Palestine, Texas- In honor of the 100 years of Palestine and Texas History at The Redlands, a centennial celebration will be hosted in conjunction with the 77th Annual Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration, March 19 – 22, 2015.
Located in the center of downtown Palestine, The Redlands has been an iconic building for 100 years. In 1914, a group of interested local investors pooled their money to open the finest hotel outside of Galveston. The architects used the most innovative and fire resistant material of the time, concrete.
The Redlands Building opened with fanfare and excitement in 1915. Lavish parties, community meetings and overnight guests from the train would grace its doors for four years. In 1919, it was purchased by the International & Great Northern Railway to be their headquarters. Hotel rooms and public spaces were renovated to be offices for the railroad. A few changes were made to the interior during the railroad occupation, but the basic structure has remained the same for 100 years. The railroad moved its headquarters to a new building in town in 1956.
The building was left unoccupied and waiting for 21 years, until visionary co-owners Jean and Norman Mollard and Robert Laughlin purchased the property and began to bring the grand dame back to life. For nearly 38 years, they have lovingly restored the exterior and common spaces, creating a multi-use building of apartments and commercial spaces. They kept the details that make the building stand out, the delicate tile work in the lobby that was crafted by Italian artisans, the amazing skylight on the second floor and the historic charm of the Renaissance Revival style of the building.
Schedule of The Redlands Centennial Events:
March 19, 2015
4:30 – 7 p.m.- Ribbon Cutting ceremony to recreate the opening of the hotel in 1915 and its 100 years in downtown Palestine. Ceremony will include: Opening remarks, a reception and an introduction to historic exhibits prepared for the centennial celebration.
March 20 and 21
The Red Fire Grille Centennial Dinner Service
Located in The Redlands and one of Palestine’s finest restaurants, they will be offering a Pre-Fix dinner that has been chef recreated from the dinner served at the opening in 1915 in the dining room of The Redlands. Menu will be available on The Redlands website, reservations requested.
Like Red Fire Grille on Facebook to see regular updates.
March 19 – April 4
Daily“Life in Palestine in 1910 – 1919” Exhibits and Displays
Exhibits include:
- Palestine’s Past and Present – a video presentation, with several showings daily
- Life and Times, featuring exhibits of articles of the period which show life at the turn of the century
- Rail History and how the Railway helped Palestine grow in that era.
- Architecture Explained: How the building was built and the men and women who built it.
- Recognition of Palestine Veterans who served in WWI
- Redlands 2015 and Today: Will feature the building in its current incarnation with tours, featured apartment tour, and special events in the shops on the first floor.
The Redlands is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties and still serves as an iconic anchor to the City of Palestine’s Main Street District.
For more information visit their website at: redlandshistoricinn.com or pick up a brochure in The Redlands.
While visiting this iconic downtown location, make plans to enjoy the activities of the 77th Annual Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration March 20 – 22, 2015.
Centennial Weekend Schedule of Events for Texas Dogwood Trails:
March 21
Dogwood Trails Festival and Parade, featuring the “Dogwoods Through the Decades” Parade with floats and entries that highlight Palestine history. Parade is at 10 a.m. and starts at the courthouse, winds through downtown, right by The Redlands and back to the courthouse.
March 21
Cars of Palestine Car Club – Friday night Cruise-in followed on Saturday by the 30th Annual Cars of Palestine Car show and People’s Choice Awards.
For more information on the77th Annual Texas Dogwood Trails Celebration visit: texasdogwoodtrails.com or call the Palestine Chamber of Commerce at (903) 729-6066.
Like the Redlands Building’s Facebook Page to see regular updates or visit their website at redlandshistoricinn.com.