The Place to Stay: The Hotel Victory Story: A Journey of Learning and Insight

By Steve Porter

Hotel Victory was a beacon of luxury and grandeur along the shores of Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Attracting crowds especially for the short three-month tourist season, the allure of its sumptuous accommodations surrounded by sun and water promised an unforgettable memory. The truth is that unfortunately not every story culminates in a jubilant ending; however, the life lessons we are able to take from such precipitous situations can be invaluable and formative. Through these pages, one can feel the warmth that filled this charming locale and imagine a picture of days gone by before technology took over our lives. In this read Steve digs up a treasure trove of wisdom as we uncover beautiful life lessons from this remarkable hotel's past.

 

South Bass Island is truly a remarkable place, full of wonder and beauty. The village itself is teeming with character and charm that could easily tug on the heartstrings of any person who hears its story. Its citizens are loyal and passionate, always striving for success yet maintaining a peaceful atmosphere which lends itself to be remembered long beyond your visit there. Reading about the rich history and island can stir up an insatiable thirst to pack up and head towards Put-in-Bay as soon as possible! So don't hesitate – go ahead and book your tickets for Put-in-Bay. Who knows? Perhaps by chance I may also be there, waiting with a cheerful wave.

 

Steve Porter is founder and publisher of Lake Forest Publishing and Deeper Life Press. Steve is also founder and director of "Limburger Cheese Solutions", an organization dedicated to "taking the stink out of attitudes." Steve inspires thousands with his motivational speeches and training gatherings. His gift for motivational storytelling captures audience attention and delivers powerful and often hidden learnings. He and his wife reside near the New York Finger Lakes and they have two daughters and one grandchild.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Deeper Life Press
• Release date: Jan 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215316146

Steve Porter

Refuge Ministries Steve & Diane Porter are founders of Refuge Ministries. They believe that, through the presence of God, healing takes place. They have a passion for conducting presence-driven intimacy conferences, missions, and restoration ministry. They reside near Rochester, NY   Steve's Bio Steve has written many books and has a special anointing to bring forth the deep truths of the Spirit, with a clarity and simplicity that draws one up into a closer walk and deeper relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. His speaking engagements take him internationally. Steve's passion is reaching people through social media, conference speaking, and writing devotional books that draw the reader into the very presence of God. His latest devotional "He Leads Me Beside Still Waters: 50 Love Letters of Healing and Restoration from our Lord" is a special prophetic devotional where you will find Jesus in the pages of this book. Steve is a regular contributor to many prophetic publications including the Elijah List, Spirit Fuel and the Identity Network.  His writings have been read worldwide by hundreds of thousands of people.  He also has been interviewed by the Trinity Broadcasting Network and a few other TV programs. Steve's books, articles, and videos have touched countless lives around the world. 

Book preview

Preface

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This book highlights the details of the history and demise of Hotel Victory, located in Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Hotel Victory faced many ups and downs over the years since its construction in 1892. It was perhaps one of the largest and most expensive buildings of its time. We know it was at least the largest in America in its day. 1 The Hotel Victory consisted of one main building, another building with dining rooms and servant quarters, and a   natatorium . The main building was in the shape of a rectangle frame that was 600 feet wide by 300 feet deep and three stories high. The frame surrounded an inner courtyard that measured 200 square feet. This main building housed 625 guest rooms, 80 of which were suites with a bath. Other features of the main building included three elevators, bellboy stations on every floor, steam heating, and incandescent lights.

While Put-in-Bay has been home to many well-known and successful hotels over the years, none is more famous than the grand Hotel Victory. No other hotel in the world could boast it had an in-house dentist, physician, tailor, manicurist, two ladies’ lounges, an ice cream parlor, barbershop, dark room for photographers, and even public baths, all in service to its upscale clientele. It also boasted a livery stable with pleasure wagons, a telegraph office with long-distance phone access, a stenographer, and a guest laundry room. Guests could also enjoy constitutional walks around the grounds, swimming in the covered pool with its one-of-a-kind water toboggan, and moonlight hayrides.

The hotel was the shining light in the state of Ohio. It would arrange Tolley parties, sunset viewing areas, fishing (with the catch pre-prepared for its participants), and the benefits of spring-fed Strontium Spa Water allegedly located in a pool in the lobby. The water from the spa was said to be the best therapy for Bright's disease and helped with Paddock disease, making it the most popular of the hotel's attractions. The hotel also offered visitors the opportunity to go behind the scenes and tour the hotel kitchen, pantry, storeroom, cold storage spaces, and wine cellar, as well as other hotel operations. Guests were also free to leave the premises and explore the rest of the island.

Today, this beautiful grand hotel is nothing more than ruins scattered within the Ohio State Park campground and memorabilia found in local attics in the Lake Erie Islands and the historical museum.

When the citizens of Put-in-Bay first laid eyes on the hotel pool, they knew they were witnessing something special. The size and grandeur of the pool was truly awe-inspiring and it marked a milestone in history as being the first place in the United States to permit coed swimming.

One simply couldn't help but feel awed and inspired when stepping into the grand hotel steeped in history. Every little detail had been meticulously thought out, right down to the lavish furnishings that can only be described as opulent. Costing over a million dollars to build, each piece of furniture truly brought a majestic ambiance despite its intimidating grandeur. One could never not be touched by the breathtaking beauty and alluring elegance that filled each room from floor to ceiling. All these features put together made for an unforgettable experience like no