Wauchula, April 22 - The Hotel Simmons and adjoining buildings on one of the main business blocks in Wauchula were saved from what would have probably been a disastrous fire Monday afternoon by the aid of the city's new fire engine and the strenuous efforts of the crew and citizen volunteers.
     An old wooden building, in which the fire started and which was used as an annex and store room for the hotel, was burned almost completely, the interior being gutted and the roof and much of the outer walls being destroyed.
     The woodwork of the main building on the burning side was also damaged to some extent. The fire is supposed to have been started by a burning cigarette. The flames had gained good headway before discovered.
     The new engine enabled the crew to keep several high pressure streams playing on the flames and prevented its spreading.
     Frank H. Simmons, owner of the Hotel Simmons, is the heaviest loser. He estimates his damage between $4,000 and $5,000, which was partly covered by insurance.
     The buildings, which are owned by the Bank of Wauchula Building association, are also insured.

     At a cost of approximately $100,000 the new Simmons Hotel will be ready for general occupancy within the next fifteen days, according to the proprietor, Frank H. Simmons.
     Mr. Simmons has spared no expenses in giving to Wauchula a hotel which is by far the best this writer has had occasion to visit in some time. There may be others in the state that are larger but none where the appointments and furnishings are any better.
     Plenty of ventilation and light have been on the uppermost thoughts in the minds of the builders, and this is exemplified strongly in the main dining room and the lobby. In the main dining room are eighteen large windows with finely built arches surrounding the sets.
     The same applies to the main lobby. Each room is an outside one with plenty of windows and arranged in such a manner that each room will have an adequate supply of light and fresh air.
     Another feature of the new hotel is the fact that on each floor will be placed a large coal stove, and in each room will be an electric heater.
     While there are very few days during the year that heat is necessary, Mr. Simmons has made arrangements so that on cool nights the hotel will be warm and comfortable and guests liking additional heat can have it by use of the individual electric heaters.
     In the main dining room and the lobby will be found large open fireplaces, and, naturally, these will add to the general attractiveness of the place.
     In fact, the entire new building has been designed to make the guests feel at home and truly comfortable.
     Interesting features of the main building include the fine large veranda in the front. On this will be placed a number of large easy chairs, and guests can use it for lounging and playing cards or any other form of amusement.
     The entrance to the hotel is unique and follows out the old colonial style, with large colonnades and brass rails. It is an original scheme with Mr. Simmons and shows off the hotel to advantage.
     The lobby is one of the largest found in the state and will amply hold scores of guests. In this will be placed large reclining chairs and divans so that guests and visitors may feel comfortable. The desk will be modern and original.
     All modern conveniences are located adjacent to the lobby. These include reading rooms, writing rooms, rest rooms, and other conveniences.
     The dining room has a seating capacity of two hundred people. This is one of the finest in the state and is completely equipped throughout with all modern devices for handling food.
     The kitchen will be thoroughly overhauled and renovated and will be sanitary and up-to-date. Mr. Simmons has spent considerable time and thought in giving to the guests fine, clean food, and his kitchen is a model for any hotel to follow.
     The rooms, 100 of them, are of the latest type. Each room will have running hot and cold water, and many of the rooms are equipped with private baths. The bath tubs are built in, and other features are equally as good.
     The present dining room will be used as a sample room.
     An interesting feature of the hotel is the third or “Stag floor.” On this floor will be housed nothing but men, and they can make themselves completely at home. There are two large shower bath rooms on this floor, and it is the opinion of the proprietor these will prove quite popular with the traveling man.
     Adjacent to the lobby is located a large conservatory where all the largest variety of ferns and flowering plants will be located. Naturally, this will add to the general appearance of the building and give the lobby a semi-tropical appearance.
     In keeping with the spirit of beautification, the grounds north of the hotel will be planted to flowers and plants, and when the grass has completely covered the place, it will be used for lawn parties and the like. The guests can also have chairs placed on the lawn in the evening.
     The trimming in the hotel lobby and the stairways show that the contractors have given considerable thought to beauty, as well as comfort. Artificial tile has been used throughout. This presents an interesting appearance and is in keeping with the general beauty of the building.
     In the rear of the building is a modern fire escape, which can be lowered to the ground in a few seconds. It is so equipped that each floor can be emptied within a few seconds. This naturally adds to the attractiveness of the building and to the general safety of the guests.
     The front of the building is of brick and stucco and presents a semi-Spanish effect.
     The plans were drawn by Leo Elliot of Tampa. The building is being constructed by Contractor E. D. Roberts under the personal supervision of Mr. Simmons. The lumber was furnished by the Bloodworth Lumber Company.

Afterword: The Simmons Hotel was located in the back of the Carlton Bank on 5th Avenue, Wauchula, Florida. The original Simmons Hotel, a two-story brick building, was constructed in 1914. The structure, here described, with a third floor, was formally opened on March 12, 1925.

Hotel Simmons, 1925

The above article, "Hotel Simmons Of 1925," was published in The Herald-Avocate (Wauchula, Fla.) of May 3, 2001.

Thursday, May 03, 2001 & photo Friday, April 24, 2009, "Wauchula Saved From Fire Menace," was added on Monday, March 7, 2011.