Vigo County Historical Society

Plush hotel exists in memories

A grand celebration took place Aug. 14, 1899, in Terre Haute, for that was the day the Northern Hotel opened its doors for the first time.

The hotel was on the southwest corner of Seventh and Tippecanoe streets, just across the street from the Big Four train station. The Northern was owned by A.R. Monniger and C.J. Dressler.

Albert Monniger was born Oct. 20, 1860, to P.J. Monniger. He attended the old seminary in Terre Haute, when he studied commerce.

When he finished his studies he started traveling, helping his father in his business. After 13 years he became a traveling representative of H. Hulman and Co.

Monniger traveled the states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. He gained much knowledge of what people wanted in a plush hotel. He opened his first restaurant and bar on Tippecanoe Street.

Dressler became his clerk and after eight years, his partner. Dressler was born in 1872 and was a lifetime resident of Terre Haute.

Monniger and Dressler purchased land from the railroad and built their hotel in 1899. The Northern, which was renamed the Great Northern in 1907, was a very grand hotel. It was built by August Ohm at a cost of $12,000.

The hotel’s canopy entrance was on Tippecanoe Street. The building was part two stories and part three stories, with a stone and brick exterior.

On the northeast corner of the building was a circular tower with a dome roof, which was later removed.

The hotel could accommodate 200 guests. The sleeping rooms were airy, had steam heat and electric lights.

Also, the rooms had an electric bell that connected them to the main office. The rooms were carpeted and the bedsteads were of brass.

The basement had two bowling alleys, a feature athletic guests enjoyed. The basement also had a rathskeller. Monniger wine could be bought here.

Not only were the rooms extravagant but the hotel had a dining room and a small room for dinner parties, along with a cafe for its guests. The fine cuisine was renowned throughout the Wabash Valley.

The hotel’s bar had the finest wines and liquors, along with the best of both imported and domestic cigars.

The Northern was added onto after the turn of the century. Indiana State University purchased the land in 1969 and the old hotel was razed to further the needs of ISU. Today, the property is a parking lot.

Terre Haute has undergone many changes in the past 50 years as the old has given way to the new but many old businesses will linger on, if only in our memories.