Looking back in Springfield: the elegant Shawnee Hotel

When the Shawnee Hotel opened in Springfield in January 1917, it was considered to be second to none in the state. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLARK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

When the Shawnee Hotel opened in Springfield in January 1917, it was considered to be second to none in the state. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CLARK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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By Staff report
Updated July 22, 2018
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When the Shawnee Hotel opened in Springfield in January 1917, it was considered to be second to none in the state.

It had 173 guest rooms with mahogany and ivory furniture, marble staircases, Italian drapery, in-room plumbing, and many other features that made it a grand edition to the city.

The main dining room, shown here in 1939, was designed in the Gothic style and had wood paneling of black American walnut, specially designed lighting, ceramic tile, and décor by Mandel Brothers of Chicago.

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Staff report