The Walton Hotel was open by 1886 after delays caused by a bricklayers’ strike. By the 1890’s “The Walton Hotel in Monroe was conceded to be the largest and finest between Atlanta and Augusta, and many a weary traveler washed his dusty face from its matched bowl and pitcher sets.
Its main floor dining room was exceedingly popular, and, in the adjoining sample room, drummers (salesmen) displayed their wares to advantage.” (Wayfarers In Walton, p.245-46).
By the late 1890’s businesses such as Mendel’s Atlanta Bargain House and McQueen’s Barber Shop occupied at least part of the ground floor. About the turn of the century, “The Walton Hotel was under management of Mrs. Ellis and known as the Ellis House. Traveling men would ride many miles out of their way to partake of this establishment’s excellent meals and enjoy the orderliness and hospitality for which it was noted” (Wayfarers In Walton, p.255).
On November 1, 1919, the Walton Hotel ceased to be a hotel, and was converted into a structure for stores and offices, a role it still occupies today. The Hotel building was sold to Troy Thomason, owner of the Cherokee and Troy theaters, in 1941 by John T. Robertson. George Cox, owner of Monroe Drugs, purchased the Hotel building from Troy Thomason in 1943 for $20,000. (Tribune, 1943.0924).
Monroe Drugs occupied the corner of the Hotel building for decades after buying out Poore & Lawrence Drugs about 1920.
Until recently, there was always a barber shop in the south end of the building occupied by Mr. Guest and J. C. Ash after Mr. McQueen.
Other long-time occupants include Carithers’ Jewelry and a pool room with different owners.
The historic Walton Hotel building was badly damaged during the downburst of 1993. Through the efforts of owner, Kenneth Murray the hotel was restored to its original beauty.
