American Hotel
- Title (Dublin Core)
- American Hotel
- Description (Dublin Core)
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Hotel information
City: Ann Arbor
Address: 123 W. Washington St.
Appears in the 1950-1955 Green Books
Closed in 1971 -
"The American Hotel, originally named the Germania, was a prominent establishment in the early 20th century, serving as a hub for traveling salesmen and a social center for the Germania Society. Michael Staebler, the founder of the hotel, transformed it into the American in 1895, with his son Albert and daughter-in-law Dora taking over in 1905. Warren Staebler, born in 1910, practically grew up in the hotel, where he and his family resided. The hotel was known for its formal dining room, serving good food that attracted locals, especially on Sundays."
"Over time, the hotel faced changes in its fortunes. The heyday of downtown hotels waned as traveling salesmen transitioned from trains to cars, enabling more direct customer visits. Prohibition impacted the hotel's saloon, which eventually became part of the family's car dealership. In 1971, the hotel closed its doors for good. Subsequently, the building underwent renovations and was converted into elegant offices, and the original hotel dining room and lobby were repurposed into a Sweetwaters Cafe. Warren Staebler, who operated a gas station later in life, fondly remembers his unique childhood growing up in the hotel." (aadl.org) - More information about the American Hotel
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