Share Your Story- Feb 24- Memories from 1942

Your conversion brings many memories. During 1934-1936, I was an enlisted man in the 2nd Coast Artillery at Fort Monroe attending the West Point Prep School. After I graduated from West Point in 1942, I attended the Coast Atillery School at Ft. Monroe and, through courtesy of Capt. George Rhoades (USN) then resident manager during the war, lived there during June and July with my new bride. It was hot! No air conditioning. I recall looking out across the water one night toward the Norfolk Naval Base and the surface was like a plate of glass. Not a ripple.

Submitted by: Wyley Baxter, Col.,USAF (Ret)

Share Your Story- Feb 24- Vacation Memories

My immediate and often extended family vacationed at The Chamberlin every year from the time I was 7 until I was in college. Ah, the memories. As an adult, I went back often. The last time I was there was October 2001, and security at Fort Monroe understandably was tight. I was one of a small handful of guests staying there and the only food available came from the vending machines. I'm not quite old enough to retire, but The Chamberlin certainly will be at the top of my list of places to check out when I do. I wish you great success!

Submitted by Jerry Stone
Roanoke, Virginia

Share Your Story- Feb 25- Hats Off

What a Grand job you have done in restoring this wounderful property back to its beauty. I can not begin to express the joy it brings not only to those who have grown up with the Chamberlin, but to those who have a special connection with it as well. My grandfather was dining room manager many years ago, My grandmother retired as comptroller after the Chamberlin was sold in 1999 and I worked as a desk clerk for 5 years. To be able to see the hotel brought back with so much thought over the historical importance as well as a need to be able to service others touches me and my family deeply. When you step off the elevator and see the tall columns, high ceilings, marble floors, the spectacular views from the dining room of the water and ships and then to be able to retire to your room at night looking thru the window at the moon reflecting off the water, it doesnt get any better. I would have never thought that some one would have been able to give the Chamberlin the face lift that she needed to bring her back. Hats off to all the men and women who have put a great deal of time, thought, and love into the Chamberlin so that many more generations can enjoy her beauty.

Submitted by Aaron Johnson

The Chesapeake Dining Room Comes Back To Life

Crews work this week to finalize fine details in The Chesapeake Bay Room. Visitors this week see new and exciting details as the building comes to life. Among them the original dance floor, solid brass chandeliers, sconces and fine architectural details. The Private Dining Room available for residents, thier guests and family members is almost complete with the same luxuries as the main Dining Room. Custom paint details are in progress on walls, trim and wainscoating. Sunlight bathes this space through the numerous restored palladium windows. Polishing on the terrazo flooring leading to the Dining Room will begin next week as well. A grand detail that brings back so many fond memories for Hampton Roads locals.

Today, state-of-the-art, stainless steel kitchen equipment arrives and is being placed in the vast gourmet kitchen. Around the corner, the Channel Bistro takes shape. The brick arches that define this space have been painted and soon the Coffee Bar will be in place.

Share Your Story - Best Friends Meet at Chamberlin Pool

In February, 1967 I participated in the Greater Peninsula SwimmingAssociation winter swim program. Our practice was at pool at The Chamberlin, which at that time, was the only indoor pool on thePeninsula. The pool was filled with salt water, had a lovely greentinge to it and burned yuour eyes. because swim goggles were yet to beinvented. It was at one swim practice that I met a tall girl, close to my age, who was a great swimmer. She and I shared a lane and at times, in order tonot do so many laps of butterfly, we would go underwater at the deep end and hide from the coaches. We were to become swimming soul mates. Several weeks after we initially met, I was riding my bike in my neighborhood and I saw my swim friend and did not understand why she was in my neighborhood. Afterall, I assumed that she lived in Hampton, not down the street from me in the Hidenwood neighborhood of Newport News. This was the beginning of what is now a 40 year friendship. My "friend" Jane, moved back to Newport News a year and a half ago and lives less than a mile from me. While we have always kept in touch, were in each others weddings, we have not lived in the same town since we left for college in the fall of 1976. Jane and I reminess often about the Chamberlin and I cannot wait to show her the fabulous renovation that is being done on the infamous pool. It is no longer filled with salt water, and no longer has a deep end, but will be as beautiful as it was in its heyday. Jane and I to commemorate our 40th anniversary of meeting each other areplanning a weekend trip without husbands, significant others and children! The final celebration will be to have the opportunity to swimin the Chamberlin pool just one more time.

Hard Hat Tours Begin

The moment has arrived. Sue Moniak, Executive Director and Joan Woodson, the Chamberlin's Marketing Director are settled into what will soon become home to a lucky 2oo+ residents. The temporary Marketing Office is now open and hard hat tours have begun. The response has been outstanding and pre-leasing is now in full swing. With the first of the apartment suites already reserved we are encouraging all those interested to contact us today and schedule a personal tour.

Hard hats are required and construction is still in progress. However, a beautifully furnished two bedroom model is available to view along with several other of our over 50 floor plans. The Chesapeake Dining Room is quickly taking shape. The original dance floor has been restored along with all of the amazing architectural details and paladium windows. In fact, the historic areas which will include the Poe Library, Monroe Market, Channel Bistro, Piano Lounge, Officer's Club and much more have visitor's raving.

With each new visit a story or memory has been shared. We've heard countless recollections of school dances, special brunches held in the Chesapeake Dining Room and even first kisses shared on the rooftop. Read some of our favorites or share your own in the SHARE YOUR STORY section of our Web site.