An interest in local history, a passion for storytelling, and several boxes of scrapbook items have all inspired me to create a place for gathering and sharing some of the history of The Saratoga.
As a kid, I remember the Saratoga as a most magical place- it was full of incredible sights and interesting people. I can still picture the unique antique decorations and hear the sound of the floor creaking under the dark red polka-splotch carpet. Pat, a favorite bartender, always hooked me up with a Shirely Temple with extra cherries- and Floyd was usually at the piano.
The Saratoga was always an important part of my family. In an interview with my grandfather, Bob Bushnell, he described it as one of the projects he was most proud of, and certainly the one for which he was best known. As small business owners in our community, many of our friends, colleagues and community connections have roots in The Saratoga.
The old hotel was an important part of the lives of many Caldwell residents, too. Many guests celebrated marriages and anniversaries, birthdays and proms, first dates and first jobs at The Saratoga. To this day, it is not uncommon for community members to share what an incredible loss it was to our community.
From matchbooks and coasters to photos and antiques, I’ve curated a good deal of items I’d like to share through this project. Just like Bob’s decorations, the story behind the items is what gives them life, so it is my goal to gather and document a good history of the place- especially the restaurant years- from anyone in the community that is willing to share.
Caldwell has changed a great deal over the years, and as the downtown comes back to life with new opportunities (there have even been talks of a new hotel!) I think it’s worth remembering this piece of its history.
What’s your Saratoga story?
J.P.