The Harrington Hotel opened in 1896 and has hosted several famous people. It was also used as the location to kick off the beginning of the Wills Ste. Claire automobile production.
what can i see today?
The Harrington Hotel building is still standing today. Address: 1026 Military, Port Huron, MI 48060
The story
The Harrington Hotel was host to many famous people throughout its life. It became the premier location that any dignitary would spend the night in while visiting Port Huron. The guest list had many notable and famous people including the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and future President Harry S. Truman. Truman and his wife Beth spent part of their honeymoon at the hotel after his duty in World War I...
Another visitor of note was C. Harold Wills who had been Henry Ford's chief engineer. He had left Ford to start his own company manufacturing the Wills Ste. Claire automobile in nearby Marysville. A celebration to commemorate the new venture took place at the Harrington around 1921..
A dealership for the vehicles was just down the street...
You can learn more about C. Harold Wills and his company here.
