Updated March 13, 2011
On November the 15th, 2010 the Aracoma Hotel suffered heavy fire damage and on Thanksgiving Day the Cole and Main Street corner of the building collapsed. Consequently, the building was demolished about a month later. The Logan Banner reported that the hotel may be rebuilt and Mayor Nolletti said that the owner wants to use some of the bricks and the old fireplace in the new building.
A historic Logan landmark, the Aracoma Hotel was built in 1917. Over the years, the hotel has hosted a number of prominent guests including John F. Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Roy Rogers and Gabby Hayes.
The old Pioneer Hotel was located on the other side of Cole Street. It was built in 1902 and was demolished in August 2007.
Aracoma Hotel fire in downtown Logan, WV 11-15-10
Aracoma Hotel Collapse Corner of Cole and Main Street 11-25-10
I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the individuals that submitted the above three videos to YouTube. Thank you.
The above postcard has a Logan WV Nov. 23, 1937 postmark and was published by Guyan Drug Co. in Logan. The bottom of the postcard shows part of the yard belonging to the residence of Judge Wilkinson1. The Wilkinson home later became the Harris Funeral Home and is currently the Honaker Funeral Home.
1″Wilkerson” corrected to “Wilkinson” courtesy of Dodie (Smith) Browning.
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Frank, it was Lash LaRue. I got his autograph and kept it for many years. Don’t know where it is now. There was another actor with him called “Blackie”, who said he had been killed more times in Western movies than anyone. Strange how certain memories stay with us. Planning to be in Culpeper. Va. for Christmas (50 miles from Charlottesville). Spudnuts anyone? Remember the letters to Santa that were read over the radio and most ended with candy, fruit, and nuts? Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Dodie was right. After all of these years of wondering, it’s nice to finally know that. Thank you! I am planning a trip to Logan soon so I’ll be driving by Charlottesville. I’ll have to stop and buy a box of Spudnuts to enjoy on the trip. They should keep me entertained for at least thirty minutes.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Frank, Could it have been Lash LaRue?
Yes, it could have been Lash LaRue but I just don’t remember. I am hoping that someone saw the same performance in 1957 and will remember the name.
I remember in 1957 I saw a cowboy star make a stage performance at I think the Capitol. He stayed at the Aracoma as well but I cannot remember who the name. I know it wasn’t Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy or the Lone Ranger – I’d remember any of those. Anyone recall who it was?