Doubling Gap from 1848 to 1912

"The Prosperous Years"


Scott Coyle purchased the hotel and added an additional 40 by 100 foot three story stone addition which connected to the existing three story log house. Shortly after, another two story, wood frame wing was added on to the rear of the stone section. The new additions to the hotel could accomodate many more guests and served to be quite commodious over the the next 40 years.


In 1860 underground water pipes were laid from a springhouse about a half-mile up the side of the mountain above the lake that connects to the hotel. This elevated spring brought pure mountain spring water to the hotel with 100 pounds of natural water pressure. Indoor plumbing was then accessible from the hotel building without the use of pumps or electricity.


Guests enjoyed the hotel because it was completely surrounded by mountains and seemed to shut them away from the world. They liked the pleasant relaxation that the hotel and its surroundings provided.


In 1863, Mr. Coyle sold his established hotel business and 229 acre property to Peter and Daniel Ahl for $15,000. The Ahl's were very interested in stockpiling land and increased the hotel's land property to between four and five thousand acres.


In 1894, the Ahl brothers sold the Doubling Gap White Sulphur Springs Hotel to George A. Freyer of Philadelphia who took over personal management of the business. During his ownership, a large three-story wood frame wing was added--40 by 130 feet to the northeast side. In addition to this a three story 30 by 45 foot wwing was added to the northwest corner as well as a three story wood frame wing 40 by 50 feet was added to the southwest end of the stone portion to replace the original long frame structure.


Business was at its peak, accommodating as many as 1,000 guests a season. Families of distinguised persons including John Wanamaker, General Sutter, DuPont, and General Grant visited the springs.
Guests could enjoy: hiking and riding trails, hunting and fishing, swimming and boating at Lake Henrietta, picnicing and a recreation area including a bowling alley, tennis court, croquet grounds, and an outdoor pavilion for evening dancing. Inside the hotel entertainment was abundant with an orchestra, dancing, billards, card games, and other game type tables.


Described in its 1922 promotional booklet: Doubling Gap has no expensive artificial amusements. The visitor is not surrounded by catch-penny lures and blatant "attractions" as is the case in so many resorts. Naturally, therefore, there is little attraction for that type of tourist who seeks entertainment of the side-show variety. Lovers of the natural beauty, those to whom the wholesome pleasures of the great out-doors appeal, constitute the majority of Doubling Gap's patrons. Much of the charm of the hotel's social life is due to the congeniality engendered by the bond of common interest among its guests.