End of Stagecoach Era in Karlsbad

Franz Funk  married  Anna Voigt, the daughter of a cutler. But within a remarkably short time, she became a skilled hostess. She could pick up a conversation with every guest, to persuade him to yet another glass of beer or wine, list him the food that she had cooked in her small kitchen, or show him one of the remaining rooms for just one night.

Anna Voigt-Funk

It didn't take long, and she commanded an impressive number of waitresses, cooks and maids around and saw to complete cleanliness.

Nothing escaped her sharp eyes, she had the reins tightly in her  hands.

And then there was a colossal change.

In 1870 a railway line was opened from Karlsbad to Eger. A year later the line was extended to Prague. Many travelers now arrived in Karlsbad by train. Also the post was transported with the new railway line.

The stagecoach operation and all that was associated, was out of fashion. The stables in the same row as the Hopfenstock , where the horses  were housed, were useless. The horses were removed, the stables were empty, the buildings should be sold. This was a favorable opportunity which  Franz and Anna did not want to miss. They bought the all densely lined up buildings,  and had the whole row now.

Braunes Ross, Stadt Pest, Rennthier, Hopfenstock