Yorktowne Hotel is the GOAT

Story and photos
by Kathleen Walls

The slang for Greatest of All Time fits The Yorktowne Hotel in York, Pennsylvania, in more ways than one since part of its over-a-hundred-year history involves a goat; the animal, not the slang.

History

This 1925 Historic Hotel of America began as a community-financed effort. In 1923, the York Chamber of Commerce decided the town needed a hotel and appointed a committee to raise the funds to build one. The committee had slogans, songs, and even a goat mascot for publicity. Its 265 volunteers split into four teams and competed to raise the most money. Within just seven days, the committee raised  $1,175,000 from 1200 investors, and the hotel designed by architect W.L. Stoddart was built debt-free.

At the closing dinner, the team that raised the most money won the mascot, a stuffed pygmy goat. Today, that goat mascot sits in a glass case over the hotel bar in the lobby.

Some of the Yorktowne Hotel's famous guests include Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher The hotel fell into disrepair and was closed in 2016 It reopened on January 31, 2023 under the Hilton Hotels' Tapestry Collection brand, after a $53 million restoration. A colorful mural on the inside wall shows two of the famous guests who performed here, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

Present Day Yorktowne Hotel

On the west side of the hotel is the brightly colored Rotary Club of York mural."Service Above Self" by artist Dan Hendrix symbolizing the club's more than 100-year  involvement with serving the community and the world especially children,

I stayed at the Yorktowne Hotel and loved my spacious room but even more I love the feeling that I was walking in the footsteps of many famous people.

The Yorktowne Hotel still maintains its historic features including the Graham Rooftop Bar with its spectacular view, combined with a luxurious feel and modern amenities. Looking over at night we had a spectacular view of the Court House Domes of the old court house on East Market Street.

The Davidson Lobby Restaurant and Bar

The Davidson Lobby Restaurant and Bar offers another dining option where you'll find everything from burgers and steaks to duck and shrimp for lunch or dinner. It's open for breakfast as well with choices from traditional egg breakfasts to Creame Brulee.

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