Home
The Montague Inn--Captivated by Its Beauty
by
Kayla Carruth

Standing outside this exquisite building fills me with anticipation. The sign for the historical inn greets me as I walk by, and leaves cover the well-groomed grass in a sort of geometric form. Upon entering the Montague Inn, I am greeted by a semi-circular staircase winding down to my feet in a most inviting way. The staircase's plush sea-green carpet seems to whisk me away almost as soon as I begin to climb. As I ascend the staircase I notice a candle-shaped chandelier hanging ever so gently above the receptionist's head.

" Good Morning, Kayla, and how are you?" Joan, the receptionist, asks.

" Fine," I reply. "How are you this morning?"

Good, and you know we have two weddings this weekend, so you'll have to tour quickly," Joan told me as I continued to walk up the stairs.

Before I started the second set of steps I stopped to gaze out the window at the Montague Inn's courtyard, which is large and so spacious. Six circle-shaped wrought iron tables, with four matching chairs each, sit on the brick-paved area. Purple pansies are draped along the iron fence that separates the brick- paved area from the beautiful grassy yard. Five trees are arranged in the yard in a very spacious way. All are in front of the house, and they seem to be in a C-form. The five sit waiting patiently to greet any and all that come their way. The full window
I am looking out of is several inches taller than I am and almost three times as wide. This window that has me so captivated also has two thin bookcases on either side. The bookcases each hold eight books, books that I imagine the Inn's original owners would read while sitting out on the gorgeous window balcony. Along side the bookcase is a simply beautiful clock that is waiting for the next hour, when it will move its lovely hands to another number.

The next set of steps brings me directly to the second floor. The second floor holds such rooms as the Mary Sage. A few steps further and I see the Montague Suite. The second floor is filled with nine rooms, four of which once housed the hired help. The hired help's section was in the back, near the stairs leading to the third floor. Each bedroom is filled with a single twin bed, a chair, and a private bathroom. Their private bathroom only held a toilet and a sink to wash in. In the lounge area of the hall sits a couch that is facing a gigantic window with a view that is just amazing. The hired helps’ quarters are small and yet cozy at the same time. There seems to be just enough room for one person in their entire quarters and yet four people lived here.

As I enter the second floor hall again the paintings that adorn the walls are of the 1700's, I believe. The most appealing one to me is the painting on my left side. It is a portrait of seven women, some standing, some sitting; they all have on beautiful dresses, and their hair is pinned up in sort of a bun style. They sit fanning themselves as if is was a hot summer day, and the interesting thing about this painting is that they all seem to be unhappy. Here they are sitting in the most beautiful room ever, and they aren't happy. I guess no matter how much of something or everything you have that doesn't guarantee your happiness.

The third and final floor is my favorite, so peaceful and quiet. The two beautiful chairs sitting next to the four-sectioned window are absolutely beautiful and soft. They are patterned with yellow, blue, green, and red strips and dozens of flowers. A rather large coffee table stands on the far-left wall. On top of the table sits a large glass vase that is filled with a fragrant bouquet of flowers. Above the vase are four pictures on the four seasons. As I begin to walk down the hall the first room that I come to is entitled the Goodridge Room. In this room is a full-sized bed, a couch, and three average size windows placed equally about the room. Next is the Burt room, which can either hold a king-size bed or two twin beds. The room is a rather small room compared to the others--for so much furniture in it, but all the more comfortable. Down the hall from the Burt room is the Burt Bathroom, a bathroom large enough to be considered another bedroom.

Isolated in the very back of the hall is the room of Robert Montague II. This room has got to be my favorite room in the entire house. It sits alone and away from the rest of the rooms. There are four windows in the dark room, two on the left wall and two on the right. When entering this room the first thing you will notice is the 11 x 13 picture of a small boy, about the age of seven, above the fireplace. It is a scary picture to just sit and stare at, but still it is extremely intriguing. Across from the picture of the boy and directly above the bed is a picture of a woman, a young woman who couldn't possibly be in her 20s , but not a teenager either.


Suddenly, I hear voices and realize I must finish up my tour. As I leave, I realize the Montague Inn is the most alluring place that I have ever laid eyes on. The walls, the decor, the staircase, the pictures--their beauty leaves me simply captivated. All of this and more is why I choose this beautiful place to visit.. Most of the people in Saginaw have never even heard of the Montague Inn, let alone seen what it looks like inside. Its history alone has been stored inside the house for decades, and its upkeep is impressive. To be able to just dine there for one night would just leave me filled with exhilaration. I would recommend that every one at least visit this beautiful historic place, instead of just driving by each day.
 
The written and visual works in Mid-Michigan Remembers-Stories about Us were chosen on the basis of their quality, diversity, community interest and appeal. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the College. This space is provided as a service by Delta College.