Biography of John R. Burns, 1898, Baker Co., Oregon
Surnames: Burns

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - April 2002
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Morning Democrat, 20 May 1898 Illustrated Souvenir Edition, Baker City,
Baker Co., OR; Bowen & Small, Publishers

JOHN R. BURNS

Mr. Burns is a native of Cardiff, South Wales, England, and a graduate of
Hammersmith's College, London. He has been a resident of Baker City since
1886, and became engaged in the hotel business three years later. Socially and
fraternally he is very popular, being an enthusiastic Elk and Knight, and an
amateur musician of some note.

Hotel Warshauer, John R. Burns, proprietor.

This popular hostelry occupies the most magnificent and costly building in the
city. It is a sourc eof pride to its inhabitants. The enterprise of our
business men could not be better demonstrated than to poin to this really
handsome building,w hich cost the sum of $65,000. Sixty-five thousand dollars
is a large sum of money - how large may be generally appreciated by taking a
general and particular glance at the building and its furniture which stands
as a property value for that amount of money. First we will observe the
building and its exterior. We see an imposing three-story brick structure,
occupying a quarter of a block. Throught he polished plate glass windows we
may observe the elegance of its interior before we enter for the admit so much
light it is quite as bright within as without. On entering we find that the
promise given of elegance in furnishings des not disappoint. On the first
floor is a fine office which is supplied with the usual accessories both for
clerks and patrons. Adjoining this we find a large commercial room supplied
with tables for writing, with pens, ink and paper, and the latest newspaper.
Adjoining the office, through a hallway, is the dining room, with a seating
capacity for two hundred people. Across the hall from the office we find the
sample room, where none but high grade godos are served by experienced
mixologists. The club room adjoins and on passing through an aisle we reach
the lavatories. The kitchen adjoins the dining room on the right. It is
provided with a competent force of cooks, and everything appertaining to it is
as cleanly as a well kept lawn. Any guest is at liberty to inspect the
kitchen, and the writer will guarantee he will find no refuse, except in a
covered box outside, made for that purpose, and which is emptied of its
contents daily. Ascending to the floor above, by either the elevator or a
spacious staircase, we find a number of elegant rooms, either ensuite or
single. They are furnished as completely as a home giving one a sense of
comfort not to be found in Oregon outside ofPortland. The parlor occupies a
corner of the building furnishing an excellent view of main streets. It
combines simplicity with elegance, and offers its own mute invitation to the
guest to enjoy its luxuries. The third floor is of the same general character,
the same cleanliness being observed there, as in all other portions of the
building. The building is provided with electric lights, hot and cold water,
bath rooms and so forth. It would not be amiss to speak of the five mineral
cabinets, three in the office and two in the sample room, as they comproise
the finest collection in the city. The "Arlington" Hotel, which is under the
same management, salso occupies one of the main corners of the city. It is a
two-story brick, with forty rooms for the commercial trade. The staff of help
amounts to twenty-four people, all under the personal supervisiono f the
proprietor.