Throngs attend 'The Burch' grand opening

Historically Speaking
By Jean Haworth

The major investor and builder of the ‘The Burch’ Hotel was John H. Kirby of Houston who began the process of financing the hotel construction in 1925.
Late in 1926 the plans for the hotel were finalized. Breckenridge had to raise a portion of the financing for the hotel project to move forward and by January, 1927, the hotel charter was finalized with three incorporators, who included H.C. Burch, Kirby’s son-in-law, S.P. Durham and Sara W. Davis.
As stated previously, ‘The Burch’ Hotel was initially conceived as a seven-story hotel.
The Elks helped raise the additional funds for another floor, which assured them a seven-year lease on the eighth floor.
Oil and gas investors also pitched in with additional funds for more floors and got a similar lease agreement for the ninth floor and the 10th floor Roof Garden. As a result of the additional funding, the hotel became 10 floors. The foundation had been constructed to maintain a 12 to 15 story structure.
The Burch Hotel prepared for the grand opening with the staff that included Clyde L. Betts as manager and Mrs. Lottie Jordan head of housekeeping. George E. Dardon was the manager of ‘The Burch’ Hotel Coffee Shop.
The Hotel Coffee Shop had two marble counters for breakfast or lunch service, with eight seated at each counter. Additionally, there were 18 tables with linen tablecloths.
The hotel day clerk was Perry Pittman and I.V. Daniel the night auditor. I.L Birdwell was the engineer and J.C. Bennett was the hotel chef.
H.C. Burch was president of the Burch Hotel Association that had been established and Sam W. Davis was the secretary/treasurer.
New linens were provided for the hotel by the S. Segal & Co. of Breckenridge and the Home Laundry would provide their services to keep the hotel in clean linens. The Home Laundry was located at 206 W. Elm.
The lobby of the hotel was decorated in a Spanish style with Terrazzo floors, wainscoting, wrought iron fixtures and large overstuffed chairs and couches graced the lobby.
The clerk and cashier operated in the southern extreme of the main lobby. There was a cigar stand operated by I.H. Creager and Fred Crawford of Mineral Wells.
The lobby of the Burch Hotel could be approached from the north side on East Walker and on the west side on South Breckenridge, with the lobby stretching out over 40 to 50 feet exclusive of the foyers at the two entrances.

Elkview man files acceleration suit against Toyota

CABELL COUNTY - An Elkview man has filed suit against Toyota, alleging the company manufactured a defective vehicle that killed the man's father when it unexpectedly accelerated, running the dad off the road.

Jeffrey G. Messinger claims Harold H. Messinger was driving a 2001 Toyota Avalon north on West Virginia Route 2 on June 23 when the vehicle suddenly sped up, making it difficult, if not impossible, for Harold Messinger to control.

"The car left the roadway edge on the right side near the intersection of 3 Mile Road," the suit filed Aug. 2 in U.S. District Court states. "The car traveled approximately two hundred and fifty feet through a grassy area then vaulted over an embankment. The Toyota Avalon became airborne, struck a tree limb, and began to roll. As it rolled, the car struck a telephone pole and came to rest on the east roadway edge of West Virginia State Route 2."

Before his death, Harold H. Messinger suffered extreme fear and mental anguish, severe bodily injuries and extreme conscious pain and suffering, according to the complaint. Harold H. Messinger died the same day of the collision and left surviving his children, Dorinda Loucas and Jeffrey Messinger, the complaint says.

Jeffrey Messinger alleges negligence against Toyota, saying the company failed to design a vehicle free from defects, failed to test the vehicle's acceleration system before putting it into use, failed to comply with all governmental rules and regulations, failed to warn those who would be operating the vehicle of its defective condition and failed to make proper corporate decisions.

In addition, Jeffrey Messinger alleges product liability and strict liability, breach of warranty and fraud against the defendants.
In his complaint, Jeffrey Messinger is seeking compensatory damages of more than $75,000 and punitive damages of more than $75,000, plus other relief to which he may be entitled.

Dwight J. Staples and Gail Henderson-Staples of Henderson, Henderson and Staples in Huntington will be representing him.

Stanley M. Chesley, Robert A. Steinberg and Terrence L. Goodman of Waite, Schneider, Bayless and Chelsey Co. in Cincinnati will serve of counsel.

U.S.