A couple fun facts: 
 
The Hotel Astoria, according to its ads, had "56 fine rooms" and in 1912 had been renovated to have hot and cold running water in the rooms, bath and electric lights. Special rate for the winter: $2.50 to 7.  
 
On Jan. 14, 1914, the proprietor, Martin Smith, was apparently blackmailed for $5,000 ... or extorted or something. The Black Hand was even mentioned! Here's the text of the article on it in the DNT:
 
DEMAND BIG SUM IN UGLY MATTER
Anonymous Note Directs Martin Smith, Saloonkeeper, to Hand Over $5,000.
"HIRE FOOLS TO GET US, WE WILL GET YOU THEN"
Policemen and Sleuths Guard Smith While He Lies Ill in Hospital
 
Martin Smith, proprietor of Hotel Astoria, 102 East Superior street, and a well-known saloonkeeper, received an anonymous letter Monday demanding that $5,000 in bills be placed in a parcel and held to await further instructions as to where to place the money. No threat if the request is not complied with is made.
 
As Smith is now ill in St. Luke's hospital, the letter was opened by his son, Norman Smith, who notified the police and postoffice officials.
  
The letter, which is written with an indelible pencil and lettered, is as follows: 
"Martin Smith—Never hire fools to get us. We will get you at once then. Put $5,000 five thousand dollars in a parcel made up of real bills—real. You will get a note later telling where the parcel must be placed. Then—to keep silent watch over you till paid." 
 
There was no signature to the letter. At the top, is a drawn hand pointing to the amount. The hand is simply outlined, which leads the police and Smith to believe the letter is not the work of the Black Hand. It is thought that either a personal enemy of Smith, or persons who think that they can secure easy money by playing upon the fears of an invalid wrote the letter.
 
At first the demand was regarded as a joke. Finally, at the request of friends, Norman Smith took the letter to Chief of Police Troyer, who notified federal officials.
  
Chief Troyer detailed a large number of detectives and patrolmen on the case. Policemen are guarding the Astoria saloon, which is owned by Smith, and also St. Luke's hospital and Smith's home, 226 Fourth Avenue East. If a second threat is received, Chief Troyer will double the men on the case and also patrol the place where the money is to be put, he says. 
 
Investigation at the postoffice revealed that the letter either was mailed at the office or early Monday morning in a letter box not far from there.
 
Norman Smith said last night that he can not figure out the cause of the letter. He knows of no personal enemies who would take this means to revenge themselves against his father.