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    The Sterling a building's story of success and hard times

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    The Hotel Sterling was established in 1898 in Wilkes-Barre, PA, my home town. It was built during a time of vast wealth and prosperity in Wilkes-Barre. The coal industry was booming, as well as factories and newly built railroads. Hundreds of people traveled each day from New Jersey and New York to Pennsylvania to stay in The Hotel Sterling. Named after investor and businessman Walter G. Sterling, the hotel was seven stories tall with a luxurious lobby. The former grandeur of the building included marble and brass columns and staircases, intricate ceiling detail and linen wall paper. Fine paintings and sculptures throughout the public areas created a sense of big-city sophistication. Views[1697] Others use the Hotel Sterling as a place of rebellion. Vandalism, empty bottles of alcohol, condom wrappers, empty dime bags and rolling papers cover the second floor. The hotel is now in danger of collapsing. What used to be one of the most lavish high-rise hotels in Wilkes-Barre is now considered hazardous to the community. The streets near The Sterling have been diverted for the past two years. As of next month, this piece of my town’s history will be demolished and it will remain nothing but a memory. Views[1146] What was at one point in time a hotel for only the most elegant people, is now a place where the homeless can go to escape the cold and find solace. Various rooms are strewn with old mattresses, torn blankets, loose change and in most cases, a bible. Views[324] In recent years the inn has suffered a fire, vandalism, a leaky roof and has had its basement flooded to a height of several feet leaving behind inches of mud. In 1998 it finally closed for good. The graffiti on the door reads, “The star in the valley shines brightest in its darkest hour.” Views[318] The owners hired Oppenheim’s String Orchestra to entertain dinner guests in its dining room, known after 1911 as “The Palm Room.” A renowned New York chef assembled delicacies such as high-flavored and well-dressed oysters, mince pie or plum pudding…and wine-cured cheeses (The Times Leader). The elegant five-star hotel was considered one of the best in the northeast United States. Only the richest stayed in the Hotel Sterling. Views[425]
     

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