The Hotel Whitcomb: The Jewel of the Midwest

By Tim Moore, History Instructor, Lake Michigan College

From a log lodge to an opulent hotel under different names, the Whitcomb has a long and rich history. The Whitcomb recalls mineral baths enjoyed by scores of people, a moving sidewalk, a breath-taking view of Lake Michigan, more than 200 hotel rooms, a dining room for 800 guests, a Marine Bar resembling a ship, and visits from such notables as Eleanor Roosevelt, Ann Landers, and Duncan Hines. And let’s not forget “Polly Whitcomb,” the talkative parrot. Please join us for a look at the history of the Whitcomb, the “Crown Jewel” that made the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.

Since 2003, Tim Moore has been a history instructor at Lake Michigan College. His courses include American History, including the Civil War and Reconstruction, the History of Modern East Asia, and Western Civilization