Return to Glory
(Continued from previous page)

The Mount Washington runs in Jim Drummond's family. His grandfather was the hotel's property superintendent for 35 years, and his grandmother, father, brother and wife have all worked at the hotel. "There's just no better place," says the head of guest services, who started 31 years ago as a golf caddy when he was 13. He's been here ever since, hanging on through a number of owners, many managers and the tough years just before the auction. "Those were some strugglin' times," remembers Drummond, who took every prospective owner on a tour of the hotel. "I used to keep a little notebook, trying to figure out who might get it."

Like the rest of the staff, Drummond was thrilled that the hotel was purchased by locals. "We grew up here, so we didn't have a lot of pretenses about who we are or what we are," says Joel, who encourages employees with an idea or problem to knock on his door. He and Cathy can often be spotted walking through the lobby, talking with staff members or guests. And they've been known to don sneakers and work clothes and pitch in. "From our perspective, it doesn't make sense not to have a hands-on relationship with the property," says Joel. "We're too close and have too much of a love for the place and for our staff."

The effectiveness of this approach was reinforced last summer, when the partners announced that Joel would step into the corner office as general manager. "I nearly cried with relief," says Conway-Rizzo. The change followed the departure of a manager who had come to the Mount Washington from New York, bringing with him a slew of big-city hotel ideas. After a few months, it was clear, the fit just wasn't right, explains Joel, with typical forthrightness. "He had many strengths, but what was best for the local staff was what was most important to us and the hotel's future."

Joel and Cathy Bedor understand the soul of the Mount Washington Hotel. They know that a building--and the tradition that goes with it--doesn't survive on its own, that it needs people like Jim Drummond and Frank Angelini and other loyal employees--people, who, like the Bedors themselves, have caught the spirit of the place.

"I'm so proud of them and proud to be associated with this hotel," says Conway-Rizzo. "They really care about us as people and put that above everything else."

When my extended family decided to start a new holiday tradition a couple of years ago, we packed up and headed for the Mount Washington. On Christmas Eve, we gathered for dinner in the festive dining room, dancing between courses to big band versions of holiday classics. Gabe and his cousin, both just a few months old, stayed up late and fell asleep in our arms. On Christmas day, we settled in by the picture windows to gaze out at the stunning winter landscape. We sat by the fire and talked. We gave each other the most precious of gifts--time and attention.

This is what happens at the Mount Washington. You settle in. Time slows. You remember the important things. It starts as soon as you turn in at the end of the mile-long winding drive that leads to the entrance, feeling as if you've stumbled upon a small kingdom, a place apart. Each return visit is a homecoming of sorts.

Which is why so many of us keep coming back. For me, of course, no stay is complete without a walk around to the south verandah, checking as we go on the latest improvements. I wave to Jim Drummond, keep an eye out for Frank, and, now and then, I'll spot Cathy or Joel in the lobby. Outside on the verandah, our verandah, we stand, as we did on our wedding day, gazing at the mountains, watching for swallows--glad to know the grand old hotel is starting its second century in such good hands. ~