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04.21.07: The Next Whiskey Bar

"The Divine Lorraine Hotel has been through many transformations in its long life," a beaming tour guide smiled widely at her group of tourists, her red lipstick contrasting with her overly bleached teeth to give her a somewhat unnerving predatory look.

"It was built in 1894 as a luxury apartment building." She swept her group into the marble lobby, past the staircase after pausing to let a pair of women take pictures of it.

"In 1948, the Divine Lorraine was purchased for almost a half a million dollars by Father Divine, who gave the hotel its iconic sign." She paused to beam at the people following her, then led them past the desk and up the stairs.

"In 2005, the hotel was certified as historic property," her voice rose to carry down to the stragglers.

"This place reminds me of that hotel in the shining," whispered Janice.
"Shhhh, I can't hear!" hissed her mother.
"It's creepy as hell."

"After his death in 1965, Mother Divine took over the mission, and subsequently, the hotel." The tour guide walked backwards, her four inch heels incredibly not wobbling in the thick red carpet that ran along the upper hallway.

"Do you see that?"
"Janice, be quiet."
"This place was owned by a cult?"
"It was overseen by a religious mission, she just explained that. Maybe if you listened.."

"Finally, in 2000, the Peace Mission Movement declined to pay for the necessary renovations, and the Divine Lorraine began to fall into disrepair." the guide stopped at a golden doored elevator, and pushed a button. With a quiet whir and a chime, the doors slid open. She ushered the group inside.

"During the early part of the century, everything from lamps to bathtubs were auctioned off from various rooms."

The elevator stopped, and with another chime, the doors slid open softly.

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