Colonial Hotel Famous
Throughout The Land
McKean County Democrat Thursday, August 15, 1946

Converted from one of the finest and largest of private dwellings ever erected in this section of Pennsylvania, the Colonial Hotel in Smethport is acknowledged by those who express pretence as one of the leading hostelries along the thousands of miles of U.S. Route 6.

Owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Monsch who purchased the hotel from the late Mr. Munn. In October 1941. The Colonial has progressed with the times. The numerous patrons of the Colonial benefit from the years of experience compiled by Mr. Monsch in this country and in his native Switzerland.

Mr. Monsch was born in Switzerland, on June 6, 1896. He received his training in the hotel business in the Union Heivella in Lucerne and after coming to the United States in 1921 he studied at the Lewis Hotel Training School in Washington D.C. His professional experience in the business included service with several of the leading hotels of Switzerland, England and Italy from 1913 until 1920.

After coming to this country he held leading positions in several of the better country clubs in the East and for several years was the purchasing agent of the Hotel New Yorker. For seven years he served as beverage manager of the Hotel Gotham in New York.

All of this diversifying experience accumulated in the better hotels of the world has given the Colonial an enviable position among hotel owners and operators. Not only is this reflected in the Hotel proper, but in the dining room as well. The Colonial dining room is noted for the tasty and delicious food served to a discriminating clientele.

The cocktail bar and lounge is fast becoming the meeting place of those who desire to drink their beverages in moderation. Located on the East side of the hotel, the bar and lounge is under the supervision of genial Carl Anderson. Here one may relax in a friendly atmosphere and enjoy a drink, expertly prepared.

The Colonial was built by the late Charles McKean, as a private mansion in 1905 at a cost of $50,000. At that time materials and costs were but a small fraction of what they are today. It was reported that Mr. and Mrs. McKean spent an additional $50,000 in furnishing their home. After the death of Mrs. McKean, Mr. Munn bought the property in 1931. Although Mr. Munn disposed of part of the furnishings and art objects in the McKean collection, many of the pieces are in use or on display at the Hotel today.