Richardson House (Hotel) - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Mr. Z.B. Richardson, of the "Richardson House," has bought out the Clifton Hotel, and will take possession on Monday next. It is something of a job to keep two hotels, but if there is any man in this part of the country who can do it, it is Zeph. (note: Zeb) Richardson.

On the part of the citizens of Crawfordsville our Common Council extended an invitation to the Mayor, Council and citizens of Indianapolis to visit our beautiful and growing little city last Tuesday. The invitation was accepted, and it was announced that an excursion train would start from the Capital fit 8 o'clock on Tuesday morning. After a ride of two hours and twenty minutes, about the quickest time ever made from Indianapolis to Crawfordsville, the train reached the junction of the NA&C Road, where the visitors were met by our Council and citizens generally in carriages, and escorted through and about the city. Among the visitors were Mayor Macauley, Geo. H. Fleming, Gas Inspector, Augustus Bruner, Street Commissioner, and Councilmen Leon Kahn, T.C. Harrison Wm. D. Wiles, Wm. N. Weaver, Isaac Thalman; James McB. Shepard, Robert Kennington, Henry Gimber, Thomas Cottrell. John L. Marsee, and John Pyle, beside a number of citizens, among whom we noticed Wm. H. Loomis, David Gibson, Dr. Winslow, S. Pierce, J. B. McChesney, Treasurer Indiana Central Railroad, Andrew Wallace, John M. Maxwell, of the 1., C. & L. road, John Selmar, Rev. C. N. Sims, and others. The Press was represented in the persons of Will Pound, of the Journal, John H. Holliday, of the Sentinel, Wm. B. Vickers and John A. Finch, of the Evening Mirror. Accompanying the excursionists were were George Nebeker, E.M. McDonald; Dr. T.B. Elliott and George Glasscock, of Fountain county.

A pleasant drive through the principal streets of our delightful young Athens showing to the best advantage its avenues of shade, its gravel-paved streets and its beautiful residences to our visitors, not forgetting our sandy sidewalks, a halt was made in the front of the Richardson House where preparations had been made for the entertainment of the invited guests. Before the hour for dinner arrived the time was spent in social convivialities. At 2 o’clock dinner was announced by that prince of landlords, Zeb Richardson, and the jovial company of visitors and citizens sat down to a bounteous feast. The inner man satisfied, Col. Henry S. Lane, in behalf of the citizens of Crawfordsville, bade our visiting friends welcome to the hospitalities of our city. His speech was just such a one as none but Col. Lane can make. He was in his happiest mood and the shouts of applause which interrupted him were sufficient evidence that it was warmly received.

At the conclusion of his speech he proposed the following toast which was drank with cold water in cold earnest: "The Mayor of the City of Indianapolis." Responded to by Gen. Dan Macauly in a neat and appropriate speech. "The Press of Indianapolis." Responded to by J. H. Holliday, of the Sentinel, Will Pound, of the Journal, and W. B. Vickers, of the Mirror. "The Press of Crawfordsville." Responded to by C. H. Bowen, of the Review, and T. H. B. McCain, of the JOURNAL, and Geo. W. McWilliams . "The City of Covington."

Response by George Nebeker and George Glasscock. "The President of the I., C. & D. Railroad." Response by Col. S. C. Willson of the City Councilmen of Indianapolis." Response by Leon Kahn, T. C. Harrison, W. D. Wiles and others. Citizens of Crawfordsville."

Response by Gen. M. D. Manson. "The Present and Future of Indianapolis." Response by Dr. Winslow S. Pierce.

A short time now elapsed before train time when another jaunt was made over the city and out to the train to see our friends off. All expressed themselves as well pleased with their visit and returned home with increased good feeling toward our city and its citizens. It is due to say that our City Council, composed of Maj. L. A. Foote, Wm. S. Galey, James Riley, Samuel D. Smith, Wm. Epperson, and James F. Watson, together with the City Treasurer, Wm. Burbridge, and City Attorney, J. Willson, spared no pains to render the visit of our friends from abroad a pleasant one.