Palmer House  

.	Section 16 - 500.90A 1835 Original Survey
Section 16 c. 1837 500.90A (North shore town and academy)

1850 - I. N. Morris

Mc Donald states: In 1850, Isaac N. Morris, father of Capt. Ed Morris, moved to the lake, locating on the north shore, on the farm now owned by A. N. Bogardus, His land ran down to the lake, taking in all the lake front from the Lake View Hotel grounds to and including the Palmer house.

1872 - Section. 16 Est. of I N Morris 105 A ( also 80 A) J. Duddleson - 30.60A & 10A T. Houghton 90A. J. HOughton Acreage not stated J ___ name illegible 4A G. A. Durr 10A Lot no name no acreage stated G. A. Durr 5A? - res (Lot 2 3A & 3A) Dr. Durr No amount Stated lots as if to be 2 large L D W [Lorenzo W. Wiseman]

The Palmer house was built in 1875 by J. W. Palmer of Plymouth.

1876 - J. Castleman - 190A 1876 Section 16 1850-1876 I. N. Morris 175/185a [Isaac N. Morris] - 185 A

1880 North Section 16 - 500.90 Acres Town I N Morris 185.34 B. W. Watt 15.50A LakeView Club 15A J Duddleson 109.31A Tho. Houghton 90A. J. E. Houghton 19.60A E Parker 27 A

From the Logansport Daily Journal page 3 dated Aug. 27, 1882:

All the preliminaries for the extension of the Logansport branch of the Vandalia railway to Lake Michigan have been satisfactorily adjusted, and upon compliiance with a few easy conditions the contact will be closed, and the work will be commenced and pushed to completion.

Readers of the Journal are familiar with the route of this line to Marmont (Maxinkuckee), and will have no difficulty in following it to South Bend and the lake...
With these advantages before them, our citizens are asked to consider one of the conditions above named, which condition is that the right of way shall be furnished free to the new line thorugh our county. The estimated cost of this right of way is from $7,000 to $10,000 and it is proposed to raise the amount by subscription. A consideraable portion of this subscription has already been secured, and a committee appointed for that purpose will make an effort to raise the remainder during the present week...

1883 - Oct 6 - The. Vandaiia railroad company commenced laying iron at Marmount a d ay or two ago, and withln a short time the tract will be completed from Maxinkuckee lake to the Nickle Plate railroad, a distance of about three miles,- Logansport Pharos Tribune

1898 - Section 16 L. C. Dillion - 10A, 99.31A, 79.76, 75.60A T. Houghton 89A A. Roughton E. Duddle(son) 9.60A E. Morris 21.49A/Morris Lake Front Plat T. H. & L RRR Lake View Club 15 A. J. J. Bryant Depot Incorporated Limits of Culver

1900 - Evermans' Biological Survey

1908

1922

The hotel changed names over the years:

The Palmer house was built in 1875 by J. W. Palmer of Plymouth.

1875 - June 1928 - Palmer House (privately owned)

1880 - Apr 16 - Frank D. Lamson, formerly of this city, is now proprietor of the Palmer House at Lake Maxinkuckee - South Bend Tribune (Indiana)

From - MARSHALL COUNTY. by By W. H. Thompson and S. E. Lee, assistant geologists. - ?1886

East of the Plymouth House is the Palmer House, a fine new hotel, with an excellent well forty-five feet deep, the top of tbe pipe being fifteen feet above"The surface of the lake. The stream is one of two inches, and when confined to three-quarters of an inch, will rise to a hight of fourteen feet above the pipe. When this well was bored the water spouted twenty-seven feet high, flowing much blue clay and sand and often choking up. The first stratum of sand was struck in this well at a depth of twenty feet, the bore showing yellow clay to that depth. Below the sand a stratum of blue clay about fifteen feet thick was passed through, and the bore ended, at a depth of forty-five feet, in sand

1889 - Jun 29 - For Sale - Maxinkuckee Property ... The Palmer House, beautifully situated on the north side of the lake, 27 bed-rooms, all furnished, dinning room 26X30, kitchen complete, office and parlor nicely furnished, including piano. Now doing a profitable business, and likely to increas. A good investment for some individual or syndicate, or would make an elegant club-house. Can be had at a bargin.... Biddle, Hamilton & Co. Terre Haute, Ind. - Indianapolis Journal

1894 - Apr 13 - Mr. John W. Palmer, proprietor of the Palmer House, is overhauling and remodeling his establishment from cellar to garret, and it is safe to say that, when finished, it will be one of the most complete and commodious hotieries in this part of the state. A large addition has been made to the west end which has been partitioned off into elegant sleeping rooms. The sitting room has been enlarged and now has a seating capacity of 100. Tne parlor has been enlarged to double its former capacity, while the rooms throughout the building are being replastered, painted and papered. The veranada fronting on the lake is 150 feet ia length, and the view in every direction is the finest on the lake. The grounds are to be leveled and resoded,the flowing wells repaired and put in running condition, and in fact the entire premises put in apple pie order. Mr. Palmer intends to give the management this year his personal a ttention.

1n May of 1896 it was re-painted and the interior was remodeled. In May 1897 he sold it to Frank Lampson.

1896 - Nov. 13 - The Palmer House has closed for the season, and Mr. Palmer and his amiable wife have returned to their home in Chicago.

1897 - June 11 - Frank Lampson will soon commence the erection of a horse barn upon the Palmer House grounds. He will have it so arranged that he can accomodate his friends who visit him from Argos, Plymouth and other places, by taking proper care of their horses

Location of the hotel in 1898

1898 - Mar 25 - The Palmer House will be opened and ready for business upon Easter day

1898 ad

In 1898 & 1908 it was listed as the same with F. D. Lampson prop.

1899 - May 5 - The Parmer House is receiving a thorough repairing this spring by the way of improvements. A new stone foundation is being placed under the same, it will be newly painted, papered and several new closets will be built. Frank Lamson, the famous landlord, is bound to keep pace with the times
1900 - Apr. 20 Frank Lamson, the amiable proprietor of Palmer House has erected a handsome 12 foot wide porch in front of this famous hostelery The house is also lighted by gas, which is a great improvement - Culver Herald

1900 - May 18 - The Palmer House has been thoroughly cleaned and overhauled this spring, the rooms being newly papered throughout by Garn bros., the reception and dining room being specially papered in a beautiful and artistic manner. the rooms have all been carpeted, and everything done to make it desirable headquarters for the bon ton society that visit the lake. Aside from the interior improvements, the porch has been been widened, and with the house newly painted, makes the Plamer up to date, and rank a one of the best hosteleries in Northern Indiana. - Culver herald

1903 - Feb 26 - The Palmer House will be closed March^1st Mr. Lamson will at once make preparations to remodel the same. He will raise the house 18 inches higher, build a new and comodious kitchen and other wise improve the interior. When his plans are completed, Frank will have one of the best hotels in northern Indiana.

1903 Apr 16 - Joseph M. Bergman and his friend John W. Blue of Peru, were Culver visitors Tuesday and Wednesday. These gentlemen were here on a buisness trip and were highly pleased with Lake Maxinkuckee and surroundings, and it is rumored that one of the gentlemen took an option on the Palmer House and if the deal is made he will make it one of the largest and most attractive hotels in northern Indiana, in fact will make it one of the most modern hotels in the state. Mr. Bergman is connected with one of the largest traction companies in the state, and was here in view of running an electric line to the lake. He is satisfied that such aline is a foregone conclusion, and the first line here will reap the benefit of great patronage

1903 - Jun 25 - Frank Lamson is building a 10x2-4 pavillion between the New and Hertz cottages . He will put in a full line of confectionary, tobaccoes, etc.

1903 - Nov. 26 - Arthur Morris is clerk at the Palmer house this week

1904 - Feb 2 - Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Vories will have the management of the Palmer House during the spring and summer

1904 - Apr 14 - AN ENJOYABLE EVENING. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lamson entertained about forty friends at the Hidden Inn last Wednesday evening. In cinch the first prizes were awarded to Mrs. Henry Speyer and Mr. W. H. Porter and the consolation prizes to Miss Maude Koontz and Mr. Arthur Morris A delicious lunch was served afier which the party indulged In dancing during remainder of the evening.

1904 - May 5 - C. L. Dwinnell, Bert M. Johnson, A. C. Kohne, Fred Shepard, Admiral Julius Walk, J. S. Bieler, Charles Kiefer, Otto Ginz, David E. Winkler, Wm. F. Burdman aud Otto Hoffman, of Indianapolis, all members of the well known Hilarity Club, arrived at the Lake last week, to fish. They are guests at the Hidden Inn.

1904 - May 5 - Frank Lamson Buys The Ross House at Plymouth. Frank Lamson, proprietor of the Hidden Inn (Palmer House,) has purchased the Ross House at Plymouth and took possession last Thursday. Frank ran the Ross House at different times before purchasing the Hidden Inn and is an old hand at the business. Mrs. Lamson, with the assistance of Harvey Steele, will run the Ross House while Mr. - Lamson keeps control of the Hidden Inn

In the 1905 Directory for Culver (title etc. unknown) - is listed:

Palmer House N. side near Academy Rate $2, $2.50 Both Phones
F. D. Lamson, Prop.

1905 - Feb. 2 - Mrs. and Mrs. Daniel Vories are installed at the Palmer House and will have charge of that popular hostelry for the spring and summer.

There is no description of the Palmer Hotel area on the 1906 Sanborn Fire Maps for Culver .

1907 - Dec 12 - Fred Thompson has been constructing a two story laundry building for the Palmer House.

1908 - The Palmer house

1909 May 20 - Sale Of Palmer House

In all probability John Walter, travelling man for an Indianapolos sporting goods house, will take possesion of the Palmer House as proprietor and landlord on July 1.

The deal has not been consumated, by a cash forfeit on the purchase price (said to be $15,500) has been made.

This is said to be reasonable price for the property as the land, for lot purposes is alone worth over $10,000.

Frank Lamson has owned the house since 1897, and has managed by by himself and wife, and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cole it has been a popular and profitable house of entertainment for the hundreds who have come to the lake and to the academy all the year around

1909 - Jul 1 - John P. Walter of Indianapolis took charge of the Plmer House last Monday as proprietor. Mr. Lamson introduced him to a number of our business men who found him a gentleman of pleasing manners who will surely prove poplular with the large number of people who come to the lake and academy at all times of the year

Said to be about 1910

1910 - Mar 24 - The Palmer House is being repainted white with gray trimmings.

1910 The Roost Sold - Landlord Walter of the Palmer House has bought the Roost, E. R. Culver's cottage, and will move it onto his own premises where it will be used to provided additional accomodations for his hotel business. Mr. Culver will this fall erect a new cottage on the site of the Roost. NOTE: this was to the east of the Palmer house this area from the "Indian trails" on the west to the "original academy campus" I dubed the "Forgotten cottages " as all but the Palmer House was either moved or razed by 1961.

1911 - MAr 23 - Palmer House Improvements

The Palmer Hous has been undergoing a general renvations which puts it in splinded shape for the comfort of its guests during the bucy summer season.

The chambers have been redecorated and supplied with new carpets and some new furniture, and the dinins room is attractively done over in white, together with new window shades, drape curtains and leather bottom chairs.

The "Roost" (the former Culver Cottage) Has bee made an annex to the hotel. It supplies fice additional bedrooms, and a cosy lobby for social uses. All of the rooms in the annex hace been redecorated, the woodwork refinisher and new furniture supplied throughout.

Landlord John P. Walter ecidently is leaving no stone unturned in his plan of making the Palmer House popular with the patrons of the academy.

1911 - May 18 - Fred Thompson has just finished a dandy little store building, 17x25 for the Plamer House. It takes the place of the old candy shop, and is located at the entrance of the academy grounds.

1911 - Sep 7 - During the winter Mr. Wainright will be here to decorate the lobby of the Palmer house, which is to have a steel ceiling 1911 - Sep 21 - Landlord Walter is having a lot of cement walk laid on the Palmer house grounds. A new refrigerator system has also been added to the hotel.

1913 - David C. Braden moved out of the South Barrack with "his goods" as evidence by this ad into a room at the Palmer house. It reads: Announcement - Owing to the fact that the Academy has the largest enrollemnt in its history it was necessary for them to have the room I occupied in the basement of the South Barrack, so I shall in the future display my goods at the Palmer house, where I shall be pleased to have you call at times that will not conflict with the regulations of the Acaademy. I am making arrangements to visit Culver very soon and trust that those who may want citizen clothes made to order for delivery in time for the christmas vacation will hold their order until the have seen my line David C. Braden Lemcke Annex        Tailor        Indianapolis

Sept. 9, 1912 ELinor & Louise at Palmer House fountain

1913 - May 8 - Valuable Improvemt

John P Walter of the Palmer os adding a needed and important improvement to his hotel facilities in the erection of a garage which will accommodate 19 machines

The main part of the building, which is being constructed of cement blocks, is 50x33, two stories, with a basement 33x14.

Attached to the rear is to be a frame building, 76x22, for the storage of automobiles.

The 50 foot front of the block structure will be entirely open so that a car can be driven straight into a stall from the street. The second story will be fitted up as chauffeurs' quarters. It will contains seven bedrooms and a sitting room and will be supplied with modern conveniences. The cellar will be used for the storage of vegetables and supplies in large quanities for winter use.

The improvement will cost about $4,200 exculsive of furnishing.

1913 - Jun 24 - Landlord Walter is figuring on some imporatant changes at the Palmer House. inside toilet rooms will be installed and the "candy shop" will be enlarged by the addition of a kitchen

1914 Jul 16 - - Frank Lamson is having the old candy shop of the Palmer House remodeled into an 8 or 9 room cottage. The sbop haa been moved back to be fitted up as a kitchen, and Al Keen is building a large addition to supply the living and sleeping rooms.

1914 Dec. 3 - The Palmer House is about to substitute electricity for gas. A Plymouth electrician has the wiring contract

1914 - December 10 -The Palmer House has put a five-passenger limousine car into the bus service of the hotel

There is no description of the Palmer Hotel area on the 1914 Sanborn Fire Maps for Culver .

1915 - Jun 24 - Lanlord Walter has let the contract to O. W. Stengel of Rochester for a steam heating plant ot be installed in the Palmer House and the famous "Candy Shop".

Here is an ad from the "King's Official Route Guide - Section Five Automobile Routes of Indiana and Southern Indiana" published in 1915.

1916 - Apr 13 - The Palmer House is replacing its liver cars with new Studebakers. A four and six-cylinder have already been bought and another is scheduled to arrive soon.

1916 - May 4 - Elmer Ransdell has taken a postition for the summer in the Plamer House candy shop.

1916 - Dec 7 - Improvements at Palmer House

Landlord Walter of the Palmer House has set out on another campaign of improvement in that well managed resort for academy patrons.

He will enlarge the kitchen by taking some space off the end of the dining room and the latter will be expanded by adding 16 feet to the east side.

The entire dinning room will be finished in hardwood paneling, and a new floor of mineral composition will be laid.

1918 - Sep 11 - Change at Palmer House

The academy has rented the Palmer house for the winter seeson as a barrack for 42 additional cadets admitted from the waiting list who will form a replacement contingent to fill the probable vacanies caused by the draft. The "Roost" will also be used for the same purpose, accommodating six cadets. Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Walter will reserve apartments in the hotel for their own use.

1918 - Nov 20 - The Palmer House has replaces its three livery cars with three new studebakers and has added a one-ton Studebaker truck for the handiling of bagage.

1919 - Jan 1 - Athur Simpson has bought the Mikesell restaurant. Mr. Simpson who was in charge of the Palmer House "candy shack" for some time.... - Citizen

1919 Feb 19 - J. P. Walter will start work on a 22X40 addition to the Palmer House candy shack which will double its present capacity and will also afford facilities for dancing

1920 - Feb 4 - A Prodigious Sweet tooth

The academy cadets have a combined sweet tooth of heroic dimensions is indicated by the receipts of the new exchange or "candy stand".

Since Oct. 22 up to Jan 14 - about nine weels (excluding the Chrsitmas vacation) - $5,957 had been taken in and the profits are $11,502.

Besides the business done in the exchange the Palmer House "candy shack" has been patronized by the boys. - Citizen

1922 - Mar 17 - Charles Shorb, who has been in charge of the candy shack at the Palmer House all winter, left yesterday for his home in Warsaw. His the successor is from Kokomo - Citizen

By 1922 it had an annex building to the back of it, by the 1922 plat map. In 1922 it was listed as the same but with J. P. Walter Prop. & in the 1922 Marshall County Plat book also and Jno. P. Walter, prop. And its location for 1922 and shows the annex

It had twenty-two rooms and only two baths on the second floor. The main floor had a card room, dining room and kitchen.

1922 april 26 New Hotel Firm

Taking effect on Moday last the Palmer House passed from the propriertorship of John P. Walter to the joint proprietorshio of Walter & Shorb., Mr. C. A. Shorb acquiring a half-interest

Mr. Shorb has successfully operated the Lake View for a number of seasons, and has been the popular manager of the well known Hays House in Warsaw for several years. He is known as one of the best hotel men in the state and his association with Mr. Walter will add to the strenghth of an institution which has justly become one of the strong assests of Lake Maxinkuckee.

Mr. Walter will retain an active interest in the management of the Palmer House, but he will avail himself of the long desired opportounity to take life a little easier for a time.

The citizen wishies all manner of prosperity and satisfaction to the new firm. we are sure that the public will be better cared for than ever at this well conducted home for visitors.

1922 - May 3 - A Big Little Business

The profits of the canteen at the academy for the month of February were $1368. as a "candy shack" and a soft drink parlor the C.M.A. canteen is a handsom investment, and the best part of it is that all the profits are donated to the Y.M.C.A. officer's club, cadet club and the company organizations. - Citizen

1922 May 31 The Palmer House has purchased the Ed Morris boat livery.

It is said that " Mont" Monton H. Foss built boats for Mr. Shorb who operated the Palmer House and rented the boats to the patrons.

1923 - Apr 26 - Modernizing Palmer House - Landlord John P. Walter has let the contract to a Knox firm for extending the plumbing of the Palmer House throughout the main structure, the Annex having been similarly improved last year. Each of the 21 rooms will be supplied with hot and cold water. The work will be completed by June 1
1923 - Jul 11 -- Improve Palmer House

Proprietor J. P. Walters Spends $3,000 in Equipment

Many improvements have been made to the Palmer House just recently.

About three thousand dollars have been spent in repairing and remodeling work.

A new water system has been installed and now each room in the hotel is furnished with hot and cold running water

It has been Proprietor J. P. Walter's ambition to make the hotel the best in the lake region. He wshes to give his patrons every concenience that can possibly be had and the new water system is one of the many things that he was planned to do.

To accomplish the task of installing the water system, it was necessary for Mr. Walters to oinstall two new automatic pumps. Each pump can pump 2800 gallsons of water per hout and with the combination work or both of the pumps, he is well protected from small fires.

It has always been my idea to prevent fire rather than to fight the fire after it comes, said Mr. Walters when telling of his new equipment. That is one of the reasons that I have gone to the expense of gettign such good pumpos. With these pumps, I can well take care of a small fire myself. It is be a large fire, I can help hold it until the fire wagons get here.

Few people here know just how large an establishment Mr. Walters rusn. He has three large buildings which are used for hotel accommofation for the public. TThen he has three boat houses which look like a small ship yard and as there is much other equipment which is not generally known about.

1923 - Dec 26 - J. P. Walter Leases The Palmer House

Will Stay In Culver

C. A. Shorb and Sons of Warsaw Have Taken over the Property for Five Years

Final arrangements for the sale of the funsihings, equipment of hotel, varage and boat houses together with the lease of the hotel property of the Palmer House for five years was completed Saturday when and agreement was reached btween J. P. Walter and C. A. Shorb and sons. The Shorb's are taking over the property immediately.

Not new in Game

Mr. Shorb is not a new man in the hotel game nor is he unfamiliary with the local hotel conditions. He has been in the hotel business for many years and owns at the present time a hotel in Marysville, Ohio.

At one time some years ago, he was a leasee of he Lake View property and conducted ir successfully. The sons are twins and are young being about twenty two or three years of age.

Mr. Walter decided to lease the property and get out of the active business becaise of the strain. He decided that he would take a much needed rest. He will remain in the Culver community but has made no definite arrangements for the future. He may possibly become actinve in the State Exchange Bank of which he is vice-president.

Came here in 1909

Mr. Walter came to Culver in 1909 and purchased the Palmer HOuse from Frank A. Lamson. At that time the hotel ewas composed of only one building with twenty-eight rooms capacity. The equipment was of the old style; each room lighted by a lamp; was heated by small stoves; and no modern conceniences.

Through hard work and careful manafement, the present Palmer House was made possible. Today the hotel is equipped with everything that is possible considering the physical conditions which surround the hotel.

The rooms are all modernly equipped running hot and cold water, steam heat, and bath accomodations. Scarecely anything of the old hotel remains today. The old structure has all been rebuilt and re-equipped.

The new management will continues to do business of the present basis.

They will receive the good will and good hope for success by the entire community.

On the 1924 Sanborn Fire Maps is found the surrounding area of the Palmer Hotel and the buildings that it consisted of

In relation to its location the to Jungle and Lakeview Hotel can be found here.

In 1927 while still under the name Palmer House David Braden, who was manager of the Academy tailor shop, was allowed to open a private business within the tailor shop this was called - "The Toggery Shop', and was located on the first floor.

Braden, a member of the Class of 1896; being a master merchandiser he specialized high-end clothing and accessories. He was also a member of the 158^th Regiment Indiana Volunteers Company A he was a Sergeant Major enrolling on April 26, 1898 and was mustered out on Nov. 4, 1898.

After the Culver s attained the Palmer House, Braden remained in the building when it became the Maxinkuckee Inn re-naming the shop - " The Tavern Shop" and remained in business till the early 1930's. His policy of liberal credit to the cadets and sending the bills home to dad began to cause trouble for the Palmer House. and the Culver's ended his operation and the Shack moved into this area.

It also had and area called the " Shack" . Mention of the Shack" is as early as 15 Oct 1924. In an ad in the Culver Citizen wanting help.

At some point during the late 1920's the management boasted of 22 steam-heated sleeping rooms, all with hot and cold running water. There were two ladies bathrooms that had three tubs, one shower, and four toilets. Gentlemen were served by two bathrooms which had three toilets and two tubs. The price was right: Doubles were $ 8 per day, $49 for the week, meals included.



1927 - July 13 - John Palmer, original owner and founder of The Palmer House (now The Culver Inn), dropped dead in Bell, Calif., on July 4.

In June 1928 [another has the year as 1929 and yet another as late as 1932] it was sold to E. R. and B. B. Culver; this included the garage, the help quarters, 252 feet of lake front and boat houses. This article has been found to confirm the date:

LAKE MAXINKUCKEE WILL HAVE NEW SUMMER HOTEL

A transaction was completed last Saturday whereby E. R. Culver and B. B. Culver purchased the buildings and property known as the Palmer House of J. P. Walter. The Culver s then announced that they would erect a new and modern hotel that would equal any resort hotel in Indiana. It is estimated unofficially that this will require an expenditure of between a quarter to half a million dollars.

The transaction is not that of the Culver Military Academy but is a private investment of E. R. and B. B. Culver . These men feel that Lake Maxinkuckee should have hotel accommodations that are in keeping with the beauty of the lake and would attract the desirable class for which this lake is noted. While no definite plans have been announced for the new structure, it is safe to assume that no expense will be spared to make it known thru out the United States and make Lake Maxinkuckee a mecca for resorters and vacationists.

Start Next Spring

No improvement will be started until next spring as C. A. Shorb and Son have a lease that will not expire until the end of the year. Then it will be necessary to wait for suitable weather. It is probable that it will take a year to eighteen months to complete the structure. The deal Saturday night included 252 feet of lake front, and land where the garage help quarters, and boat houses are located.

This announcement is regarded as the most important and significant to the Culver c ommunity since the school was founded. It makes a host of other meetings, which officers desire to hold them out of noise and confusion of a large city. The possibilities thus opened are unlimited.

The building of this structure will aid the smaller and less expensive hotels at Culver also as more people will be attracted to the lake and will seek places with lower rates than the new hotel will charge.

It will probably be some time before plans for the new building are completed as Messrs Culver intend to visit the leading hostelries and vacation centers of the nation and profit by their examples. And in the meantime it can be assured that the building and grounds will be constructed in the typical complete and thorough manner of the Culver family, which markes [marks] all their undertakings. - The News-Sentinel, Saturday, June 20, 1928

1928 - Jun 27 - Modern Lake Hotel To Be Built

Palmer House and Land Sold to E. R Culver and B. B. Culver

J. P. Walter Relinguishes Title; Lease Expires at End of Year.

Will Be Equall to Any Resort In Indiana

Transaction Not Connected With Business Affairs of Culver Miltiary Academybr>
A transaction was completed last Saturday night where by E R. Culver and B. B. Culver purchased the buildings and property known as the Palmer House of J. P. Walter.

The Culvers then announced Monday morning that they would erect a new and modern hotel that would equal any resot hotel in Indiana. It is estimated unofficially that this will requite an expenditure of between a quarter to hald a million doallars.

The transaction is not that of the Culver Military academy, hit is a private investment of E. R. and B. B. Culver.

These men feel that Lake Maxinkuckee should have hotel accomodations that are in keeping with the beauty of the lake would attract the desidable class for owhich this lake is noted. WHile no difinite plans have been announce for the new structure it is sage to assume that no expense will be spared to make it known throughout the Untied States. and make Lake Maxinkuckee a mecca for resorters and vacationists.

No improvement will be started until nex spring as C. A Shorb and Sons have a lease that will not expire until the end of the year. Then it will be necessary to wait for suitable weather. It is probably that it will take a year to eighteen months to complete the structure.

The deal Saturday night included 252 feet of lake front, and the land where the farage, hel quarters and boat houses are located.

This announcement is regarded as the most important and significant to this community since the school was founded.

It makes possible for national concentions to come here as well as a host of other meetings, whose officers desire to hold them out of the noise and confusion of a large city. The [ossiblitied thus opened are unlimited.

The building of this stuctue will aid the smaller and less expensive hotels here also as more people will be attracted to the lake and will seek places with lower rates than the new hotel will charge.

It will probably be some time before plans for the new building are completed as Messrs. Culver intend to visit the leading hostelries and vacation centers of the nation and profit by their examples.

And in the meantine it can be assured that the building and grounds will be constructed in the typically complete and torough manner of the Culver family, which marks all their undertakings. - Citizen

1929 - Dec 11 - Injunction filed on purchase of properties

PALMER HOUSE SOLD

The Palmer Hotel, one of the landmarks of Lake Maxinkuckee, after January 1, 1931, when the present lease expires will be taken over by the Culver Hotel Operating Company.

There will be no structural changes but the rooms will be made more comfortable.- The News-Sentinel, Monday, December 1, 1930

3 Dec. 1930 - John E. Folger, former assistance manager of the Palmer House in Chicago. will be the new manager of the Palmer house here after Jan. 1. C. A. Shorp and sons who have been the managers, have not announced their plans for the future.

30 Dec. 1930 - Culver Citizen - Palmer House Will Change Management First of New Year -

After January 1, when the present lease runs out, the control of the Palmer House will be taken over by the Culver Hotel Operating Company. The rooms will be outfitted with new beds, the toilet facilities will be increased, and the building will be put in as good condition as possible in spite of its age. There will be no structural changes in either the hotel or the " Shack" . The improvements will be of a type that will make the temporary hotel more comfortable and enjoyable to its guests. The P. H. " Shack" will specialize in home cooking and consequently will furnish a more varied menu.

1931 - Jan 14 - Culver Citizen - Palmer house Undergoes Redecorating Refurnishing -

The Palmer House " Shack" which has been remodeled during the holidays, will be reopened in the early part of the coming week. The floor space has been enlarged by extensions on the side and rear and the entire room has been redecorated. The old equipment has been replaced by new tables and chairs, a new fountain and new kitchen appliances.

The dining room in the hotel is equipped with new tables and chairs and presents a much neater appearance.

The bedrooms have all been redecorated and new beds and springs have been installed.
The Palmer House contrary to popular opinion is not owned by the academy, but is leased to and operated by a separate company under the direction of Mr. John Fogler.

John R. Fogler will be manager of the Palmer House. Mr. Fogler was assistant manager of the Palmer House in Chicago before coming to Culver .

C. A. Shorb & Sons, present managers of the Palmer House, have not announced their plans for the future.

1931 - May 13 - Building of Hotel Indefinitely Postponed

The Culver Managing Company has announced that the date of construction of the new hotel on the site now occupied by the E. R. Culver cottage has been postponed.

The original plan was to start building as soon as the weather became favorable this spring, but plans have been indefinitely postponed - The Vedette.

1931 - J. R. Folger Leaves to Accept Waldorf Position

John R Folger, manafer of the Palmer House here for the past year has resigned to accept the position of an assistant manager of the new Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City

He came to Culver from the Palmer House in Chicago where he was assistant manager.

Previous to that he had a wide experience with the Statler Hotels company.

Mr. Folger left today to take up his new work at the internationally famous Waldorf-Astoria.

Frank S. Murphy, of Chicago has teken over the duties of manger of the Palmer House.

1932 _ Feb 17 - Small Fire At Palmer - House Annex Saturay - The fire department was called to the Palmer House Annex Saturday afternoon when sparks ignited the wooden shingles on the roof. However, the fire had been extinguished before the truck arrived and only a small hole was burned in the roof.

1932 - The March 16^th issue of the Culver Citizen announces that the Palmer Boat House was destroyed by fire and that damages are estaimated to be or exceed $2,700.

1932 - Nov. 30 - After being known as the Palmer House for 57 years, the well known hotel near the Academy is having its name changed to "Maxinkuckee Inn" in conformity with a change in management and policy.

In 1932 it was sold to the Culver Reality and Investment Company. At this time it consisted of: dinning and card rooms, a kitchen, twenty-two bedrooms and two baths.


During this time - 1932 - Frank S. Murphy was manager of the Palmer House.

Also in 1932/33 The Jungle Hotel was under the management of the Palmer House. Here is an ad that appeared during this time period.

Views from the kae side:



1932 - Culver, Ind., Dec. 1. - After being known as the Palmer House for 57 years, the well known hotel near the Academy is having its name changed to "Maxinkuckee Inn" in conformity with a change of management and policy. The change was effective today.



Palmer Housee ~~ Maxinkuxkee Inn ~~ Culver Inn ~~ Culver Motels