Once the Crown Jewel of Jackson: The Otsego Hotel, 1904-1972

The Otsego Hotel began life – sort of – in 1865 when a hotel named the Hibbard House was built on the site. It was just one of a handful of hotels that popped up around the busy Jackson train depot.

The Hibbard was an exquisite four-story establishment that was located at the corner of E. Michigan Avenue and Francis Street. When the 1900s hit, the Hibbard was becoming passe' and losing favor. It was finally torn down in 1901 and plans were set forth for a new hotel, one that would be "a strictly modern hotel in every detail."

The new Otsego Hotel opened on Saturday, April 9, 1904, named after Otsego Lake, New York.

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Soon the Otsego became known as the best place to stay in Michigan, second to Detroit. the hotel had:
Five floors
150 rooms
Long-distance telephones
Grand staircase
Mosaic tile floor
Cigar stand
Pool rooms
Barber Shop
Bar & grill
Shoemaker
Optical department
Florist
Men & boy's clothing
Jeweler

How much did it cost to stay?
$2.50 to $4 per night.

In 1925, one of the oddest events took place at the Otsego: a cat show was held by the Jackson Persian Society, where for three days, all the prize cats were supplied with refreshments that included catnip tea.

In 1929 an addition included six floors, 80 rooms, and a coffee shop called the Indian Inn. It featured waitresses wearing Native American headdresses, and other rooms included Native American designs and fixtures. The lobby was filled with cages that housed many tropical songbirds; but when the 1960s rolled around, that was all losing its splendor.

The Otsego was sold in 1972 to New Tribes Mission and in 1981 was turned into federally subsidized housing. Today it's the home of Otsego Apartments for senior citizens.

Scroll down to see a photo gallery.

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