Many memorable social occasions have been held here over the years. In 1926 it was the location of the Citrus High School Junior-Senior banquet. Eva Holden operated her beauty shop on the 1st floor and Charles B. Fitzpatrick operated a law office from this location. Hampton Dunn's book, "Back Home" notes that in 1957 one could get a bountiful breakfast of ham, bacon or sausage, 2 eggs, toast and coffee for 60 cents. Lunch consisted of 2 meats, choice of 3 vegetables, bread, butter and a beverage for 87 cents.
In 1959, "Aunt Tom" Scott sold the hotel after owning it for 58 years. Ms. Scott, who was 22 years old when she purchased it, sold it to an Auburndale businessman, Lynwood N. Smith. It was renamed the Colonial Hotel and later became the Crown Hotel when English investors refurbished the building in 1981. Jill & Nigel Sumner purchased and operated the hotel from 1990 to 2001, followed by the Jensen's, who transformed the hotel to an assisted living facility.
From 1986 to 1992, Larry LaFond worked as a teenager at the Crown Hotel. Though now a California resident, he shares collected photos and history of the hotel.