Inside the Oakley Court Hotel
(June 1985 -- by Durward Center)

Restored and converted into a luxurious hotel, the transformation beginning in 1979, the Oakley Court Hotel opened its doors to customers in 1982. Amongst the many ground floor rooms open to hotel visitors, of particular importance is the Stair Hall, because that is the room where the big 'Welte orchestrion once stood. Just imagine the elegance of the old Hall when the Welte was new, and its sweet music drifted throughout the manor house.

At left is the elegant Stair Hall as it appeared in June of 1985, when it was photographed by Durward Center. The large Welte style 5 Concert Orchestrion was situated on the wall to the left, opposite the lower staircase. It was sitting in an area just this side of the arched doorway, but that is not visible in this photograph.

Of the many elegant rooms on the ground floor, here is a peek into the Library.

Another room on the ground floor is the parlor, replete with this beautiful fireplace setting.