The Washington Duke Hotel- A History in Postcards

The Washington Duke, later known as the Jack Tar Hotel, was at one time a spectacular place to stay. Its only rival in Durham, as far as buildings go, was the Hill Building, later known as the CCB building. The Washington Duke though suffered through much worse circumstances. More on the history of this building can be found here.

Most recently it was the subject of a failed purchase and the subject of an article on modernism  here.

There is another Washington Duke Hotel. It is located on Duke University's property, adjacent to the golf course.

The original Washington Duke Hotel building was brought down by use of demolition explosives. It was kind of a big deal at the time. Buildings don't implode in Durham all that often.

Below is a sampling of postcards from over the years. Enjoy!

This one had "1960" written on the reverse. Note that it was hand stamped "Now the Jack Tar Hotel" over an existing Washington Duke Hotel postcard.

Note the Hill Building (111 Corcoran St) in the background.

Again, with the Hill Building in the background.

This one was postmarked 1925.

Basically the last incarnation of postcards-the skyway is visible between the Washington Duke and Jack Tar.