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09/20/2003 Archived Entry: "SOMETHING NEW AND WONDERFUL FOR THE OLD BROOKVILLE HOTEL BUILDING"

SOMETHING NEW AND WONDERFUL FOR THE OLD BROOKVILLE HOTEL BUILDING

It seems to be general knowledge around these parts that something new and exciting will soon recapture the old hotel building in Brookville. A lot of "some things" actually. It's very, very exciting.

I visited with Judith and John Dobson in Brookville today. They were serving a lunch to the re-enactor/movie people on the patio at the north side of the old hotel. I only visited with them a short while, but I think I can be safe in repeating what they told me. It is what others seem to know. I will add that they aren't ready to make a press release divulging all their plans until the middle of next month. There is the issue of 'THE BROOKVILLE CITY SEWER' hanging over their heads, as it did the Martins. That's one of the reasons the Martins left Brookville. No city sewer.

Judith and John have two sons...Brent 28, and John 22 and a grandson. John attends Ft. Hays State University. Judith at one time owned and operated the Garden Restaurant in McPherson. Don't quote me on those specifics. I just know it was a high-end dining facility with loyal patrons who enjoyed fine food and she was in charge. It is no longer there and I haven't any idea why.

But, it is our good fortune that they are purchasing, so it appears, the old Brookville Hotel building from Mark and Connie Martin. The gal who previously owned it and who got involved with an elderly man in California in an internet sex room intrigue of some kind and relieved him of a great deal of his money is in jail/prison in California. The hotel reverted by to the Martins.

So, the plans that Judith, John (a retired engineer) and their two sons have, rather loosely interpreted, include an area for fine dining, a tea room and a third eating establishment. There will be stores there ...and other things too. From the way it sounds, there will be many little adventures to explore. John says his wife is an endless source of ideas and that is the impression she leaves, one of enthusiasm and adventure.

I went through part of the hotel and it is as I'd heard...gutted. There is nothing left from the Martin era that indicate 100+ years of history. There are just bare rooms. Nothing nostalgic, nothing to remind you of the fried chicken and Cole slaw days. I cut my teeth on chicken legs there 75 years ago, but that's hardly a memory.

Judith told me she won't sell her house in McPherson, but she did indicate they'd be living in Brookville part of the time. Maybe they'll fix up the upstairs into living quarters. Certainly there are ample bedrooms for family and friends.

Let's hope all their plans and dreams come true. They seem to be a wonderful family and able to make those things happen. Judith will have more to say about all of this about the middle of next month after the sewer is a sure thing. Stay tuned.