top of page
  • Facebook

Memories from the Homestead: Branson Hotel was the place for events

Writer's picture: John FullertonJohn Fullerton

     Recently I was asked in a social media discussion group if I had any info on the photo seen here of the Branson Hotel in 1911. No one had the year correct at all, and someone else was convinced that Harold Bell Wright was in the photo, when he truly wasn't. 

     



One of Branson's long-standing structures, the Branson Hotel was built by the Branson Town Company on Main Street almost halfway between Commercial and Third streets.

   

The structure was built in 1903 at a cost of $4,000. The first proprietor was Ben Edminster.


Mr. and Mrs. Bramer also ran the hotel for a while. John and Ella Patton operated the hotel for many years, from the 1920s until his passing in 1938. They were remembered for providing space in the hotel for the Taneyhills Library when it was organized in the early 1930s. You will find the Pattons laid to rest in the Branson Cemetery on North Commercial. 

     

Okay, let's get a few of these folks identified. The significance of this particular image was due to a visit by Missouri's Governor, Herbert Hadley in 1911. He is in the front, third from left wearing the vest. Hadley was previously our State Attorney General and would serve as Governor from 1909 to 1913. He visited the area frequently and was a big supporter of float fishing on the White River.

   

Back to Mrs. Patton for a moment. She's in the photo on the upper veranda, third from left.  


At left with Governor Hadley are Railroad Commissioner Frank Wightman, and Secretary of State John Swager.  

   

At the far right I see Vernon Todd and Hobart McQuerter, longtime Branson businessmen. Todd was one of the founders of the Bank of Branson, which still stands at the corner of Main and Commercial. McQuerter was a cattleman, and was the founder of the Sammy Lane boat line. On the porch behind them is Jesse Tolerton, a former Branson resident who was Missouri's Game and Fish Commissioner.

   

 The Branson Hotel was popular from the beginning. It was the place for social events and luncheons. Anyone of importance who made a Branson visit stayed there.

   

The Branson Hotel still operates today and is a fabulous venue, located at 214 West Main Street. Visit their website, thebransonhotel.com

6 views0 comments

Commentaires


bottom of page