To the Editor:

Having grown up in Selma, I have always welcomed the chance to return for a visit. I was really pleased when the St. James Hotel was renovated and opened.

I have stayed there on every occasion when I came to Selma. I believe the view from the balcony is one I will never forget.

I am aware of the time, money and energy that went into the restoration project and feel that was certainly a worthy cause and a great result was achieved.

It is a shame that is not being maintained in a better fashion. There seems to be a general deterioration of the whole facility … dirty/greasy upholstered furniture, dirty rugs and carpet and windows that appear to never have been cleaned.

On Sunday morning, there were people sleeping on seats in the restaurant. Not very inviting.

I would like to invite the people and businesses whose names appear on the many doors there to request a tour of the facility. I don’t believe too many would be pleased with what they find.

I was there in April for a 55th year class reunion and several of my classmates also stayed there. It was the general consensus that this will probably be the last time any of us will stay there. I would really like to see the hotel saved before it becomes something that Selma would not be proud to claim.

Charles H. Moseley

Oxford, Miss.