Boone Tavern Hotel

Collection

Identifier: RG 05-5.04

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Records of Boone Tavern include historical publicity materials, policy notes, correspondence, menus, information regarding building renovations, and materials regarding the history of the Tavern.

Dates

Other: Majority of material found in 1912-2014

Creator

Berea College (Organization)
Boone Tavern (Berea, Ky.). (Organization)

Conditions Governing Access

Records can be accessed through the Reading Room, Berea College Special Collections and Archives, Hutchins Library, Berea College.

Conditions Governing Use

There are no restrictions on the collection other than federal copyright regulations.

Extent

4.00 boxes_(general)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Historic Boone Tavern was built in 1909 at the suggestion of Nellie Frost, wife of Berea College president, William G. Frost. Named for Appalachian hero Daniel Boone has hosted visitors of Berea, Kentucky including the Dalai Lama, Henry Ford, President and Mrs. Calvin Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, and Robert Frost. Construction of Boone Tavern began in 1909 based on designs by the New York architectural firm of Cady & See at a cost of $20,000. The building, made of bricks manufactured by students in the College's brickyard, was constructed by the College's Woodwork Department. The "Tavern" portion of the name is derived from the historic definition that refers to a public inn for travelers rather than the modern definition related to the sale of alcohol. Built at a prominent location on the College Square in the heart of Berea where the old Dixie Highway intersected with the campus, Boone has become one of the most famous Kentucky hotels and has been known as a popular destination for travelers of business and leisure alike.