Today, we delve into the fascinating, but ultimately tragic tale of the Jefferson Hotel, once a prominent landmark in Florence, Alabama.
The conditions of the sale were clear: the building had to be converted into a hotel within 60 days and be operational by 1904. Additionally, the new owners were required to invest at least $5,000 in improvements and furnishings. Failure to meet these conditions would result in a hefty penalty for the buyers.
Thus, the Jefferson Hotel was born. Gus Norton, an experienced hotelier, was appointed the first manager, followed by C.W. Negley in 1905. Negley had six years experience in the hotel business in Florence, having been at the head of the Commercial Hotel for three years, and the Alabama House for three years. The Jefferson quickly became the crown jewel of Florence's hospitality scene, welcoming guests and serving as a hub for social gatherings.
The Jefferson Hotel had fifty rooms that were all furnished with antique oak-finished furniture and white and gold metal beds fitted with "perfection" mattresses and downy pillows. The hotel was heated entirely by top of the line steam heat, capable of keeping and even temperature of 70 degrees year-round, even if the outside temperature was at zero degrees.
The wife of the dry cleaning company's owner was the only person in the room when the explosion occurred and was standing very near the explosion. Her clothing caught fire and she was painfully burned on the right foot, hands, and slightly on the face. Her hair was also badly singed.
The fire made its way between the walls of a partition and reached the upper stories before it was realized that it was spreading. In spite of the best efforts of the combined fire departments of Florence, Sheffield, and the Nitrate Plant, the flames crept from room to room in an ever-increasing fury, until finally the entire building was a seething, blazing mass. Walls crumbled and fell, while a tremendous crowd of people watched the impressive spectacle.
Though the Jefferson Hotel no longer stands, its story serves as a reminder of Florence's vibrant past and the city's spirit of resilience. The grand dame of hospitality may be gone, but its legacy lives on in the collective memory of Florence.