Saratoga Springs and operated one of Saratoga’s “most notorious gambling rooms” according to Nelly Bly’s exposé “Our Wickedest Summer Resort.” Following Senator Edgar T. Brackett passing legislation that limited legal gambling in Saratoga Springs to only Richard Canfield’s high society Saratoga Club, Mitchell’s gambling establishment was closed. On January 29, 1902 he purchased a gun to “shoot cats.” Later that day he barged into Senator Brackett’s office and upon failing to find the Senator he killed himself. In 1884, 124 Grand Avenue was sold at public auction. James M. Marvin, U.S. Congressman and proprietor of the United States Hotel who resided with his family at 3 Franklin Square, purchased the property and rented it to others until 1899 when he sold it. After an exchange of property owners, Thomas and Mary Foster purchased the property in 1904. Thomas, a carpenter and caretaker for Skidmore College, lived in the house with Mary and their three daughters. It remained in the Foster family until 1952. Alfred Hastey, who resided at 120 Grand Avenue, purchased 124 Grand Avenue and converted it into a boarding house named Grace Cottage. In 1971, Hastey sold 124 Grand Avenue to Frank and Elaine Thompson of Brooklyn, NY. Following Frank’s passing, Ellen Brooks, his step-daughter who also lived in Brooklyn, owned the property. The property fell into disrepair over the years and was listed on the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s “Ten to Save” list in 2010. While Ellen Brooks made minor repairs, the property needed much more. The Chappells knew that repairs would be necessary, but the project became increasingly more complicated than initially 84 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | FALL 2017
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