Our town HEART at pause…”the hotel”
Last Sunday when I drove by and noticed a shuttered and bleak silence emanating from the Atlantic Hotel I became seriously reflective. First feeling shock (OK, I had heard rumors), and then sadness, I then went on to consider the importance of this building’s history as it relates to the people of Berlin MD.
Early in my own history here, I remember immediately learning that “the hotel” was at the geographic center of town – furthermore, that it was the town “heart” – and certainly a strong social force! Phrases such as, “see you at the hotel”, “they are at the hotel” and “let’s hold it at the hotel”, became to this listener, almost everyday statements. If one wanted a good lunch or dinner on a dreary winter day, it could be found at “the hotel”. If a donation for a Town function or other good cause was needed, we could ask at “the hotel”.
Thinking about my own experiences then made me realize what a huge part the Atlantic Hotel has played in the lives of other town residents. Perhaps a quiet, romantic dinner here led to an engagement party on the porch, which then led to a toast during a summertime wedding reception and yet later to hosting a Christening celebration in the main dining room. Add to that the countless bereaved Berlin families who have held a reception after a funeral. “The hotel” has always been a dignified yet familiar place in which to hold the most serious rites of a Berliner’s life.
I’m sure too that if the walls could talk, we would learn of business conducted, political fortunes won and lost, angry words uttered and then hands shaken upon agreement – all within “the hotel”.
More than 20 years ago, it was with foresight and determination that a group of leading town citizens, “visionaries with pockets”, gathered to rescue and restore an already old building at the heart of Berlin – I’m asking that you please do it again!
