Return to Reflections index page

From the Gowanda PennySaver News "Reflections" series compiled by Mary Pankow. issue date - October 12, 2003

Circa 1910

Moat's Hotel - During the heydey of Gowanda's passenger rail service, John Dankert establishes a hotel for travelers on what is now Commercial Street near the Erie Depot. Alfred E. Moats of Springville takes over operations of the hotel in 1903 and purchases it three years later, renaming it the Moats Hotel, shown in this postcard view of the era. Known as the Depot Hotel for several decades in the 20th Century, today it is the Riverside Lodge. Whether purposely or by coincidence, the design of the building somewhat resembles a railroad locomotive when viewed from across the street.    Courtesy of Phil Palen, Gowanda Village historian.