Bradley J. Bloodgood

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Bradley J. BLOODGOOD, the genial proprietor of Old Orchard Inn, at Woodport, on Lake Hopatcong, Jefferson township, Morris county, New Jersey, is one of the best known business men in that section of the country. He is a son of Francis and Clara (JAMES) BLOODGOOD, the former long retired from active business life, and was born in New York City, December 11, 1869.

His earlier education was obtained at the Friends’ School, in Brooklyn, New York, and this was supplemented by a thorough course at Bryant & Stratton’s Commercial College. Three years were spent in the optical goods business in Chicago, Illinois, and then his connection with hotel affairs, in which he has since become famous, was commenced. For a time he was with the Hotel Chamberlain, at Old Point Comfort, Virginia, then with the New Marlborough, in Massachusetts. Twelve years were spent in association with The Pouch, in Brooklyn, and in all these places he introduced original and effective ideas. He has made a thorough study of the wishes and caprices of hotel guests, and it is his pride and pleasure to forestall them. In 1910 he purchased property at Woodport, and there erected Old Orchard Inn on beautiful and picturesque Lake Hopatcong. The hotel is surrounded by large apple trees, and in this respect is appropriately named, and the structure in its rustic appearance appeals to all true lovers of nature. Since its erection, Mr. BLOODGOOD has twice been under the necessity of enlarging the original building, owing to the constantly increasing demand for accommodation, as the merits of the Inn become known. The building is constructed of long logs, with the bark un-removed, and is a two-story structure. The sleeping rooms are on the second floor, while the lower story contains large sitting rooms, parlors, billiard room, public and private dining rooms, a dancing parlor, etc., all furnished in a manner to promote the comfort of guests and suit the most fastidious taste. There is also a pavilion near the hotel. The art of the taxidermist is displayed in every part of the hotel, beautiful and interesting specimens of fauna and flora to be met with on every hand. The general appearance of the interior of the Inn compares favorably with the interiors of the finest hotels in the country. As far as location is concerned, there is no more beautiful spot in the United States. Lake Hopatcong is surrounded by virgin forest; the water of the lake is as clear as crystal, furnishing splendid bathing, excellent fishing, and is a constant source of delight to those who find pleasure in boating of various kinds. Thousands seek recreation here during the heated term of the year, and springtime, with its soft and numerous shades of green, its delicately tinted flowers, rivals autumn, with its more vivid and glowing colors, each being wondrously attractive in its distinctive way. While the additions Mr. BLOODGOOD has made to the Inn have resulted in increased patronage, this appears to be the rule that works both ways, for the constantly increasing patronage necessitates a steady increase in the size of the buildings. In connection with the hotel Mr. BLOODGOOD owns twenty-seven acres of land, and a private lake facing the hotel. In association with three others, he owns a tract of 190 acres with 3,000 feet of water frontage. The comfort and pleasure of his guests are matters of paramount importance with Mr. BLOODGOOD, and while the greatest attention is paid to all the more important matters connected with the conduct of the hotel, no detail is considered too insignificant to be given his personal attention, if it in the least affects the welfare of those whom he has in charge for the time being. Mr. BLOODGOOD is a man of pleasing address, and has the happy faculty of winning the confidence of those whom he meets, whether this is in business or social way. His New York residence is with his parents at No. 331 West Eighty-third street.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)