Historic Park View Inn

West Virginians are proud of their famous spas, resorts, scenery, folklore and the part the state has played in the history of the country. They are proud of its industries and its people. The good name of West Virginia bears an excellent reputation and its people are proud of its record.

One of the state's best known spas is located at Berkeley Springs, in Morgan county. The first white settlers came to Berkeley Springs about 1730 and were of Scotch, Irish and German descent. The Springs were then known as Warm Springs, later Frederick Springs and still later as Berkeley Springs.

Authentic history had its real beginning March 18, 1748 when George Washington visited 'Ye Fam'd Warm Springs' as one of a party of surveyors. A survey was being made for Lord Fiarfax who was establishing his claim as Proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia. It was during this visit that the Elm which bears his name was supposed to have been planted by him. The tree now has a circumfrance of more than twenty-two feet.

Lord Fairfax had become greatly interested in the healing waters of the medicinal springs which were a part of an inheritance by a grant from the British Crown. He reconveyed them, with fifty acres of adjacent land, to the Colony of Virginia. These Springs were to be forever free to the public for the 'welfare of suffering humanity.'

In October 1776, 'Bath' was established as a town by an act of the General Assembly of Virginia. Trustees were appointed to lay off lots and administer its affairs. The name 'Bath' was given it after the English resort of that name.

Lots were laid off in 1777 and sold to the public. Among the purchasers was General George Washington and many others of distinction.

During a visit here in September 1784 he witnesses a successful demonstration of the first steam boat by its inventor, James Rumsey. During this visit he arranged with Rumsey to build a house for him on these lots. This was completed in July 1785.

Washington is believed to have made his last visit here on October 14, 1794 while President of the United States.

Rumsey was employed by the trustees of the Springs to construct five bath houses and other buildings. These have since been replaced by more modern buildings in which all types of baths are given. There is also a large swimming pool. These baths are now controlled by a State Board.

In 1845 disasterous fires occurred destroying many historic land marks.

In 1859 Col. John Strother built a new hotel on the land adjoining that on which the mineral springs and bath houses are located. This hotel accomodated 500 guests. It was destroyed by fire in 1897. The site remained vacant until 1933 when the central unit of Park View Inn, the new Berkeley Springs Hotel, was built by its owners, Mr. and Mrs. Walter G. Harmison. In 1937 two wings were added. The hotel is of Colonial architecture and has many fine antiques among its furnishings.

There are forty bedrooms, twenty of which have private bath, others semi-private or convenient to baths. The hotel has a home-like atmosphere. There is an attractive lounge and reading room, a recreation room and a golf putting green. A large lawn and porches surround the hotel.

In the spacious and well appointed dining-room well balanced meals are served with fresh vegetables throughout the year. Home-made preserves and pickles add zest to the meal.

The hotel is open all of the year and is operated on the American Plan. The rates are, Daily, Single, $4.00 to $6.00; Double, $7.50 to $12.00. Weekly, Single $24.00 to $35.00; Double, $45.00 to $65.00.

Berkeley Springs has a population of about 1500 and an altitude of 612 feet at its lowest point. There is a Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Episcopal, United Bretheren, and other churches.

The scenery in this location is unsurpassed. From Prospect Peak can be seen the Potomac and Great Cacapon vallers and three states, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland. This view has been classed as the fifth finest in the United States. Other points of interest are Cacapon State Park, State Bass Hatchery, Lovers Leap, Spruce Pine Hollow, The Castle and "The Pines."

The Springs have a flow of 2000 gallons a minute and the city water supply is obtained from this source. The water from these Sprigns is also bottled and shipped to many cities.

Mr. and Mrs. Harmison are to be congratulated on the manner in which they operate the Inn. The quality of the food served at Park View Inn is excellent and this fact is emphasized by Duncan Hines who lists the Inn in his book 'Adventures in Good Eating.'

The West VIrginia State Resort Association is proud of having The Inn as one of its substantial members. West Virginians are proud to call The Inn one of its better resorts.

Reprinted from Restaurant News, March 1942