𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑱𝑬𝑭𝑭𝑬𝑹𝑺𝑶𝑵 𝑯𝑶𝑻𝑬𝑳 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙤𝙢 Fun facts about The Jefferson Hotel: - October 31st, 1895 the doors opened to the public (on Halloween ) The Jefferson has welcomed visitors and served the city’s residents as a gathering place for social, business and charity events. -The Jefferson has also been credited with introducing the “trunk rest” which was a small stand for guests to rest their suitcase or trunk for unpacking and packing. -In 1901, a defective wire started a fire that demolished three-fifths of The Jefferson. Major reconstruction was required in the portion facing Main Street. Citizens and politicians including Richmonders James Dooley (Maymont) and Joseph Bryan (Bryan Park), decided to restore the hotel before visitors started arriving in Virginia for the 1907 Jamestown Exposition. - Alligators were donated as pets to the hotel. The last alligator, named Old Pompey, remained at The Jefferson until he died in 1948 - The film “My Dinner With Andre” by Louis Malle was filmed in the Ballroom. (Highly recommend watching) - Many reconstructions took place. In 1983 glorious stained-glass windows were retrieved from storage and refurbished. Decorative carvings on ceilings and gold-leaf ornamentation were carefully restored. Layers of paint were removed from walls to reveal mahogany paneling and from exterior columns to uncover pure marble. Original wood and marble floors were cleaned and polished. Colors and motifs were brought back to their former beauty.