In 1917, the building shown above was originally a large hotel known as “The Big Stick”. While I am not aware of the reason why this hotel was called Big Stick, the somewhat scant promotional materials that we have do tell us a bit about this large structure. This image is part of the Stone Harbor Museum archives collection and here’s what little we know. Located at “97th Street near Second Avenue, lots 88, 90, block 97, 16 bedrooms, two daily dining rooms, billiard room, baths and modern conveniences. Rates $2 a day, American plan. Weekly and club rates. Everything brand new. House just completed”.
This second image is derived from a mailable post card most likely with the original proprietor standing in the front of the hotel. Most likely this card was produced and used for advertising purposes and was available on the hotel premises for correspondence and compliments of the hotel management.
Finally, this third more modern post card in color was printed sometime in the 1920s and we can tell according to the signage over the first floor front porch that this business establishment has taken on a new name and most likely new management. While the caption on the upper margin of this card obviously states “HASLET’S HOTEL”, the name actually shown on the front sign clearly reveals “HASLETT’S HOTEL” (notice Haslett’s is spelled with 2 letter “T”s).
Over the years and a couple of decades later, sometime during the latter 1940s, Haslett’s Hotel changed names and owners once more. The image just revealed shows the same building only bearing the name Sherwood House. This post card was mailed and postmarked in August of 1950. The caption on the reverse side of this card was designed printed for advertising purposes and stated the following: “SHERWOOD HOUSE – Mr. and Mrs. James G. Killian, owner-mgrs. All outside Guest Rooms. Central to all activities. Telephone 8-4841. 237 97th St., Stone Harbor, N. J.” The sender of this particular card penned a brief message stating the following: “Came here last Sat. for two weeks. Ideal.”
There is no question of the important role that hotels and apartment houses played throughout the history of Stone Harbor. We are indebted to those individuals who ventured to build and provide such accommodations for the many persons and families who enjoyed their time vacationing at Stone Harbor.