Toledo Magazine: Hotel Victory

The Hotel Victory, a massive resort built to provide every comfort, was five-star before such a rating existed. Finished in 1896, the hotel occupied land on what is now South Bass Island State Park. The hotel was destroyed in a fire in 1919. The land which once was a vacation spot for aristocrats now has a different clientele: campers. The park offers 125 non-electric sites and 10 full service sites for those seeking a getaway. CLICK ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL PHOTO, START SLIDE SHOW.

Enlarge Aristocrats from the South were attracted to the Hotel Victory as a place to escape the heat and humidity. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE ISLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Enlarge Hotel Victory in its heyday on South Bass Island. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE ISLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Enlarge The Hotel Victory had three dining rooms that could seat 2,000 guests and served gourmet meals. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE ISLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Enlarge The pool on the grounds of the Hotel Victory was the firs coed swimming facility in the United States. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE ISLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Enlarge The massive fire that consumed the wooden structure in August of 1919 was visible as far away as Detroit. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE ISLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Enlarge The hotel, completed in 1896, changed hands several times and struggled financially. Legend has it the fire was likely intentionally ... PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE ISLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Ruins of the Hotel Victory on South Bass Island. THE BLADE

Enlarge Decorative pillars surrounded the bronze statue of Winged Victory in the hotel courtyard. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE ISLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Aging stone columns are among the few remnants of the original hotel property that are now part of South Bass ... THE BLADE

Enlarge | Buy This Photo One of the few visible remains of the Hotel Victory structure is the swimming pool. THE BLADE

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The site of the Hotel Victory is now South Bass Island State Park which welcomes campers. The campground has 125 ... THE BLADE

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The Hotel Victory swimming pool. THE BLADE

Enlarge | Buy This Photo Nature has reclaimed the 33 acre site which was once occupied by the Hotel Victory. THE BLADE

Enlarge | Buy This Photo The former Hotel Victory pool at South Bass Island State Park. THE BLADE