News: Colby (Hotel Colby Ownership - 1978)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Fults, Walley

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 9/09/2015

Originally published in the Tribune-Phonograph, Wednesday, September 6, 1978.

Hotel Colby has new owner

Marianna Walley, Abbotsford, an employee at the Tribune-Phonograph the past three years, has purchased the Hotel Colby from Dr. Arthur Fults. Fults and his wife, the late Helen Fults, operated the business for 21 years.

Mrs. Walley will open the cocktail lounge at the hotel at 4 p.m. today, Sept. 6, and upon completion of a redecorating project will open the dining room and banquet rooms. Mrs. Walley states the business will be a family venture and will include four of her children. She expects to employ 10 people.

The hotel is being redecorated in a Mediterranean theme, with dark mahogany paneling, accented with tones of amber, brown and tan, according to Mrs. Walley, who indicated the artwork of local residents, will be exhibited on the walls of the establishment.

The noon menu will feature the serving of a sandwich board and homemade soups from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Diners will be served from 5 to 11 p.m. and may choose from a complete line of steaks and seafood. Carpeting with flowered pattern was chosen by Mrs. Walley for the dining area.

It is expected the dining room will open in two weeks. The bar will have a special cocktail hour from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.