The Hotel Will Rogers was dedicated February 7, 1930. The three owners, Louis Abraham, Walter Krumrei, and Morton Harrison joined forces to make the hotel a reality. Joe Abraham, Louis' father, had come to Claremore to take mineral water baths and was cured of rheumatism.
He fell in love with the place, but felt that Claremore had been held back as a health resort for the lack of suitable hotel facilities. The fireproof structure of concrete and steel and furnishings cost $321,000. During World War II, it was designated as a bomb shelter. It was Krumrie that chose the Spanish decor, partly because of its resemblance to Will Rogers' home in Santa Monica. The six story hotel contained seventy-eight (78) rooms and seven (7) apartments.
The mineral water baths became an important part of the grand hotel's service. The mineral water, called "radium water" was discovered in 1903 on the east side of Claremore while drilling for oil and gas. The greenish-black, rotten-egg-smelling water was analyzed and contained 13 minerals, including sulfur, salt and iron. Will Rogers joked that the water would "cure you of everything but being a Democrat".
People also came to the hotel because of the service. They just got out of their cars and would go to the front desk. From there, bellhops got their luggage and escorted the guests to their rooms. There was maid service, and wonderful meals were prepared in the hotel Coffee Shop.
The hotel fell on hard times and was closed in 1991. The Rogers County Historical Society purchased the landmark in January 1994 for $1.00 to save it from the wrecking ball. Knowing the multi-million dollar project was bigger than the historical society could handle by itself, the society entered a partnership with MetroPlains Development, Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota and Wa-Ro-Ma Community Action.
Rehabilitation of the Will Rogers Hotel began in February of 1997 at a cost of more than $2.5 million. The grand re-opening was on November 15, 1997. The building was renamed the Will Rogers Center and includes:
(1) 38 apartments for senior citizens on the upper floors.
(2) Wa-Ro-Ma-Community Action occupies part of the first and third floors.
(3) Three of the famous mineral water tubs are preserved on the sixth floor.
(4) The lobby and ballroom are open to the public. The Ballroom is available for weddings and private parties Monday through Thursday for $150.00 and Friday through Sunday for $300.00. For more information call (918) 343-0045.
(5) The first two floors are open for viewing from 9:00 until 5:00 Monday through Friday and free guided tours are given from 10:00 to 4:39 every Saturday by members of the Historical Society.
(6) The second bronze statue representing the life of Will Rogers is displayed in the lobby. This statue represents his career as a radio broadcaster. The statue, "I DON'T TELL JOKES. I JUST WATCH THE GOVERNMENT AND REPORT THE FACTS" was unveiled at the re-opening of the Will Rogers Center.
(7) Visitor information is available in the lobby. Plans are to include a Route "66" exhibit.
(8) Also located on the first floor are The Candle Shop, Wildlife Art Gallery, and Cafe Rene. |
