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Through the courtesy of Mr. H. V. Sturm an Epitaph reporter yesterday paid a visit to and made a brief inspection of the new hotel christened the grand which will be formally open for dinner this evening at five o'clock. The general size and character of the structure have been mentioned so often during the course of construction that further mention would be superfluous and we will confine ourselves to a description of the interior appointments of it. Passing into the building by the front entrance the first thing that strikes the eye is a wide and handsome staircase covered by an elegant carpet and supporting a heavy black walnut banister. Thence upstairs to the main hall, and turning to the right we are ushered into a perfect little bijou of costly furniture and elegant carpeting known as the bridal chamber. This room occupies half of the main front and is connected with the parlor by folding doors through which the reporter passed, and entering the parlor was more than astonished by the luxurious appointments. A heavy Brussel carpet of the most elegant style and finish graces the floor, the walls are adorned with rare and costly oil paintings; the furniture is of walnut cushioned with the most expensive silk and rep, and nothing lacks, save the piano which will be placed in the position shortly. On down through the main corridor peeping now and then into the bedrooms, sixteen in number, each of them fitted with walnut furniture and carpeted to match: spring mattresses that would tempt even a sybarite, toilet stands and fixtures of the most approved pattern, the walls papered, and to crown all, each room having windows. All are outside rooms thus obviating the many comforts in close and ill-ventilated apartments. Returning we pass down the broad staircase and turning to the left are in the office and reading room. Here we met Mr. R.J. Pyke, the polite and affable clerk, so well known to Yosemite tourists in California. The office fixtures are as is common in first class hotels and fully in keeping with the general character of the house. The dining room adjoining next invites inspection. Here we find the same evidence of good taste in selection and arrangement that is so marked a feature of the whole interior. Three elegant chandeliers are pendant from the handsome centerpieces, walnut tables, extension and plain, covered with cut glass, china, silver castors and the latest style of cutlery are among the many attractions of this branch of the cuisine. Then into the kitchen where we find the same evidence before mentioned; an elegant Montigin range 12 feet in length, with patent heater, hot and cold faucets, in fact all the appliances necessary to feed five hundred persons at a few hours notice are present. The bar occupies the east half of the main front and is in keeping with the general furnishings. Want of space prevents more than this cursory glance at the Grand and its appliances for the comfort and convenience of guests. A Grand invitation ball will take place this evening.
The Grand Hotel in 1880
Just about every building in this photo, including the Grand Hotel, were totally destroyed in the May 1882 fire
Rear of Grand Hotel in 1881/82. Third floor added on in 1881
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Tombstone Daily Epitaph Newspaper December 29, 1881
The Beginning of Troubles
"The Mysterious Room"
During the examination of the Earp-Holliday case before Judge Spicer there was a certain room in the Grand Hotel occupied by Clanton and his friends, the shutters of which were never opened like the others on the floor, which was a matter of frequent comment. The examination (OK Corral Inquest) before Judge Spicer was one of the most searching and thorough in the annuls of a justice's court, lasting as it did for nearly four weeks, with able counsel on both sides. The Judge, in a most clear and concise review of the evidence, held that the marshal (Virgil Earp) and his party were acting in the discharge of their legal duty, therefore very justly, discharged them. This event only the more intensified the cow-boy element, who now added to their list of proscription and death Judge Spicer, Tom Fitch and Mayor Clum. The blinds of the mysterious room still remained closed. About two or three days previous to the departure of Mayor Clum, a man, whose name can be given if necessary, happened to go into this den and found a man standing at the window with a Winchester rifle, full cocked, at his shoulder, drawing a bead upon someone on the opposite side of the street. (We should have before stated that for convenience of observation and other purposes a slat in one of the blinds had been removed). The new-comer sung out to the gunner, "What in h--l are you doing there?" He replied, "I'm going to shoot that d--d son of a b----, Rickabaugh!" It was Mr. Rickabaugh, partner of Wyatt earp in the Oriental Saloon, who was, unconscious of danger, walking down the opposite side of the street. The new-comer forbid the deed be done, saying, as reported by Mr. Rickabaugh, "Don't you do that; he never injured us. He has only spent money for his friends, the Earps, and that is what either you or I would do for our friends.
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