411-413 N Main

411 - 413 N Main

One of three large hotels built in in Newton was constructed in the 400 Block on the west side. The July 13, 1883 issue of the Newton Democrat reported that Frank Zurcher removed the old buildings from his lot opposite the depot on Main street, and will commence the erection of a fine building immediately." I. Isaacs, former proprietor of the English Kitchen, oversaw the new hotel known as the Enterprise. The editor described as a hotel and restaurant "on the Eurpoean plan," the Enterprise was "a first class hotel and a credit to our city." Oysters "served in every style" were frequently on the menu. The Isaacs family left for St. Louis in the fall of 1885.

Under the management of M. L. Frase. the hotel was renamed the City Hotel and in 1897 was the only hotel in the city to offer $1.00 a day house in the city.

The building was purchase by Joseph W. Murphy in approximately 1896. He opened Murphy's Hotel shortly after. Joseph W. Murphy knew how to run hotels.By 1911, he owned four hotels in neighboring towns and employed fifty-two "skilled assistants." The rooms were "first class with steam heat, electric lights and hot and cold water."

According to newspaper reporting, Murphy planned to build a five story, 100 room fire proof hotel to replace the one at 411-413 N Main. It is unknown what happened to those plans.

In 1919, after 23 years in the hotel business, Murphy sold the business to Fred Fuge.

The facades have been altered, likely in the 1920s and 30s. 411 N Main is also the site of Newton's first Pizza Hut.