[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 114 (Monday, July 9, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S4841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HOTEL WOLF

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the 125th 
anniversary of the Hotel Wolf in Saratoga, WY. Known as the Grand Old 
Lady of the Platte Valley, the hotel, which was once a hub for tie 
hacks, railroad workers, and miners, has a rich legacy of service.
  Hotel Wolf was established in 1883 by Frederick Wolf, a German 
immigrant. In 1869, following his service as a soldier in the German 
Army, he and his wife, Christina, came to America. He worked for the 
Central Michigan Railroad before moving during the westward expansion. 
Wolf was a foreman for the Union Pacific Railroad in Rawlins, WY. In 
1887, Wolf moved to Saratoga, seeking relief from rheumatism in the 
community famous for its local hot springs, which were believed to own 
curative properties. It was here he conceived, built, and operated the 
Hotel Wolf.
  Wolf christened the building with a masquerade ball on New Year's Eve 
and opened for guests January 10, 1894. The building quickly became a 
popular local watering hole and destination for travelers moving 
through the area. In addition, it was a stop along the C.M. Scribner 
stage line, which ran between Encampment and Walcott. Today, Frederick 
Wolf's great-great-grandson Neil Gorsuch serves with distinction as a 
U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
  Although the hotel has seen a number of changes since its opening, 
its ownership has changed hands only five times. Several years after 
Wolf's death in 1910, the hotel was sold to George ``Baldy'' Sisson, 
who changed the name to Hotel Sisson. In 1937, Earl Moore purchased the 
property, returning the hotel to its original name. Earl died in 1947, 
and his wife, Mary, continued operations for the next 30 years. Under 
Mary's leadership, the Hotel Wolf was listed on the National Register 
of Historic Places in 1974. Finally, in 1977, Mary sold the property to 
Doug and Kathleen Campbell and partner Michael Self. The partnership 
ended in 1983, and Doug and Kathy became the hotel's sole proprietors.
  The Campbells have been remarkable stewards ever since. Like Mary 
Moore, they strive to preserve the architectural integrity of the 
building. Every renovation or upgrade enhances the hotel's spirit of 
Western heritage. Guests who stay often remark on the authentic decor 
and friendly staff. Their excellent hospitality was rewarded with the 
2018 ``Big WYO'' Award from the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant 
Association and the Wyoming Department of Tourism. This year, the 
Campbells will celebrate 41 years of hotel ownership. In 2017, Doug and 
Kathy celebrated 50 years of marriage. These milestones are certainly 
worthy of recognition and praise.
  The Hotel Wolf has several exciting events planned in honor of its 
125th anniversary. In addition to a commemorative menu, vintage 
merchandise, and a family photo gallery, nationally recognized author 
C. J. Box will host a signing of his latest book, ``The Disappeared.'' 
The book references room No. 9 of the historic hotel. Box, who owns a 
cabin in Riverside, WY, is well-known throughout the Platte River 
Valley, having served as the director of Saratoga's Chamber of 
Commerce.
  It is an honor to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Hotel Wolf. 
I share my thanks with Doug and Kathy Campbell for their incredible 
stewardship of this historic gem. I am certain their children Jason and 
D'Ron Campbell, Judd Campbell and Nora Asbury, and Meghan and Torrey 
Pedersen--as well as the memory of Kirsten Campbell--are equally as 
proud. Doug and Kathy also have seven grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Jaden, 
Douglass, and Anthony Campbell, Burgan and Ava Campbell, and Simon 
Pedersen.
  I invite my colleagues to visit the Hotel Wolf and Saratoga to 
experience all that the remarkable Platte River Valley has to offer.

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