Do you have fond memories of attending a special occasion at Williamsport's Genetti Hotel?
Over the years, thousands of local residents have held their wedding receptions, anniversary celebrations and birthday parties here, and the Lycoming County Historical Society wants to collect and preserve these memories.
This year, the Historic Genetti Hotel celebrates its 90th anniversary. With its grand opening in 1922 as the Lycoming Hotel, this hotel became Williamsport's premiere hotel for celebrations and hospitality, holding that distinction for many decades. Owner Gus Genetti continued the hotel's proud tradition of community service ever since he bought it in 1975.
Hundreds of organizations have held banquets, seminars, conventions and meetings at the Genetti. Visiting dignitaries have made the hotel their home away from home, as have Little League World Series volunteers. Celebrities have stopped in, attended meetings or stayed overnight.
Politicians like Gerald Ford, Barry Goldwater, Eleanor Roosevelt and Robert Kennedy have spoken here. Bonnie Raitt, Judy Collins, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Bill Cosby and other performers have stayed here after a show at the Community Arts Center next door.
In preparation for the hotel's anniversary celebration later this year, the Genetti Hotel is updating its historical story to be printed in August.
The Lycoming County Historical Society would like to hear your personal memories or see your memorabilia for possible inclusion in this important part of our city's history. If you have a story you'd like to share, call the historical society's Thomas T. Taber Museum at 326-3326 or email lchsmuseum@verizon.net by July 27.
