Each month we present here a fascinating, often little known aspect of Chatham’s history or that of Columbia County — as drawn from our monthly ads in the Chatham Press. Once upon a time – the 1890’s – the huge brick building just off the Central Square was a very, very Grand Affair.
Dubbed the Windsor Hotel Sanitarium, this magnificent structure reminded one of a fancy wedding cake. Four stories tall with proud pergola atop, the first three were girdled all ‘round by dramatic porches much in the ‘Steamboat Gothic’ style.
It was founded by Doctor-brothers C.H. and Abbott Mason, the latter famous for his ‘Vegetable Cancer Cure’…which was not known to have cured anything.
The Windsor flourished nonetheless . Its 50 spacious rooms ($2 -$3 per day) were Hotel for Railroad Agents and travelers, most being Permanent Residences for‘inmates’ whose severe afflictions were largely emotional. A ‘sanitarium’ indeed.
The Windsor and accompanying land likely cost about $60,000 – a major bargain when compared with the Berkshires next door. This same disparity exists to this very day. Properties have remained very affordable in Chatham and the County, astonishingly so now in the present economy.
For those with a ‘dollar and a dream’, it’s a perfect time to review your bargain opportunities – on our web site [beachandbartolo.com](https://beachandbartolo.com/).
_Our thanks for input from the Chatham Historical Society. Call (518)392-9236._
_Photo courtesy of MetzWood Harder Insurance._
