Behold the town’s living time capsule! This old place has probably seen more things than most. Passersby may ask – “Is that a house? A hotel? A museum?”. These walls? Oh they hold more stories than your grandma’s attic. Stories of old Bellbuckle, of both locals and visitors alike.
The first and original purpose of this home was as a hotel. In 1881, Bell Buckle’s founder, A. D. Fugitt, gifted his daughter Annie and her husband Captain Samuel Linch this property. The deed lists its value being worth $1,367. By 1883, the couple had the only hotel in town – the Linch Hotel. Both suddenly and sadly, Annie died that same year at the age of 34. Sam eventually found love again and a couple years later married Ellen Brabson.
Fast forward to 1888, Sam and Ellen made additions to the hotel just to keep up with the increasing demand. It’s a good thing Sam was a handy guy! Around this same time, he is mentioned as having been the contractor for the construction of a local residence and even a large 5,000 square foot “audience hall” for the Webb School.
Proprietors (managers) during this time were Mrs M. A. Winnett, Mr W. T. Paty, and Mrs W. P. Crawford. The hotel was often referred to as the Winnett Hotel, the Paty Hotel, and even the Crawford Hotel. As much as it was for visitors, local folks often called this home. Several on the census refer to this hotel as their place of residence.
Sam Linch passed away in 1901. Ellen held onto the hotel for some years and in 1914, sold it to the Crawfords. W. P. Crawford was a long-time Bell Buckle merchant. He and his wife advertised an attractive boarding home. Imagine fried chicken, veggies, mineral water – basically the Airbnb of the early 1900s. And the cherry on top? A train right at your doorstep, ready to whisk you away to adventures unknown.
Hold onto your hats folks – a tragic train wreck and a criminal in the hotel coming your way!
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