Between 1900 and 1940, Joshua Franklin Earl and his wife, Lela, ran the Earl House, a popular tourist boarding house in Clayton, Georgia. The main building was three stories and had 32 rooms. The Earl House was destroyed by fire on April 15, 1940. [1]
33rd SEASON THE EARL HOUSE
The Oldest Tourist Boarding House In Clayton
ALTITUDE 2200 FEET
CLAYTON GEORGIA
The EARL HOUSE is situated on a wooded knoll, encircled by large porches, commanding beautiful views of the Blue Ridge. A clear, cold spring flowing from Screamer Mountain, a private water system and cold well water provides the water for the Earl House. Hot and cold baths, lavatory in every room in main building. Electric lights; comfortable beds; wholesome and abundant fare; waffles, rolls, chicken and fresh vegetables. (Cows on meadow and drink spring water.) Screamer Mountain, the former summer home of the late Judge Logan E. Bleckley, towers behind the Earl House, its summit scarcely two miles distant. Pinnacle and Black Rock Mountain, each over 3,000 feet altitude are easily accessible by foot. In every direction are charming walks, rides and drives of ever varying beauty. Diversions consist of Horse-back riding, Golf, Swimming, Fishing, Boating. All interesting points and resorts in the Blue Ridge Mountains can be reached in a few hours drive by motor over modern built highways. Tennis, Croquet, and Shuffle Board at the disposal of the guests on the grounds.
This is a comfortable, home-like boarding place for congenial guests.
The Earl House commends itself to practical people seeking rest from fashion and dress, and appeals especially to lovers of nature and health-giving outdoor pastimes. It is not, however, a sanitarium, nor can it ever accept persons suffering from Tuberculosis, pellagra or other contagious diseases. Please do not make application if you have any symptoms; also kleptomaniacs, dopes, or any intoxicants. Life indoors is simple and informal. Guests refrain from card playing and dancing in deference to the wishes of the proprietor, and are expected to observe quiet after 10 p.m. It is proverbial of the Earl House that all wishes are cheerfully conformed to, and those who come so declare themselves. To our former guests, many of whom return each year, we wish to express our sincere appreciation. It is largely due to their gratuitous advertising that the Earl House is constantly patronized by the most desireable people. The well-ventilated dining room seats 112 people. Our rooms are not so arranged as to make it pleasant to take during the busy season, babies and small children who make disturbance at night.
Well governed children gladly welcomed. Large grounds for sport and play.
Bills payable with cash or Cashier's checks. For reservations write or phone J. F. Earl, Clayton, Ga. No pets of any kind admitted. Do not misunderstand the Earl House to be long-faced. We solicit the cheerful, jolly people who love fun and the good. The Earl House can shelter about 15 cars.
1934 R-A-T-E-S AMERICAN PLAN $9.00 to $16.00 per week, and $2.00 to $3.00 per day. Per person Rooms with bath, $12.50 to $16.00 Room with lavatory, $10.00 to $12.50 Room without running water, but near bath, $9.00 to $11.00 Depending upon the number of persons to the room and the length of the stay.
"If you have any ailments, discuss down behind the outhouses."
Special rates for families with well trained children--not solicited if not governed.
Sources
- ↑ "Hotel at Clayton Razed by Fire; Woods Ignited" The Atlanta Constitution, April 17, 1940.
See also:
- ”The Foxfire Magazine” Foxfire Fund. 1992. Tiger, Ga: Foxfire Fund. Vol 25, No. 97 (Fall of 1991), pg 147. "Well Governed Children Gladly Welcomed", The Earl House, article by Julie Dickens.
