Did You Know?

The Alba Hotel, which opened in 1907, was a much needed addition to lodging in Montreat.  Conferences were growing in size. The Hotel Montreat and the many boarding houses could not meet the demand for space.  To meet the need, the Alba Hotel was conveniently located overlooking the lake on what is now the present site of Howerton Hall on the College campus. 

Timber for the hotel was cut on Montreat property and hauled by a yoke of oxen to the saw mill that was near the front of present-day Anderson Auditorium.  When built, the Alba Hotel had sixty-five rooms and a large dining room, but no lobby or private baths.  The hotel underwent several renovations over the next few decades until it burned in 1945.

Thanks to the Presbyterian Heritage Center, especially Nancy Midgette, for this glimpse from the past. Stop by the PHC for additional Montreat history and so much more. Have an idea for a future “Did You Know?”? Let Nancy know at midgette@elon.edu.