The Bedford Ship Hotel Origin
The Roaring Twenties was a mixture of Post-Great War Patriotism, evolving technology, economic success, a thirst for adventure, and feelings of invincibility. When those ingredients are blended together the final product is Route 30. Route 30 was a risk in every sense of the word. Stretching 4,930 linking the East Coast to the West Coast, New York to San Francisco, Route 30 was appropriately named The Lincoln Highway (After the alpha risk taker). Route 30 forged and fabricated the backbone of American Transportation. Enter Herbert Paulson.
Great Views at Perilous Heights
Herbert Paulson, a Dutch immigrant, benefited from several years of handsome wages earned at a Pittsburgh steel mill. Recognizing the opportunity that this new road created, Paulson purchased a small piece of real estate along 30 in Bedford, Pennsylvania. The risks and dangers of this plot of land were incredible. Located 2,464 feet above sea level and hugged against a “hair pin” curve, Lookout Grandview Point was almost uninhabitable. Paulson, however, like many that traveled this road, was absolutely enthralled with the view.
Lookout Grandview Point boasts a view of three states and seven counties and this image is certainly worth the risk. Herbert Paulson, ever the opportunist, had dreams of turning his small souvenir stand into a castle that hung over the side of the Allegheny Mountains. Pennsylvania officials wanted nothing to do with his idea, but Paulson didn’t quit. Unrelenting and determined he challenged officials to either buy his land or let him do as he pleased. Eventually PA lifted the restrictions and Paulson’s castle began to take shape.
Full Steam Ahead into a New Direction
The structure rested on three Pittsburgh made steel beams that were plunged into the side of the mountain and was anchored by heavy gauge steel wire. In 1928 Paulson’s Grand View Hotel opened on top of the Allegheny Mountains. Not long after the opening a road weary traveler mentioned to Paulson that the Hotel resembles a ship riding the early morning fog. “Captain” Herbert Paulson met this comment by turning his castle hotel into the S.S. Grand View Ship Hotel.
In 1932 The Ship of the Alleghenies officially opened for business. The result was eight of the best years of that structure’s existence. Tom Mix, President Calvin Coolidge, and John Barrymore highlighted the thousands of visitors that penned the guest book during that time.
Troubling Waters Appear
Then in 1940 the newly formed Pennsylvania Turnpike offered the ability to deduct three hours off a trip from Carlisle to Irwin. The Ship Hotel never was able to relive the glory of the pre-Turnpike days, but still presented the finest attraction along the Lincoln Highway. Herbert Paulson passed away in 1973 and his descendants kept the business afloat for five years. Then faced with a deteriorating structure that battled harsh winters and cruel winds they elected to sell it to a new caretaker in 1978.
The new owners overestimated their abilities and reach and ultimately pushed The Ship Hotel into a depth of water that it couldn’t stay afloat. In 1987 after years of minimal income and expensive upkeep, The Grandview Ship Hotel closed. The Ship sank in 2001 when the entire structure burnt to the ground during an early morning fire. The view remained, but 69 years of existence were now just memories and postcards.
Your Water has Hope
How is your perspective of your home’s water? Have you been given a “great view” or is it “uninhabitable”? Herbert Paulson was able to see the beauty and promise in the impossible and worked tirelessly to turn his dream into a reality. You… You don’t have to do that with your home’s water, because you have NEGLEY’S WATER.
Herbert Paulson made a mistake in thinking he needed a castle when The Ship was there all along. Are you doing the same thing by buying bottled water instead of being able to drink right from your tap? Upkeep for the Ship was extensive, but your home’s water source shouldn’t cause you to feel overwhelmed. Are you paying too much for laundry detergents, cleaning products or appliance repairs/replacement? That can be overwhelming and essentially you’re already paying for a water problem.
Feel Better About Your Water with NEGLEY’S WATER by calling 1-888-458-2118 to help right your ship’s (home’s) direction. Visit NEGLEY’S online to schedule your FREE water analysis and consultation and let us steer you to safer waters. You’ve been given a view, what are you going to do with it?