Welcome to Angel River, where every corner holds a secret and every landmark has a tale to tell. In this series, Storied Places of Angel River, we explore the hidden histories, whispered legends, and unforgettable moments that make our little town more than just a dot on the map. Whether you’re a longtime resident or just passing through, these stories are your invitation to discover the heart and soul of Angel River—one storied place at a time.
The Angel River Hotel
Built in 1901, the Angel River Hotel was the first brick building in town—a bold statement of permanence in a community still finding its identity. Commissioned by the town council at the turn of the century, the hotel was meant to attract visitors, investors, and perhaps a little prestige. To achieve that vision, they brought in renowned Dutch architect Anders du Wees, whose Romanesque Revival designs were celebrated for their elegance and endurance.
From the moment it opened, the Angel River Hotel was more than a place to sleep—it was a destination. With its rounded arch windows, turreted corners, and carefully laid brickwork, it brought a touch of old-world grandeur to what had been a modest riverside settlement. Locals still tell tales of travelers who arrived dusty and exhausted from the road and wept with relief at the sight of its flickering lanterns and warm hearth.
In the early decades of the 20th century, the hotel was a hub of activity, hosting masquerade parties, traveling musicians, civic meetings, and even a wedding that ended—so the story goes—in a broken engagement and a champagne-fueled footrace through the town. During World War I, officers passing through were often housed on the top floor, where their names can still be found etched discreetly into the windowpanes of the east-facing rooms.
Perhaps the hotel’s most enduring mystery stems from the tale of a vaudeville magician who vanished during a thunderstorm in 1924, leaving behind only his top hat and a very confused stage assistant.
By the 1940s, the hotel’s star had dimmed a bit. The top floor was closed, the piano in the lobby fell silent, and the once-bustling tea room served more coffee than conversation. Still, it remained a cherished gathering place for Angel River residents—a setting for birthday parties, retirement dinners, and the occasional high school prom.
In the early part of the new century, a young single mother stumbled across the hotel. Enchanted by its faded grandeur, she purchased the building and launched a painstaking restoration. She peeled back layers of wallpaper, uncovered original plasterwork, and brought the old place back to life. Thanks to her efforts—and help from local artisans and historians—the Angel River Hotel entered a new golden age.
Today, the hotel blends historic charm with modern comforts, offering guests a stay that feels both cozy and a little enchanted. The lobby, with its hand-carved staircase and creaky floors, invites long conversations and lingering glances. The library overlooks a magnificent garden. And those who listen carefully might just hear echoes of the past drifting through the halls.
The Angel River Hotel isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a place to remember. Whether you’re passing through or you’ve lived in town all your life, it’s a reminder of how history endures, brick by brick.
The Angel River Hotel appears in the books Homesong, The House on the Hill, and Sweet Music. It will feature prominently in the next two books of the Angel River series: One Secret Summer and A Bend in the River. Follow this blog, sign up for my newsletter, and follow me on Amazon to be the first to hear when those books are released.
Thanks for visiting one of the storied places of Angel River. If you enjoyed this glimpse into our town’s past, be sure to follow along for more tales still to come. Have a favorite Angel River memory or a place you think deserves the spotlight? I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment or email me at misha@mishacrews.com.
Sending hugs from between the pages,
Misha