Saving The Beckham Hotel

My name is Cara Prichard. On Monday, Feb. 15, I was introduced to a couple that is forced to sale their dream, The Beckham Hotel in Mineola after the recent downturn in oil. Connie and Ron Meissner bought the building back in 2012 and began restoring the hotel to its former beauty. It was originally built in 1897 and then rebuilt in 1926 after a fire. The Meissner's have given everything they have to bring life back into this place. But unfortunately, their family business of 37 years was wiped out by the oil decline, leaving no funding left for the restoration of The Beckham. Today was my first time visiting, but I can assure you the hotel is a gem in East Texas that the Meissner's and myself see potential in sparkling again. They have already restored the ballroom and the restaurant portion of the hotel, along with several bathrooms. The cafe, Taste Buds, is not leaving. Owner Darlena Watson also believes the Meissner's are the ones meant to complete the Beckhams' dream. The funding was cut short while restoring the 15 hotel suites. Nowadays, it is much easier to bulldoze and start fresh, but you can't replace something like this unique building with so much character and charm, not to mention hundreds of stories it carries in its walls. I was able to sit down and have lunch with Connie and she has got to be one of the most inspiring women I have ever met with a passion to see this old hotel come to life again. I truly believe if they are able to raise enough money, The Beckham Hotel will provide rich history and excitement back into the Mineola and East Texas community. Please consider helping the Meissner family with this restoration project.