The
Cavalier is the hotel that made Virginia Beach, Virginia famous.
Founded in 1927, the hotel has attracted a wide range of guests
and celebrities. The Cavalier's 18-acre property boasts two
world-class hotels: the original Cavalier On The Hill and the
more modern Cavalier On The Ocean.
In 2002
the hotel completed a multi-million dollar renovation and earned
membership in the Historic Hotels of America.
More information about the history of the Cavalier Hotel can be
found at this link:http://www.cavalierhotel.com/resort_history.aspx
One of the most interesting pieces
of information I found about the Cavalier Hotel was this
tidbit:
1942,US
NAVY
On October 3,
1942, Uncle Sam told The Cavalier he wanted it, and the U.S. Navy
moved in it. Until June 1, 1945, the U.S. Navy operated a Radar
Training School on the Cavalier grounds. There was such a shortage
of space that the stables were cleaned and then used as a living
quarters for some of the sailors. During the WWII black out,
curtains were placed over the ceiling glass and windows of the
swimming pool area, the water was drained, and the bottom of the
swimming pool was used as a classroom. Although living conditions
may have been cramped, The Cavalier chefs were retained by the
Navy. Those who attended the Radar Training School believe they ate
better than any other naval personnel. The year following the
Navy's stay, the Navy rented 130 rooms to house single
officers.
After the war, Pullman discontinued its rail service to The
Cavalier. This was due to the widespread adoption of a new-fangled
invention, the automobile. On July 1, 1953, Hank Ketchum, his wife,
Alice, and his world famous son, Dennis, were guests at the hotel.
Mr. Ketchum subsequently drew several "Dennis the Menace" cartoons
based upon his family's stay. In 1959, the Cavalier lost one of its
clay tennis courts due to the construction of Pacific Avenue. Mr.
Gene Dixon Sr. and partners purchased The Cavalier at the end of
that year. Two years later, Mr. Dixon became the sole owner of the
hotel and it remains in the family today.