The site of this building, the southwest corner of Main and Jefferson streets, was originally occupied by an old frame building, in which a tavern was kept by Joseph Anthony and others a number of years anterior to the erection of the building that now graces it. This old frame building, and the real estate on which it stood, was finally purchased by Thomas Kirby, from Smith Brown, in the year 1870. Shortly after the purchase, the old tavern, then a dilapidated and rickety frame was torn down, and the foundation of the new building laid immediately when the rubbish had been cleared away. The following year (1871) the new building was erected and completed, the formal opening and dedication to the purposes of a hotel taking place in January, 1872, under the managementof Mr. W. D. Jones, a very popular and efficient landlord. �������

The Kirby House (so named for its owner and projector, is a three story brick, with a Mansard roof, and, internally supplied with all appurtenances of a first-class modern hotel) was built by�� Mr. Kirby for the express purpose to which it has since been appropriated. Until the autumn of 1873, Mr. Jones occupied the building, and its affairs were conducted by him. At that time, he was superseded by Mr. J. A. Heinsohn, son-in-law of Mr. Kirby, who has since successfully continued in charge, so judiciously conducting the affairs of the house as to secure for it the reputation of being one of the best in the State.� In the meantime, he has made numerous valuable and needed improvements, which the demands of experience have made necessary.� The house has a�large and commodious dining-hall, a first class kitchen, complete in all its appointments, these two departments being in the second story, immediately over a complete and well-regulated laundry. The avenues of ingress and egress are all well adapted to the conveniences which suggested their location, making everything so manifestly safe that the mind of the weary traveler is relieved of apprehension as to his safety in case of fire or other disaster requiring prompt egress. A verandah on Main Street affords convenient opportunity to view the principal street of the city.� The parlors are tastefully arranged, and furnished according to best models of the day; especially is this true as regards those for the accommodation of ladies.

Another feature of the Kirby House�while somewhat anomalous, is nevertheless one that cannot be too highly commended�is the nearness of a large and well-selected library, for the convenience of those disposed to consult its ample storehouse of information. An electric annunciator connects with every room in the house, on the face of which is exhibited numbers from 1 to 96, corresponding with the various points in�the house, and with the several rooms. Another convenience commends itself to the consideration of the traveling public�an omnibus runs regularly to and from all trains for the accommodation and comfort of the guests of the house. Being centrally located, the Kirby House occupies a position at once inviting and suggestive of the good fare and comfort that pervade every department of the capacious building.

This, which is one of the leading hotels of the city, is located on the east side of Walnut Street, at the corner of Pearl; it a three-story brick building, with a Mansard roof, and has thirty-three convenient and commodious rooms, a spacious and well-arranged dining-room, and comfortable office. Altogether, it possesses all the usual conveniences connected with a first-class hotel; and last, though not least, it has a genial landlord, who endeavors always to make his guest welcome.

The real estate on which this building stands was purchased by E. J. and Elijah Langdon, but the building was erected by E. J. Langdon alone. The site was formerly occupied as a tavern stand, James Spahr having built a frame house of moderate dimensions, and appropriated it to hotel-purposes, about the year 1860 or 1861, and for a few years afterward. A part of the "Spahr House" is still standing, immediately to the south of the Haines House. The present building was commenced in 1869, and the walls partly built during the succeeding year. It was allowed to remain in this conditon over winter, and the walls were not completed until some time in 1871. Thus it remained, with the rafters and joists on, a second winter and, in 1872, was inclosed and partly finished. In February, 1873, David T. Haines purchased the ground, with the structure upon it, finishing and furnishing the house in good style, and finally opening it to the public as a hotel, on the 1st day of April, 1873, christening the building as the "Haines House." The occasion was celebrated by furnishing a banquet to the Freemasons and others, at a public gathering of the order at that time.

Mr. Haines continued in occupancy of the house, as landlord and proprietor, until the 26th day of October, 1876, when he sold the property to William O. Spaythe, who took possession immediately; but, after the experience of about one month, he leased the property to William Reed, who in turn occupied it for a few months. At that time, Mr. Spaythe sold out to Mr. H. A. Koller, this gentleman, after a few months' experience, retiring, and subsequently leasing the property to William Reed, who again took charge, and conducted the business of the establishment until September 6, 1878, when Mr. R. S. Hall, the present occupant, became proprietor. In the meantime, Mr. Koller sold the premises to a Mr. McMurray, who instituted a suit for possession against Mr. Hall. The court held, however, that Hall's lease for three years had priority, and possession was awarded him accordingly. That possession he still holds.