Ep 3. Robert E. Lee Hotel

Salvage Dawgs is a reality TV show that follows the adventures of two expert salvagers, Mike Whiteside and Robert Kulp, as they travel across Virginia, looking for hidden treasures in old buildings and factories. Their goal is to rescue valuable and unique pieces of architectural history before they are lost forever. In this episode, titled "Robert E. Lee Hotel," the Salvage Dawgs team is tasked with the daunting challenge of dismantling an entire historic hotel in Lexington, Virginia, and salvaging all of its valuable artifacts.

The Robert E. Lee Hotel was built in 1926 and was named after the famous Confederate general. It was once a glamorous and luxurious hotel, known for its opulent ballroom and stunning art deco design. However, over the years, the hotel had fallen into disrepair and had become a dilapidated eyesore in the heart of downtown Lexington. The city council decided that it was time to tear down the hotel and make way for a new development, but they also recognized the historical significance of the building and did not want to see all of its valuable artifacts go to waste. That's where the Salvage Dawgs come in.

Mike and Robert arrive on site and are immediately struck by the sheer size of the hotel. They know that they have their work cut out for them. The first thing they do is explore the building and make a list of all the things that they want to salvage. They spot some beautiful leaded glass windows, stunning art deco chandeliers, and even a vintage cigar vending machine. They also discover a hidden gem: an ornate wooden bar that was once the centerpiece of the hotel's ballroom.

The Salvage Dawgs quickly get to work, carefully dismantling the bar with saws and crowbars. They are impressed by the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into building it. They imagine the many parties and events that took place around it and feel honored to be able to give it a new lease on life. As they continue to work, they are constantly reminded of the hotel's rich history. They find old photos and postcards, as well as a newspaper article from 1933 detailing a fire that broke out in the hotel.

As they move on to the upper floors of the hotel, they encounter some unexpected challenges. The narrow staircases and cramped hallways make it difficult to maneuver and they have to be extra careful not to damage any of the fragile artifacts they are trying to salvage. They also come across some creepy moments, such as a room full of old bathtubs that have been left to collect dust for years.

Throughout their work, Mike and Robert are constantly reminded of the importance of their job. They know that they are not just rescuing artifacts, but also preserving history. They feel a sense of responsibility to honor the legacy of the Robert E. Lee Hotel and make sure that its beauty and grandeur continue to be appreciated for generations to come.

In the end, the Salvage Dawgs complete their mission and manage to salvage dozens of valuable artifacts from the hotel. They load them up into their truck and leave Lexington, feeling proud of what they have accomplished. As they reflect on their work, they realize that they have not just saved a building, but also saved a piece of Virginia's history.