On August 16, 1918 Chandos Grimm, the elder son of J. W. Grimm shot and killed John Maidens at the spring house, though we will never know for sure, its alleged it was over a lady, Miss Person, they were part of a love triangle. The spring house was a popular spot for dances and public gatherings. It was said to bear the stain of his blood for years.

Shortly after the murder, people began to hear strange noises in the hotel and business rapidly declined

The Hotel operated through 1941. By the 1930's the depression had taken a toll on the Hotel's operation and the advent of World War II was the "death sentence." In the late 1950's the Hotel served as a coop to 12,500 chickens - not a very noble ending for such a grand structure!