This photograph comes from the collection of the Historical Society. It depicts the magnificent lobby of the Palatine Hotel circa 1910. Note the encaustic tile floors, the large walk in safe behind the desk with the stuffed owl on top, the curved stained glass window behind the safe, the ornate woodwork on the staircase and desk, the gas cigar lighter coming down off the desk lamp and the spittoon on the floor just in front of the staircase. There's also a display case next to the desk filled with cigar boxes. Although Newburgh had financial troubles and Urban Renewal was all the rage- at least for the government- it's hard to imagine how anyone could come to the conclusion that such a building was better off destroyed than given another chance.
Below is an image from the restaurant in the hotel.
