May, it was announced the Grand
ral Hotel had been named the Russell House. Architect for the extensive remodeling was Samuel H. Wilcox. The Russell House opened September 15, 1884.
Less than six months later, Mr. Russell died of pneumonia. Born March 8, 1821, in Fredonia (NY), he died in Middletown March 7, 1885. The funeral was held at the hotel, after which he was buried next to his wife in Hillside. It was said "for many years past it had been Mr. Russell's ambition to own the best hotel in Middletown... he lived long enough to see his wishes realized. In August, 1885, the hotel was purchased by the Startup Brothers, James and Ira (sometimes called William, his "middle name). The house to the right of the hotel, in between the hotel and the Casino Theatre, was originally the Thomas King home (King Street was named for him), and later the Horton home. This had been purchased by the Casino. In April, 1886 (deed dated May 1, 1886), the house was purchased from the theatre owner by the Startup Brothers, and would survive as a hotel annex until torn down in 1963.