WILLARD'S OF WASHINGTON

The story of The Willard Hotel, later The New Willard, covers 105 years (to 1953) and is a friendly tale of VIPs, Washington, political affairs and colorful innkeeping. From Mr. Strother's establishment on the same site, through its pre-famous days, and on to the time that Henry Willard was hired to run the hotel, this follows the continuing popularity of what was to be an international guest house. Willard, a Vermonter, who had been a steward on a Hudson River boat, had plenty of go-get, ideas of service and a determination to win a satisfied public, and he built a worthwhile reputation. Presidents, the military, foreign emissaries, society, entertainers, all are on the register; wars have played their part (one Willard married a Confederate woman spy); the turn of the century marked further changes and today's owner has plans for the future. A sidelight on the Washington scene, this is amiable social history.