The Wright Hotel, at the corner of Market Street and Second Avenue, has been an anchor in the Chatsworth Historic Business District since it was built in 1909. Today, the one-of-a-kind structure is a property of the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society and is twice listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s a very important place, and not just to Chatsworth.
In August lightning struck the north dormer of the three-story building, and those who are responsible for preserving it are raising money for repairs and regular operation. Donations have paid the deductible, the insurance company has done its part, county Commissioner Greg Hogan provides a grant every year, and the city of Chatsworth assists with maintenance and mowing. New windows were already in the making before the lightning damage, these paid by a gift from the McDaniel Family Foundation.
The hotel has been a busy place since the spring events on Super Museum Sunday and the Model Train Expo held in conjunction with the Chatsworth Depot. Tea with Mom in May was again a success, and private rentals and the summer Second Saturday openings have brought a few hundred visitors to the site just in the last few months.
Twice-a-year Porch Sales bring in more of the money needed to preserve and operate the property through the year. The next such sale is set for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The upcoming sale is even more critical in light of the storm damage, rising utility costs and annual insurance premiums.
The goal for this sale is $5,000. Already, potential sale items are coming in from donors in both Murray and Whitfield counties. Customers can expect the usual variety of vintage pieces, household items, tools, furniture, antiques and collectibles in the Porch Sale, even a beautiful pump organ.
Volunteers will spend the first part of sale week unpacking, sorting and pricing things for the sale. They look forward to seeing regular customers as well as meeting new ones. As always, the garage will be open for the popular used book sale that will also have treasures galore at bargain prices. The hotel has a pretty large porch, so it promises to be a pretty big sale, too.
For more information, check out the Wright Hotel’s Facebook page where pictures will be posted just prior to the sale.
Submitted by the Whitfield-Murray Historical Society.