PASCAGOULA -- LaFont Inn is seeing the largest number of people to ever come through its doors now that the landmark hotel is within months of demolition, which should begin in early 2011.
Owners of the hotel plan to add several features that will include a Hilton Garden Hotel, senior citizens living complex, and entertain-
ment center. Out parcels will be sold for retail outlets.
Within about 15 minutes some 200 people entered the hotel Dec. 9 for the first day of the liquidation sale, which is expected to continue January.
Residents and visitors along the Gulf Coast and across the state picked up bargans of historical and economic value -- fine china, sign for "The Den" lounge, inside doors and 25-inch color television sets for $49 plus state tax and a 10 percent liquidation premium (fee) that totaled $57.67, as well as armoire for $65 plus tax and premium.
Beth Johnston visited the hotel over several days, several times a day on the days she picked up crystal and other treasures, taking memories of times spent at the hotel.
"It's every sad," she said. "We ate a lot of meals here. We stayed in here for a lot of hurricanes."
While making her purchases, Johnston said her daughter-in-law put herself through college working at the receptionist desk.
Johnston was among the many people who wanted to purchase the LaFont Inn sign that graced the wall above the check-in desk in the front lobby. However, Dr. Jack Hoover, a co-owner of the hotel until earlier this year, bought the sign on day two of the liquidation.
It's been seven months since hotel owners served the last meal at the hotel, which had been the quarters of presidents and high-ranking military personnel, national statesmen .
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