The Armstrong Mansion in Salt Lake City Innkeeper Blog

2012-04-09T14:59:00.001-06:00

The Armstrong Mansion, the amazingly romantic bed and breakfast in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah wants to wish everyone a very happy spring. If you happen to be visiting the Salt Lake area, please drop in and tells us here at the Armstrong Mansion bed and breakfast hello. We will take you on a free tour of our beautiful B&B inn and you can see the rooms that we have to offer in our bed and breakfast.

Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

How Do I Love Thee

2011-02-15T10:58:00.002-07:00

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints …
I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life!
—and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

If you are lucky enough to share Valentine's Day with someone special don't forget how blessed you are. We have a fun suggestion.

Write a paragraph on all, or a page on one, of these topics, put it in a card... Then watch the movie
1. "It seems right now that all I've ever done in my life is making my way here to you." "Bridges of Madison Co"
2. "I would rather have had one breath of her hair, one kiss from her mouth, one touch of her hand, than eternity without it." "City of Angels"
3. "When they ask me what I liked best, I'll say it was you." "City of Angels"
4. "I would rather be a ghost drifting by your side as a condemned soul than enter heaven without you" "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"
5. "There are only four questions of value in life. What is sacred? Of what is the spirit made of? What is worth living for? What is worth dying for? The answer to each is the same. Only love." "Don Juan DeMarco"
6. "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched, but are felt in the heart." "English Patient"
7. "Dancing is just a conversation between two people. Talk to me." "Hope Floats"
8. "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return." ”Moulin Rouge"
9. "I love that you get cold when it's seventy degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts. I love that after I spend a day with you I can still smell your perfume on my clothes, and I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night." ”"When Harry Met Sally"

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

SCARY MOVIES AND GHOST STORIES

2010-09-29T10:26:00.005-06:00

Last October the Mansion invited EVERYONE to join into a Halloween Celebration with us at a “Scary Movie All-nighter” on Halloween night.

We supplied the popcorn and drinks and everyone that came brought their favorite treat to share. Screams mixed with donuts, cookies, and candies as we spent the night watching the big screen in the parlor.

It was so much fun that we have decided to invite everyone back for a repeat. WHY LET THE KIDS HAVE ALL OF THE FUN????

Bring all of your family and friends…..and don’t forget your PJ’s and your favorite pg-13 scary movies (children are invited w/parents), we’ll have our movies.

ALL ROOMS $99.00 but please don’t scream too loud….you don’t want to wake up the ghosts!!!!

Speaking of ghosts, have you heard of the sighting of a mysterious young woman standing at a window of a room at the Mansion?

Mr and Mrs. Frazzle (name changed to protect the innocent) picked the July room for the cozy tub built into the gable of the home, and the very patriotic theme – after all even if it was their anniversary it was also the 4th of July. After they had settled in and unpacked for the evening Julie (changed to protect the innocent) and John (also changed) decided to go out for a bite to eat. When they reached the parking lot Julie wanted to find the gable on the outside of the Mansion. They walked around the side of the building looking up into the eves and finally found the gable they were looking for. There standing full in the window was a woman in a black dress with a white ruffled collar. Her hair was pulled up into a tight bun and her sad eyes were looking right at them. One moment she was there and the next she was gone.

Julie was upset…who was in their room? They returned to the front desk, and complained…

When we arrived at the July door it was still locked, and even more strange was that upon further notice, we found that the tub was too deep to stand in and be seen from the yard outside. She would have had to be floating over the tub and pressing tight against the window.

Julie and John loved their stay at the Mansion but will always remember her sad eyes.

That was our first encounter with Florence, as she waits and watches at the windows…for the return of her son.

Do you have any good Ghost stories from the Mansion? Please share them with us. I know there are some good ones.

See you on HALLOWEEN!!!

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Another winning story

2010-09-01T08:32:00.002-06:00

This past summer my wife Sandy and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary so I must have done something right inspite of this.

I proposed to her on Dec. 23rd, 1976 on the one year anniversary of my return from my LDS mission to South Africa which was a great date because I knew I would not forget it.

Now to back up a bit, I met her on September 9th at a $1 dance at the old Terrace Ball Room. At the time I was dating two very nice young women and I really did not need another girlfriend but there she was standing under a recessed light that formed a cone of light around her and I just knew I had to ask her for a dance. Well one thing lead to another and we danced a few dances, I got her number and the next day (Friday) I called her and asked her to go with me to a mall dance on Saturday of the next week. She said 'yes' and so the date was set.

The next Thursday, the 16th, I joined my friend R.R. (name withheld to protect the innocent) at the weekly $1.00 Thursday Night dance at the Terrace. To my shock and surprise there were the three women I was dating all at the same dance. One with her cousin, one with her roommate and Sandy with her brother. I was in trouble but R.R. had a plan and with him running interference and moving me around I was able to dance several dances with all three and keep them separate never knowing the others were there. So things would be okay. I recall R.R. saying something about any girl dating me must be a real sucker but I did not mind as I was not ready to settle down to one women and get married.

Things, however, took a different turn. Over the next two months I broke up with the other two (one in October and the other just before Thanksgiving and never did they find out about the others) and I started getting serious with Sandy. Unfortunately, she learned, from my 'friends' and some times via a 'pre-emptive strike' by me (including the Terrace Ball Room incident) about what kind of person/player I was/had been. She soon learned what she was getting into and she still fell in love with me. We started to talk about marriage and her going down to BYU and I could NOT let her go down there without a ring (I was going to the U of U at the time) as I did not trust those 'RMs' down there. So I had to propose but I was a struggling student, going to school and working. I did not have much money so I could only afford a promise ring in the shape of a butterfly with a tiny chip of a diamond in it. It seemed so small. So I had to do something and came up with what I thought was a fun and I thought romantic idea to propose.

I created a Christmas Stocking and invited her to my home where my parents had to discretely vanish from sight while we sat by the fire and talked etc. Finally I gave her the stocking and she pulled out the first small items then she pulled out a 'Fizz Pop' sucker (an subconscious warning??) that I had brought home from my mission. Taped to it was a pull top ring from a can of soda. Taped to that ring was a 'ten cent piece' so I got down on my knee there and proposed to her with 'this dime and ring'. She thought it was funny and we laughed and she still said “Yes”! In the bottom of the stocking was the ring box with the promise ring which she truly loved. About that time I let out a 'whoop' letting the house know she had said 'yes' and my family came out and congratulated us and we all laughed about my corny proposal though to this day I am not sure my mother totally approved.

Ten years later I needed to give her something special and by then I was changing careers, we had three children and were paying a mortgage so I found a trophy at a thrift store. On it were the two masks from Greek Theater, the comedy and the tragedy (smiling face and frowning face). On it I placed a typed paper saying

"To Sandy For service above and beyond the call of duty in putting up with Martin in good times and bad during 10 fantastic years of marriage.

With love from, her devoted and oft-times crazy husband and father of their three loving children.

This in lieu of the Nobel Prize."

23 years have passed since then and now we have 5 great adult children and are the grandparents of 2 and we are still going strong and she still (sometimes) laughs (or raises an eyebrow in deep concern) at my still off beat sense of humor..(and no.. I will not disclose what other things I have done over those years.)

The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Another great story

2010-08-20T13:57:00.001-06:00

This past summer my wife Sandy and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary so I must have done something right in spite of this.

I proposed to her on Dec. 23rd, 1976 on the one year anniversary of my return from my LDS mission to South Africa which was a great date because I knew I would not forget it.

Now to back up a bit, I met her on September 9th at a $1 dance at the old Terrace Ball Room. At the time I was dating two very nice young women and I really did not need another girlfriend but there she was standing under a recessed light that formed a cone of light around her and I just knew I had to ask her for a dance. Well one thing lead to another and we danced a few dances, I got her number and the next day (Friday) I called her and asked her to go with me to a mall dance on Saturday of the next week. She said 'yes' and so the date was set.
The next Thursday, the 16th, I joined my friend R.R. (name withheld to protect the innocent) at the weekly $1.00 Thursday Night dance at the Terrace. To my shock and surprise there were the three women I was dating all at the same dance. One with her cousin, one with her roommate and Sandy with her brother. I was in trouble but R.R. had a plan and with him running interference and moving me around I was able to dance several dances with all three and keep them separate never knowing the others were there. So things would be okay. I recall R.R. saying something about any girl dating me must be a real sucker but I did not mind as I was not ready to settle down to one women and get married.

Things, however, took a different turn. Over the next two months I broke up with the other two (one in October and the other just before Thanksgiving and never did they find out about the others) and I started getting serious with Sandy. Unfortunately, she learned, from my 'friends' and some times via a 'pre-emptive strike' by me (including the Terrace Ball Room incident) about what kind of person/player I was/had been. She soon learned what she was getting into and she still fell in love with me. We started to talk about marriage and her going down to BYU and I could NOT let her go down there without a ring (I was going to the U of U at the time) as I did not trust those 'RMs' down there. So I had to propose but I was a struggling student, going to school and working. I did not have much money so I could only afford a promise ring in the shape of a butterfly with a tiny chip of a diamond in it. It seemed so small. So I had to do something and came up with what I thought was a fun and I thought romantic idea to propose.

I created a Christmas Stocking and invited her to my home where my parents had to discretely vanish from sight while we sat by the fire and talked etc. Finally I gave her the stocking and she pulled out the first small items then she pulled out a 'Fizz Pop' sucker (an subconscious warning??) that I had brought home from my mission. Taped to it was a pull top ring from a can of soda. Taped to that ring was a 'ten cent piece' so I got down on my knee there and proposed to her with 'this dime and ring'. She thought it was funny and we laughed and she still said “Yes”! In the bottom of the stocking was the ring box with the promise ring which she truly loved. About that time I let out a 'whoop' letting the house know she had said 'yes' and my family came out and congratulated us and we all laughed about my corny proposal though to this day I am not sure my mother totally approved.

Ten years later I needed to give her something special and by then I was changing careers, we had three children and were paying a mortgage so I found a trophy at a thrift store. On it were the two masks from Greek Theater, the comedy and the tragedy (smiling face and frowning face). On it I placed a typed paper saying

"To Sandy for service above and beyond the call of duty in putting up with Martin in good times and bad during 10 fantastic years of marriage.

With love from, her devoted and oft times crazy husband and father of their three loving children.

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Contest and Funny Story

2010-08-17T11:15:00.007-06:00

Hello from the Mansion in sunny down town Salt Lake City!

Has everyone had a great summer? I hope so because it is almost officially over.
But we are here to relieve your stresses no matter what the season or need.
We have a contest going on right now with KDYL that I would like to open up to all of our friends.

The Mansion is looking for a few funny or romantic stories around the theme of family reunions, anniversaries, honeymoons or proposals. And we will be giving a free night’s stay every week through the month of August and September for the best ones.
They will be posted on our blog – so look for yours.

Our first one is from Tom Reynolds and he has not told his wife that he entered it so you might hear some protest over the Email lines, if that could be possible.

Thank you Tom and don’t forget to tell her that she won a free night’s stay at the Mansion. That might make it a little better for you.

In 1991 my wife and I had been married for 15 years and we had never gone on a honeymoon. In October of 1991, I had to take a medical retirement from my job as a police sergeant because I had scheduled surgery to have my right hip replaced.

In June of 1992, I had mostly recovered from my hip surgery and was down to walking with a cane. We decided to take some of our retirement money and drive to California to have the long awaited honeymoon we had never taken.

When the day arrived for our trip, we arose at 5 o'clock to get a jump start on the morning traffic. Our van did not have air conditioning, so we borrowed a small economy car from my folks which had air conditioning and was more fuel efficient than our van.

I pulled into the local 7-11 and filled the car with gas, then grabbed my cane and headed into the store to pay the clerk. Back then there was no such thing as pay at the pump.

My sweet wife in the mean time was taking pity on me as she watched me limping into the store with my cane and so she decided to drive the car up to the front door, so I did not have to make the long painful walk back to the fuel island.

The problem with this scenario is that my wife is only 5' tall with very short legs and she tried to drive the car from the passenger seat. She was able to push the brake pedal once to put the car in gear, but when it started toward the front closed glass doors of the 7-11, she panicked because she could not reach the brake pedal again and as the front tires made contact with the parking curb which was only a few feet away from the doors, she tried to stop the car by slamming the gear shift lever back into park.

It was too late.

I was standing in front of the cash register paying for the fuel we had just pumped, when the front end of my mother’s car came crashing through the doors spraying glass all over everything including me. My first thought was that another drunk driver had hit the front of the store. You can imagine my surprise when I saw that it was my wife in the driver’s seat of mom's car. Giant tears were beginning to stream down her face, and she had that "what the heck just happened" look on her face. Remember, we were going on our honeymoon, so I just couldn't be mad at her.

Well.... the police came and did a report, and because I worked with them all everyday, I knew they were having a good laugh at my expense. For years, anytime the police officers decided to take a break at the 7-11 they called it "Reynold’s Drive In"!

As a final note to the story, I knew that there was a Circle K at the next intersection by the freeway on ramp, and they sold roses wrapped in cellophane. I pulled into the store to buy her one to let her know how deeply I loved her and that I was so glad she was o.k. I also took the keys in with me. Mom's car sustained no significant damage. My insurance paid $ 2500.00 to have the store front repaired.

This is a true story that I will never forget. (Just the facts ma’am). BTW next month we will celebrate our 34th anniversary.

Tom Reynolds
Clinton, Ut.

Isn’t that a great story!!
I’ll be looking for yours.

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Spend Father's Day at the Armstrong Mansion

2010-06-01T14:28:00.004-06:00

Is there a bird father somewhere pacing back and forth?

Any of you visiting the Mansion in the next few weeks might get a view of our newest expecting guest outside of the August room on the window sill.

She's a great addition and doesn't ask for clean towels, actually likes hair in her bed, doesn't require breakfast or watch too much TV in the middle of the night.

We have been blessed with some great guests since we opened as a Bed and Breakfast in 1995.
Several years ago a sweet mother with child came to stay and get some much needed relaxation. It worked, Dad drove her to the hospital in the middle of the night and just made it. She complained that she had missed breakfast but had a beautifully healthy baby which she brought back to the Mansion to introduce to us all.

Last year she returned. Once again she was heavy with child and wanted the Mansion magic to work towards a delivery. They stayed several days this time but once again we produced (of course at the hospital) a healthy little butterball of a baby.

I remember a friend telling me of the delivery of her first baby. The hospital in the rural area was a good 15 miles away. It was in the middle of the night (of course, aren't they all?). The night was typical with January...cold.

When she struggled into their pickup Daddy had the heater already doing its work. They hurried along and her contractions gathered in strength and effectiveness. The more uncomfortable Mommy became the more slowly he drove, concerned and nervous. As she expressed her need for speed he encouraged her to "just hold on, don't do anything"

She expressed the seriousness the situation "It's coming!" (this was before sonograms, no sex had been determined).

"No..No..don't do it" was all he could manage to reply. All she did was try to relax and the baby was on the dirty, gravely floor of their hard-working truck. From there on she said she cannot remember too much..he kept repeating "OH No! Oh No!" as she struggled to get a little more comfortable and the baby lay quietly on the floor. Then he suggested that she should pick the baby up off the uncomfortable situation and wrap her in his new jacket in the seat beside them. In a daze she agreed and bent down to pick up the child. The warm vent was blowing down and as she lifted the baby up she began to scream with distress..the warmth was better than comfort. The baby was returned to her gravely bed.

They had made it to the hospital and pulled up to the emergency entrance.

Being night and in January the cold air had covered the glass of the hospital, no one knew they were there. He jumped out of the truck and into the ER doors. She watched as his dark shape walked worriedly back and forth inside. Finally she honked the horn and he returned. "Shouldn't we go in?" she asked. "Oh yes,..." then he picked up the baby wrapped in the jacket and started off towards the hospital. "Whoa.." she exclaimed, (the cord still attached) "I'll carry her".

This is actually a great Father's Day story. We sometimes forget that Fathers are very much an important part of the family experience when it comes to births.

Can you remember any great Father's day story?

My son, was a new father of less than a year when a dear friend's wife lost a child at child birth. The friend's mother called me and told me that my son had gone to consol her son. She said that her son ended up comforting mine because he was so very upset at her son's loss. He told me later, "I just don't think he really knew what he had lost..but I did".

TO ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL YOUNG MEN AND GRANDPAS..WE LOVE YOU ALL, ALL YOU WHO HAVE GIVEN EVEN MORE THAN A YOUR COAT AND JUST KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE! TO ALL OF YOU..HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Want to do something for Dad that he will love?

Fill a basin with hot water. Take off his shoes and socks for him. Sit him down in his favorite chair. Wash his feet.

Let them soak for 10 minutes. Dry off his feet. And add some wonderful oil or lotion and massage in.

After he soaks in all that loving, bring him to the Mansion and really celebrate!

Sometimes the cheapest gifts are the most expensive when it comes to time and caring.

Judy Savage, Innkeeper - The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Spring is Sprung

2010-04-08T15:22:00.002-06:00

IT’S APRIL
Are warmer days really ahead?
I will believe it when I see it..where is that global warming when you really need it?
We have all learned the fun little ditty below but I
Love the way Robert Frost stated it better. How about you?

SPRING IS SPRUNG
FALL HAS FELL
WHAT HAS IT BRUNG?
COLDER THAN….USUAL

VS….

"The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
a cloud come over the sunlit arch,
And wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March."
- Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud Time, 1926

If you are lucky enough to share an anniversary in April we have a few suggestions;
1. Here’s an assignment: Write a paragraph on all or a page on one of these topics:
 Why I love you
 I remember when we first met…
 Why I married you
Make it into a scroll: give it to her with a ribbon tied around it.

2. A myth that affects romance: “Nice guys finish last.” One of the most idiotic-yet-widespread untruths ever sold to adolescent boys in American culture. No wonder European men often sweep women off their feet with old-world style romance.

3. A myth that women tend to believe: “I can change him”
 You can’t, find what things you do like in him and cultivate them

4. This is not a myth…reading to each other in bed builds a closer relationship and maybe an amazing prelude to romance.

5. It surely a myth that “Planning kills spontaneity” (this one belongs in the “Lame Excuses Department)

CALL THE MANSION 801-531-1333 AND PLAN TO HAVE A WONDERFULL ANNIVERSARY!!

BIG NEWS! Starting in May the Mansion will have Scentsy Candles assigned to each room.

The first to be assigned –
February Interlude – “French Kiss”
June Bride – “Enchanted Mist”
August Retreat – “Flirtatious”
September Woods – “Simply Irristable”
Come and not only feel the ambiance but the scent of Romance.

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Valentines Day

2010-01-26T13:34:00.003-07:00

Yes, it is that time of year again, VALENTINES’ DAY is just around the corner.

Are you ready? What is your most memorable Valentines’ Day surprise, can you remember?

One of my first Valentines’ day gifts I remember is a beautifully wrapped box from a bashful 12 yr. old who then speedily ran away. When I opened the box I discovered a beautifully beaded chain. I showed it to my mother and was told it was a Rosary. A beautiful gift to say the least but one that I don’t believe he knew what to do with anymore than I.

Remember that romance is a state of mind. If you have the right mindset, you can make cleaning the bathroom romantic; if you have the wrong mindset, you can turn a moonlit stroll on the beach into a fight.

We need to understand the difference between a gift and a present.

A present is something you’re giving the receiver because it’s something you want him or her to have.

A gift is something that you know the receiver wants.

I would like to give you my TOP FIVE VALENTINE’S GIFTS

1. My husband was forever losing his car in the parking lot. He would wander around for hours, sometimes even getting in the wrong car. Now there are some great stories to tell. When we purchased a new car I secretly had the dealer keep the car for an extra 3 days and for Valentines’ day surprised him with a box of his favorite chocolate covered cherries and a keyless entry system. He still lost the car but at least he was able to follow the beep. He loved it.

2. A Dinner Date to her favorite restaurant; give her an invitation for a DATE with time, date and a single red or paylene rose (yellow or orange with red tinges, means love, friendship and passion) schedule the baby sitter, make a reservation, Dress up in a suit, her in a dress. Open the doors for her always either hold her hand or place your hand in the small of her back. Assist her to the table and pull the chair out for her placing a kiss on her cheek as you do. If you think you know what she wants order for the both of you - the best thing on the menu. Keep eye contact and good stress free conversation. At the end of the night don’t forget that GOOD NIGHT KISS AT THE DOOR and tell her how much you enjoyed your date. Maybe you could ask her what she is doing next Friday night. (a cd with romantic oldies playing in the car would be great)

3. Plan a trip to a bed and breakfast, surprise her with the “Romance Package” with candy, rose petals, drink on ice, and candle light, and make reservations to the theatre. Remember the same manners explained in the above date…the good night kiss at the door would also be great.

Or Do a getaway, even if it is to a motel 8, with a lunch basket full of her favorite snacks and drinks. Rent or buy her favorite romantic movie, cuddle up and enjoy.

4. Take a horse and buggy ride, don’t forget to bring a thermos of hot chocolate and maybe a gift of jewelry.

5. Last of all and the best Valentines gift I could ever imagine would be to bring home a picnic basket, seclude yourselves in your bedroom, lay out a variety of travel brochures, place the checkbook or your credit card in her hand and give her the number available then start planning your trip of a life time together. DREAMS COME TRUE.

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Holiday Season

2009-11-30T10:11:00.004-07:00

Thanksgiving here at the Mansion is always on the quiet side and that is how it should be.

It is a time to gather together and appreciate our loved ones. It is so great to have a time set apart nationally when tradition, family, kindness and sharing are the only things on the schedule. Employers and employees alike share together in the respite from our usually hard work and stressfully filled lives.

We had a lovely guest visiting with us from Australia this year that opened my eyes to a different way of viewing our lives here in America. Gwyneth was impressed with our “Thanksgiving Day”, and thought it an amazingly important day as it is so overlooked as a whole by all of God’s children. She marveled at the many work projects around the city and admired what she called our “Can Do Spirit”, and the marvelous way we never give up here in the “States”. She was envious of the wonderful spirit here among the people and compared it to the defeatist attitude that she sometimes felt envelope her own people. What a wonderful compliment to the country and especially Utah.

I know how busy our lives do get during this season, even when we think it is already very busy and schedules full, but what a wonderfully awesome responsibility to realize that the eyes of the world are on us and looking for our leadership in so many ways, even in this “Giving Thanks”.

I was encouraged, by a very smart friend, to take a few moments every day and find 10different things that I am especially thankful for. They don’t need to be big, it’s the little things, remember, that really count. Try it.

The most important word in the English language….REMEMBER!

GIFT SUGGESTIONS:
1. Plan a family reunion
2. Plan a get-away with a brother or sister’s day
3. Give a gift to someone that you know will not give you one

Check out our great specials on gift certificates. They make great HOLIDAY GIFTS!!!

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Ghost Stories at the Armstrong Mansion

2009-09-23T11:20:00.006-06:00

Hello from us all at the "Armstrong".

Fall is here and October just around the corner, brings out the snoop and the spook in all of us.
Since you have asked if we have ghosts, here are some sightings at the Mansion – you decide.

A cleaning woman in 1999 told some very scary stories.

Virgie would often come flying down the stairs, hair flying, her shrill voice vibrating off the walls.
One day as I was cleaning up breakfast she bumped into me and I heard her say; "I hate when she does that.."

I remember asking her "When who does what…?" She then started into her strange story.

When Virgie started to work at the Mansion, Florence Armstrong (sleeping quietly in her grave for many years) found a kindred soul in her.

"She taunts me daily" Virgie said, "and finds it quite entertaining to walk right through me…I hate that!"

"Sometimes when I go into a room to clean I find her there just swooshing around…."

When Virgie left Florence became quiet.

I must admit that I still feel a little uneasy going upstairs when the house is empty…I really do not care to make friends with Florence.

Are you too scared to continue?

Well here is another. One day our guests staying in the July room had been out shopping and stopped at the front desk to visit.

It was around 5 o’clock in the early evening and they asked us if the maids were cleaning their room soon. I assured them the maids had been long gone at least 4 hours ago. They had a puzzled look on their face,…

"Who was that in our room?" they asked.

It seems that they were interested in finding the July room’s window so were standing outside looking up towards the house when they found someone standing in the window facing the east, looking right down at them.

1. The tub is in the gable of the east window in the July room.
2. Because the tub is in that area, no one could stand on the floor by the window except they were floating.
3. No one else had keys to their room so no one was in the room.

The guests later pointed out Florence’s picture as the person in the window.

Enough?

One morning early I was awoken by the fire alarm resounding through the halls and stairways. I dressed and quickly raced to the top floor to see if I could find the fire or the problem causing the alarm to sound.

I met several couples filing down the stairs vacating the home. As we met the last couple coming from the August room, the wife apologized and admitted that they were the ones that made the ghosts mad and there was nothing wrong with the fire alarm. When the halls were once again quiet I sat down with the couple and they told me this fun story.

The husband started early in the evening trying to scare her, making noises and blaming it on the ghost. Finally he gave up and they settled down to sleep, imagine their shock when they where awaken by the door handle moving back and forth….to the closet.

The next morning he had been starting once again to tease her when the alarm went off. She said "I guess the ghost had had enough."

Buy the way, there is nothing quite as scary as a good murder. We actually have had several murders here at the Mansion, and you can help us solve the mystery of "WhoDunnit". Gather 12 to 14 of your friends together and come and enjoy a great evening of fun. You are the actors and the suspects.

Check us out on the web or call us for more information.

ALSO! Our first ever "Scary Movie Night at The Mansion" will be October 31st. Come and get a room and meet us in the parlor, don’t for get to let us know what your favorite scary movie is – maybe we will show it. Make sure it is PG-13 at least. Treats will be served.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

The Mansion is rich in history

2009-09-08T13:36:00.006-06:00

The story of Isabelle and Francis was truly one of romance. Francis was in his twenties and Isabelle was barely 15. You must realize that the hardship of the long trek across the plains made the children grow up and accept the challenges of their hard lives. Isabelle was the oldest child and so did much of the work around the house. When Francis met her he was attracted by her sense of humor and her ability around the dance floor was noted by others also, even Brigham Young.

Francis asked her father for her hand in marriage and father was thrilled. Francis was quite a catch and he felt that he would go far. However, Isabelle’s father had remarried and Francis was encouraged by the father to “talk to her”. He was told that Isabelle did all of the work and she could not allow her to leave. Francis brought the step-mother $200.00 and suggested that she buy a maid because “Isabelle was getting married.”

They made a contract with an owner of a wood mill to work-to-own a mill up in the canyon. Having not much money they were forced to borrow a carriage to get to the church and Isabelle cooked a dinner for her “reception” after.

During the next 10 years, Isabelle cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for the workers that lived and worked at the mill and had her 10 children.

Francis promised Isabelle that he would build her the most beautiful home in the valley, and thus the “Mansion” was born in the heart of Isabelle.

In the early 1900’s the dress and style of the day was still Victorian here at the “Mansion”. The dinner parties were galas with much excitement and of course much preparation for those invited. Dignitaries, famous personalities and friends alike mingled together to share an evening of anticipation and pleasure. Women dressed in the style of the day glided through the “Mansion” with grace and enchantment and the men with their secrecy and romance always drew the evening into one of fascination.

In the month of October we recreate the atmosphere and mystery of those wonderful evenings with our “Mystery Dinners”. At a time when costumes and magic abound we invite you to gather together with 12-14 friends and enjoy a wonderful evening with us at the “Mansion”.
All will receive a formal invitation with the profile of your character well in advance so you can dress in character. You are the invited guests and so are the suspects in the murder investigation that takes place in the 2 hour adventure. A full 5 course dinner is served and as you delve into the investigation you also find you just might have ”Done It” yourself.
At the end of the evening two awards are given, one to the “Best Actor/Actress” and one to the “Best Costume”, so we encourage you to really play your part.

In July the Horton family from Salt Lake had a family reunion here with us at the “Mansion”. John and Anne had a wonderful adventure planned for each day and topped it off with the “Mystery Dinner” as the final big event of their stay. I am sure that they won’t mind if I tell you that they were all “HAMS”, and it was difficult to decide the awards at the end.

It was a fun evening we will all remember. What a wonderful way to really get to know your relatives.

The Mystery Dinners can be organized for any big event that you want to remember - birthdays, anniversaries, graduations or just the get-togethers that we can really reminisce about for years to come.

Watch for the specials to come for the month of October (Mystery Dinner & any room - $200.00 per couple Monday through Thursday) and remember that we need at least a 3 weeks in advance to set it all up for you and your guests.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE “MANSION”!

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

How the Armstrong's came to Utah

2009-08-03T08:53:00.004-06:00

Isabelle Siddoway and Frances Armstrong had vastly different experiences in coming to the Valley.

Isabelle’s mother, father and brother were excited to come west. Their little family had saved enough to purchase a covered wagon to carry their life’s treasures to their new home in the Salt Lake Valley. It was not however, to be easy for them. When her mother became ill they were forced to use all their money to try to get her well enough for the trip and in the end failed and lost it all. Her father promised his wife to continue on west and they started to gather their supplies. The family found a company and with their handcart headed west. Isabelle held little Frank’s hand as they walked beside the cart as their dad pulled all they had towards the valley. Her story was one of hardship and pain as her shoes slowly fell away and she was forced to walk barefooted much of the trek across the plains. Her story was similar to many of the pioneers that sacrificed to get here.

Frances however looked back on his journey as a “lark”. He was so anxious to get on his way that he arrived at the gathering place ill prepared. “Where are your supplies?” his friends inquired. “We can’t guarantee that we will have enough to share, we might not even have enough for ourselves” they lamented. “We do not want to leave you but you must bring your own”. Francis sadly realized that they were right. With a promise to meet them at the Valley he turned and headed back to the Rooming house, planning to spend his time earning money to get the supplies needed. David Whitmer’s son, a good friend, was heading to a neighboring town to gather product for their store. When he saw the state that Francis was in he stopped and inquired if he could help. After Frances told him of his disappointment he was excited to hear that his friend would be going overland and would pass the wagon train, if Francis traveled with him he would still have time to work in that town for his supplies and be able to go on with his friends headed west. Francis accepted the invitation and happily was on his way. The two men did not travel far out of town when they saw a broken wagon and it’s two young owners in the middle of the trail. Upon further investigation Francis found that he could help the couple. Being trained in wood work and metal work he could get their rig up and going. His friend went on his way and Francis worked into the evening but was able to get the couple on their way. As they climbed up on the wagon they turned to Francis and said “We don’t care if you have any supplies or not, you are coming with us”. He was found to be a great asset to the pioneers and he was fed, given a horse and generally taken care of, all he had to do was keep them going. When Francis arrived in the Valley he was penniless but in great spirits.

Next time I will tell you how Francis met and married the “Cinderella” of his dreams.

IF YOU ARE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD STOP BUY AND TAKE A TOUR OF THE ARMSTRONG MANSION THE HOUSE THAT FRANK BUILT.

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

4th of July Trifle

2009-07-08T08:40:00.000-06:00

Great 4th of July recipe
6 small short cakes
1 ½ cup fresh washed and cut strawberries
1 cup fresh washed blue berries
2 cups Vanilla pudding
1 sm container Cool whip
Pedestal Trifle bowl

Break up and place half of short cake on bottom of bowl
Layer fresh strawberries on top of cake
Spread 1 cup of vanilla pudding over the fruit
Then spread half of the cool whip on top, just enough to cover the pudding
Repeat all four layers, replacing the strawberries with blueberries.
When finished, garnish the top with the remaining fruit in your own 4th of July design!

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

2009-07-01T15:46:00.001-06:00

What is the 4th of July, only another excuse to over-eat and entertain family and guests? Or is it a time to celebrate our wonderful country and remember all the sacrifices made by the few to keep the many free?

Most people in the United States celebrate the 4th of July, but do we celebrate the holiday because of its great importance to our country?

Do we take the time to remember back to those early years in July 1776 when the patriots put their lives and liberty as naught, sacrificing everything dear to them, only to hold up in Philadelphia in “Independence Hall”, a stifling hot boarded-up meeting hall, and not leave until they gave us liberty for all. Benjamin Franklin was asked by a woman as he left the hall that last day.

“Mr. Franklin what have you given us?”

He replied “A republic…if you can keep it”

If you are looking for a hero any of these men would fill the bill, but we do have several heroes living among us. In thanks for the many sacrifices made by our troops and their families we would like to invite any military families to come and stay with us ..ANY ROOM, Sunday through Wednesday for only $99.00 in the month of July. It would be our honor.

We thank you for your service to us.

Celebrate as you never have before, but remember those that have made the sacrifice for us and made this day A GREAT DAY!

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

June is Fathers' Day and weddings

2009-06-10T15:34:00.010-06:00

"A GOOD FATHER IS NOT BORN ~ BUT CRAFTED THROUGH THE LOVE OF A CHILD"

BEING A GOOD FATHER TAKES BALANCE

AND A SENSE OF HUMOR

IT CAN SCARE YOU HALF TO DEATH

OR BE MORE FUN THAN A BARREL OF MONKEYS

AND WE AREN’T SURE WHO IS IN
CHARGE HALF THE TIME

BUT IS THERE ANY DOUBT?

With that in mind, we must realize how precious a gift a father really is. I have shared a few ideas for that special DAD in your life.
1. Send him your father’s day card sealed with a KISS (use your reddest lipstick)
2. Send him your father’s day card with a perfumed love note.
3. Do something with him that you hate to do (and do it cheerfully without complaint)
4. Cut the lawn or wash his car

The "Mansion" would like you to send us a funny, lovable or a poignant picture, story or poem of the Dad in YOUR life.

Enter Now: We will put a copy into your room and add a dinner for two to "Sizzler"* (no extra cost to you) to the top 5 entrees.

OR: Being that June is also the wedding month we would like you to send a lovable, funny or a poignant picture, story or poem about your wife or husband. The top 5 entrees will receive a complimentary "Romance Package"*.

*NOT GOOD WITH ANY OTHER PROMOTION, TRADE CERTIFICATES OR DISCOUNTS

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

The Mansion is a Movie Star!

2009-05-05T09:57:00.007-06:00

HOLLYWOOD HAS COME TO THE ARMSTRONG MANSION!

We are so excited to have David Sapp, our friendly neighborhood movie director, once again in the Mansion. He is shooting a few scenes for his latest movie right here and right now, LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

His last big hit was the “Haunting of Marsden Manor” written by Julie Sapp, David’s talented and beautiful wife and shot right here at the Mansion.

A young girl who has recently lost her sight in an accident is depressed and lost in her new found challenges. Jill, who, angry about being blind, is struggling with her faith in God. When she oddly inherits an old mansion from her Aunt (Janice Knickrehm – “Halloween 6”), she and her friends decide to visit.

At the house, Jill starts “seeing” images of a ghostly woman, causing her friends to become concerned for her sanity. Then Jill disappears!

We will be giving away copies of this great family thriller during the month of May with every “Romance Package”.

Do you have a fun, touching or amazing story about your mother?

Email your favorite stories and if we use them in our blog, you will get a FREE NIGHT at the Mansion.

Let us help you to surprise your wife or mother this MOTHER’S DAY. Share your ideas with us and we will help you make it work. Remember to check us out on the web.

Don’t forget to tell us you saw us on the blog and check out this month's special.

PS: Here is a tip for the men this Mother’s Day - Shave Saturday night, and remember Romance is always about love, but only sometimes about sex. Then feed the kids breakfast and cook dinner the next day. She will really flip!

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Introduction and guests' blogs

2009-04-13T11:29:00.005-06:00

For those of you that may not know ~ my name is Judy Savage and for the last 10 years I have been the Innkeeper of this wonderful historic, romantic bed and breakfast. I am very excited to have a place where I can share the times and happenings here at the "Mansion". I have met many wonderful people and made some lifelong friendships in the last few years. Being an innkeeper is the most amazing job in the world and I am eager to share the many stories hidden in the walls of the Mansion.

This Victorian-themed bed and breakfast in Salt Lake City is called the "Armstrong Mansion". We have a total of 13 rooms and 3 suites to choose from. The rooms are named after the months of the year where they get their color and decoration. Besides providing very romantic rooms, we also serve a hot, gourmet buffet breakfast each morning in our lovely Victorian dining room, romantically set with tables for two. Each morning you will enjoy a fresh fruit bowl, cold and hot beverages, home-baked croissants and sweet rolls, home-made granola and other cereals, and a hot dish like stuffed French toast with strawberries and whipped cream or one of our famous homemade quiches. The men bring their women for the ambiance, and the men come for their women, but EVERYONE LOVES our breakfast. When you stay at the Mansion you will find that we believe "BREAKFAST...The most important meal of your stay".

Well, I guess that sounded like a commercial, SORRY! but I am excited about the wonderful job the staff performs for our guests at the Mansion. Stephanie, Jessica, Brandi, Paula, Shantel and Jordanne are eager to make your stay the best ever and they do a great job.

I was searching the internet the other day and noticed several of our previous guests had blogged about their stay with us. A few weeks ago the Johnson's celebrated their first wedding anniversary as well. They enjoyed the large jetted tub in the May Splendor room along with our fantastic breakfast. The girls said that she was just beautiful...It's so fun for me to read these entries and realize how much people enjoy staying at the Armstrong Mansion. You can read about their visit here...

I found another blog that talked about how much our guests enjoyed our breakfast, especially the cinnamon rolls. Read more from that blog here...

I found several blogs out there about people enjoying their visits to the Armstrong Mansion, but will only share one more at this time. Kendall and Kelly Hill stayed in the February Interlude room and loved it. It was Kelly's birthday and she had a great time relaxing in the hot jetted tub that is located at the top of the spiral staircase in the turret of the Mansion. You can read about their stay here...

As innkeeper, I get enjoyment hearing about how much people enjoy their stay with us. That is why I do everything I can to assure that a guest enjoys his or her time while staying with us. Call me at 1-800-708-1333 or email at innkeeper@armstrongmansion.com

See you soon at the Mansion ~ Don't forget to say hello and that you saw us on the blog.

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah

Romantic Ideas and April Flowers

2009-04-13T11:20:00.004-06:00

I am spending the next few days in Atlanta Ga. at the PAII Conference (Professional Association of Innkeepers International) learning how to be a better hostess to our wonderful guests at the "Mansion", and maybe finding some new recipes for you to get excited about.

Every year at this time innkeepers around the nation gather together to share, learn and generally work together to improve our game. I love to come home and be excited once again about my job. I am always excited about your smiling faces and the love we are able to help you share together. Do you know how wonderful my job is? Let me tell you.

The other day we were excited to be able to set up seven "Romance Packages" in one night. Our guests started arriving early, many of them planning to go out to dinner while we set up the room. They like to come back and open the door to a wonderful surprise of candles, cider on ice, a chocolate heart on the turned down bed and rose petals leading the way to the bed. We had checked in one couple, reminding him as he left to go to the room to let us know when he was going to dinner (so we could do the set up). The next couple also had a romance package and he told us they would let us know when they would be going out also. At that point a couple passed through the door with a "We are leaving for dinner". The next couple, an elderly gentleman and his sweet wife, checking in looked a little worried (their first time in a bed and breakfast) and asked "Do we need to check in and out, and what time do we need to be back in?" I had to explain to them that these couples all had packages for us to set up and this is the way to surprise their partner. I also assured them that we would be giving them keys so we won't be able to tell their parents WHEN they came home.

If you haven't tried the "Romance Package" yet, let us amaze you and treat you to a wonderful night with a great romantic room.

Our special this month: APRIL SHOWERS bring THE FLOWERS. How long has it been since you have paid a compliment to your sweetheart? April is the perfect month to start doing it again. We are asking you to write a letter showering him/her with the wonderful reasons why you love them. Our contest this month will be giving out 5 bouquets of roses to the winning entrees. Remember that even if you do not win the roses, you will still be a winner because we will be placing the letter addressed to your loved one on the bed for their arrival. Start writing today!! Here are a few romantic ideas:- Regardless of how long you've been married, start referring to your wife as "my bride." - Make a toast to one another every time you pick up a glass. Make eye contact. Take turns making the toast. Whisper it. - Give your wife a gift on your kids' birthdays. (Why should the kids get all the gifts? Your wife is the one who did all the hard work!) Don't forget to say you saw us on the blog.

Judy Savage, Innkeeper
The Armstrong Mansion - Salt Lake City, Utah