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Turn-of-the-Century Hotel Lends Historic Charm to Modern-Era Tourism

Eureka Springs' 1905 Basin Park Hotel Celebrates 100 Years of Hospitality

EUREKA SPRINGS, AR - Nearly 100 years ago, a unique hotel in the small Victorian village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas helped launch what would become the early days of tourism for the state. Opening its doors on July 1, 1905, the historic Basin Park Hotel entertained guests from across the country, attracting everyone from Chicago businessmen to visitors seeking renewed health.

Now, with a century of service and memories within its white limestone and pink dolomite walls, the 1905 Basin Park Hotel continues to serve as a unique tourism destination in the center of all of the city's action.

Built to meet the housing demand generated by thousands of visitors who flocked to the cold-water spring that came to be the heart of this new health resort community, the original hotel had 100 guestrooms, a cage elevator, electric lights and a telephone in each room. A significant characteristic often touted were its floor bridges built into the side of the adjoining Basin Spring on every floor, making all eight levels of the hotel a "ground level." The feature would eventually bring international recognition when the hotel was named to Ripley's Believe It Or Not list.

Basin Park Hotel Owned By National Leader

The story of the Basin Park Hotel could also not be told without mentioning the legacy of one of city's and nation's most notable leaders, Claude A. Fuller.

The Modern Era

One of the city's most prominent movers and shakers and former United States Congressman, Fuller purchased (for the first time) the Basin Park Hotel in 1926. During this time, he also owned the historic 1886 Crescent Hotel.

A mere three years later Fuller was elected to the U.S. Congress where he would serve for 10 years. He sold both hotels in 1931, however the hotel would return to the family in 1944 where it would remain until 1972.

The Joe Parkhill Era

In 1944, Roy Parkhill, a prominent oilman from Tulsa, was convinced to invest in and purchase the hotel for his young nephew, Joe Parkhill.

Joe, a smooth talking salesman, knew the art of entertaining clients. During the war years, regular tours from Chicago arrived by train in Monett, Missouri where Joe and his wife Inez would drive a bus and meet travelers for an all inclusive, inexpensive Ozark vacation at the Basin Park Hotel. Daily activities such as arranged hayrides, horseback riding, dancing and fishing were often included with the visit.

Monett also housed military base Camp Mead, and soldiers on leave would regularly travel to the hotel by bus for Saturday evening dances.

In 1948, Parkhill began the annual tradition of The Barefoot Ball, inspired by Ralph Edwards' radio show Truth of Consequences . A newlywed couple from Santa Ana, California were contestants that won a two-week vacation in Eureka Springs at the Basin Park Hotel. The "consequence" was that the couple had to arrive and remain barefoot for the duration of the trip. To celebrate the couple's accomplishment, Parkhill held the first ball on June 25, 1948.

As the years passed, Parkhill's traditional activities of hayrides and dances quickly turned into evenings of gambling and liquor. A strategy he hoped would be sufficient enough to draw more business while entertaining the well-to-do of Chicago.

The hotel's first floor and current-day Billiards Room on the sixth floor were equipped with slot machines, fake doors and long bars to serve up hard liquor by the drink. Although illegal at the time, Parkhill's strategy worked, and business at the Basin

Park Hotel took off. His "friends" from Chicago became increasingly frequent guests of the hotel. Al Capone's sister was a registered guest for over one month.

In 1955, things changed for Parkhill, as the Carroll County sheriff and state police raided the Basin Park Hotel during a Barefoot Ball, seizing all slots and liquor. Shortly after, the pressure to operate the hotel had grown to be too great, and Roy Parkhill sold his interest in the hotel back to Eureka Springs notable and retired U.S. Representative Claude "C.A." Fuller, who owned the hotel previously.

The Modern Era

A long way from the "good old days" of hayrides and illegal poker games, the 1905 Basin Park Hotel has become a landmark for the city of Eureka Springs, and still remains the hub of city activity.

Marty & Elise Roenigk purchased the Basin Park Hotel in February 1997, and pledged to restore the hotel to its original grandeur. That pledge has become reality. Their multi-million dollar restoration and refurbishing of the hotel was recognized recently when they were presented the coveted Heritage Award at the Arkansas Governor's Conference.

Jack Moyer, former executive assistant manager with Adams Mark Hotels, serves as general manager for both the 1905 Basin Park Hotel and the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa.

The hotel of today offers whirlpool, bridal, spa, suite and family accommodations, and is a regular host of more than 100 weddings and receptions annually. Guests can unwind at the Serenity Day Spa, sun at the pool, have fun at the Lucky 7 Rooftop Billiards Parlor, enjoy excursions with Arkansas Outdoor Adventures, and have front-door access to the city's more than 100 unique downtown shops. Its downtown location is enhanced by complimentary parking and shuttle service. Starbucks coffee is also available at the Eureka Coffee Company.

The hotel also serves as a unique location for corporate retreats, seminars and hosts the University of Arkansas' Resort Management Program each summer.

The Basin Park Hotel will celebrate its 100 th year beginning July 1 during "Centennial Celebration & Reunion." The three-day commemoration will include an invitation-only event on Friday evening with a Eureka Springs memorabilia show and live entertainment under the watchful eye of "Celebration Celebrant Esquire" and former United States Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt.

Events planned for Saturday, July 2 include a parade in historic downtown Eureka Springs, and Reunion Barefoot Ball, featuring the music by Arkansas' own Greasy Greens . A "Charming Farewell" event will conclude centennial activities on Sunday morning.

Note to editors: Additional information, stories, and photos are available for use. Please contact Andrea Smalec at 501-604-6148 for special media requests.