November 1887 — The Highest Point of the Hotel
By November 1887, much of the exterior construction was complete. The highest point of the hotel was 120 feet (Ballroom tower, on the left). An artificial ice machine (producing 15 tons per day) was installed; a cistern was being constructed; the electric plant and laundry machine had arrived; and a “furniture parade” conveyed freight loads of furniture down Orange Avenue from the ferry landing on the bay. Manager John B. Seghers was back East hiring employees.