The Continental Hotel was constructed circa 1873 and quickly established itself as Newark’s top hotel. For the better part of a century it stood on the north end of Broad Street where the former Bears Stadium is now located. The hotel later became the Berwick Hotel and finished its life as the Benzell Hotel. In the latter part of its existence the hotel was home to Dwyer’s Elbow Room and Black Sheep Baa. This bar was renowned and its proprietor, Ed Dwyer, was known for his hospitality. His ashes now rest in the side yard of the North Reformed Church. On April 8, 1979, the hotel, now known as the Benzell Hotel, burned. The fire was set by a resident. Although, the hotel had become severely run down and was quite dangerous- just think how much history it had seen in 106 years ! After the fire it was demolished.
I have included two post card views(north and south) and a business card from the late 1890’s.
Newark's Attic 
My father’s uncle lived in this hotel (it was called Hotel Benzell then) until about 1970. Thank you so much for memorializing this handsome building, which is also a small piece of my family’s history.
LikeLike
You’re very welcome.
LikeLike
Amy Stewart’s 2015 novel “Girl Waits With Gun” has its 1915 climax in this hotel. She describes its public rooms very plausibly. Although the principal events of the novel (modeled on real ones) take place in Paterson, Hackensack and Wykoff, the characters spend a week in Newark because the Federal Court is located there.
LikeLike
‘Dwyer’s martini’s are Dwyer’! Ate there many times, and his personality was good as the food!
LikeLike
I’ve heard it was a great place and that he was a larger than life personality! Thank you for sharing your recollection!
John
LikeLike
My great-great grandfather’s brother was staying at this hotel in 1915 when he was run over by a milk wagon and horse while crossing Broad St. He died of his injuries weeks later.
LikeLike
What an interesting and unfortunate story. I’m going to see if I can find any additional information on this at the library. Can you provide any additional information, such as a name? That would be much appreciated!
John
LikeLiked by 1 person
His name was Jason Lotterhand. He was an inventor and was partly responsible for the calculator.
LikeLike
His name was Jason Lotterhand and he was an inventor. He’s partly responsible for the invention of the calculator. He and his wife were separated (I suspect because he may have been a big drinker like his brother) and he was living at the hotel at the time of the accident.
LikeLike
You had a very interesting and accomplished ancestor. Do you know why he chose Newark to stay? Did he have any connection to Newark aside from his unfortunate demise?
LikeLike