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Point Clear - Part 1
Written by: Janet Pope
Photography by: Donald
A special spot for weary spirits... since 1847
We drove a few hours south of Montgomery, Alabama and suddenly water appeared. We were just a little southeast of Mobile outside of Point Clear on Mobile Bay, Alabama and the view of The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa was a welcome sight after driving on the highway. The hotel, indeed, lives up to its name; sitting majestically overlooking Mobile Bay.
We checked in and, happily, found that two sides of our suite had a panoramic view of the water, but we had no time to enjoy that now, for we would be off on a sunset sailing adventure on the Joshua. We were booked on a romantic sunset cruise that was based right in the Grand Hotel Marina and the hotel even packed us a boxed meal to enjoy.
We were welcomed by Captain Carol Bramblett, a warm and friendly person with "experience behind and adventure before," who decided one day to build a boat. Yes, not just to sail a boat, but to construct a genuine 72’ wooden schooner. She began building with the help of some wonderful friends in 1993 and nine long years later, the Joshua was christened and Captain Carol is obviously up to any challenge. I asked her "How did you know you could do this?" and her response was "I didn’t know I couldn’t do this!" I loved her instantly. We literally set off into the water spray to find a sunset.
It was a relaxing and fun evening. Those who wanted, were encouraged to hoist a sail or steer the boat, others just sat. For most, this was as close to adventure as we would get. For Captain Carol, sailing with friends, both old and new, is an everyday occurrence. When we returned a few hours later, we were as relaxed and peaceful as the waters on which we set sail. Don is not best known for his sense of romance, but the sea voyage must have unlocked something deep within or maybe it was the star-filled night because he suggested that we take a walk along the hotel boardwalk. After our busy, week we took a little downtime to sit in the piano bar and discuss the day. So far, we’ve only had a glimpse of the Grand Hotel and we liked what we saw; beautiful location, attentive service, and comfortable rooms.
After a good night’s sleep and a filling breakfast, we were anxious to explore the hotel in the daylight, but before we were set free to discover, we were lucky enough to meet Chester Hunt. Mr. Hunt is the treasured historian of the Grand Hotel. We sat down over a cup of coffee to have a chat; 83 years of age and he has been here since the hotel re-opened from furbishing in April 1941. Working from waiter to bell staff to historian, and, except for his time in WWII, he has lived the modern history he now relates. The hotel had its roots deep in 1847, as a 40-room hotel accessed by steamers. During the Civil War, the hotel was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. The graves of 300 are in a cemetery nearby, at the hotel’s Lakewood Golf Course.
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The current hotel was rebuilt in a star fashion, with three fireplaces in the center and was completed in 1941. Mr. Hunt served in the 3rd Army under General Patton, in Scotland, France and England. After the war, and after seeing the world, Mr. Hunt returned not only to Alabama, but to the Grand Hotel. During World War II, the hotel was closed to the public and was used by the Army as a training center. Throughout the years, the hotel grew larger and added one feature after another and even changed hands a few times, but Mr. Hunt remained.
People come here from all over the world. Everyday families, soon to be famous and those who are already well-known: Mrs. Thatcher, Colin Powell, The First President Bush and Dolly Parton. Chester has proudly greeted and served them all. After about 30 minutes, our time was up and Mr. Hunt had to return to his assignment. Our visit with this "elder statesman" had ended and we were richer for having met him.
Part 1- Birmingham
Part 2- Birmingham
Part 3 - Montgomery
Part 4 - Point Clear
Part 5 - Point Clear
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