Erected in 1904 at the corner of North Main and East Council streets, the Ford Hotel was billed as providing the latest in fine accommodations. The first floor included the post office and the Friendly Cafeteria, which drew many customers. The second and third floors were rooms for the hotel. When this photograph was taken in the 1920s, the 1912 addition to the left already was in place. Later, the hotel became known as the Earl, then the Bates. It was demolished for a parking lot in 1979. This photograph came from the Post’s files.