Everything changes. Fashion changes. Laws change. The weather changes (fairly often in some places!). It should be no surprise, then, that bed and breakfasts have changed a great deal since they first began popping up across the U.S.
The first Bed and Breakfasts were patterned after charming homestays travelers experienced while visiting Great Britain and Europe. Once travel became easy and affordable (or perhaps WHEN travel was easy and affordable) Americans backpacked and traveled the rails, many times choosing a cost effective bed and breakfast . Charmed by the warm welcoming hosts, comfortable, home like setting and the exceptional value…many people in the U.S. decided to “retire into innkeeping.
Let’s visit a mythical bed and breakfast, The Charlton House and see how it has changed since it’s first owner in 1970 to now.
Sometime in the late 60′s to early 70′s the Charlton house was opened by a couple, retired school teachers who spent their summers traveling Great Britain. Located in a small, seaside town on the east coast it had 4 guest rooms and 2 baths. Back then, sharing a bath was no problem…after all, that was just part of the experience in a B&B in Europe. The innkeeper had a television room where everyone could gather, visit and watch their favorite shows. The bookshelf would probably have a well used copy of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a few Stephen King thrillers and maybe even a copy of the racy, Valley of the Dolls. Music was vinyl and flipping through the creative album covers was half the fun. When the record “skipped” blowing the dust off the needle usually worked. Perched on the crisp, pressed, snow white doily on the nightstand was a giant clock radio and a lamp with an incandescent bulb. The full size bed was comfortable with fresh, crisp sheets, several warm blankets and a bright green chenille bedspread. (the 70′s were all about color) The innkeeper peppered the room with family photos, favorite books and even a small collection of her favorite porcelain dolls. In the morning guests could peer into the gold/avocado green kitchen and smell muffins baking and hear the bacon crackling. Coffee was Maxwell House or Folgers and OJ might not be OJ, but Tang…a favorite of astronauts. How did the guests find a B&B in the 60′s or 70′s? Guidebooks, almost exclusively. Armed with maps or a AAA triptick, they arrived at the door toting Samsonite. Communication was done by phone or mail. A stamp was 6 cents. Payment was cash or check. Gas prices were an issue and the gas crisis made for some very quiet weekends. It was expensive to fuel the large family sedans or those Dodge Chargers with 8 cylinder engines. Guests expected a charming innkeeper, warm homey surroundings and an ample hot breakfast…all at a bargain price. They were charmed by this alternative to modern, but sterile hotels and motels. Innkeepers loved welcoming new “friends” into their homes. Although the 70′s were all about change, the timeless values of warm hospitality were valued, even then.
Next, the 80′s and 90′s….but that is my next blog!
Very interesting post. I have been a Innkeeper for the past 11 years and I can totally relate to what you are saying about how things change with time. It is not only the guests and the BnB atmosphere now all about the experience and finding new ways to attract guests from not only the Unites States but all the the world.