LITTLE SWAN LAKE LADIES LUNCHEON FOR APRIL 2011
By Barbara Galvin
The Little Swan Ladies treated themselves to a luncheon at Lynn Hotel, in Biggsville, on April 6, 2011. Proof of the specialness of Lynn Hotel is that the ladies made this outing their second trip to Lynn Hotel.
The ladies who had never had the pleasure of enjoying lunch at Lynn Hotel were pleasantly surprised. Meanwhile the ladies who already experienced the delicious food and interesting environment at Lynn Hotel knew why they were returning.
The Lynn Hotel was established in 1866, after the bustling 1850's when cattle drives through Biggsville made the railroad busy and the visitors numerous. From 1877, a huge hotel was built next to Lynn Hotel, and in 1900, the building became a residential structure. That original building burned down, but in 1902, the existing Lynn Hotel was built on the same site by Jane Jamison. She named the hotel after her youngest son, Lynn. By 1906, Jane left the hotel business for a postion in the post office.
Then, a variety of businesses housed in the hotel building from ----boarding house to a grocery store, from a seed store to a television store. An apartment was also created upstairs. This occurred in the 1930's.
In 1942, Dorothy Boyer rented the apartment upstairs. By 1946, Dorothy had married Mr. Franklin. With the passage of time, Dorothy, a beautician, was visiting Mr. Franklin in Roseville's nursing home. Both passed away, and Lynn Hotel was for sale.
In 2006, the decision to auction the Lynn Hotel was met with the determination of 23 citizens led by Jerry, who owns the Horse Carriage Museum on Main Street. These people raised over $18,000.00 to buy the hotel, by selling shares in Lynn Hotel. Originally selling shares for $500, the group purchased the hotel and began restoration. By working 24/7, the group managed to recreate the exquisite hotel that graces Main Street, in Biggsville today.
Besides the restoration, they were able to purchase some of the original furniture, which was cleaned and restored to its original splendor. Four bedrooms, three up and one down stairs, are ready to comfort sleepy guests, as the hotel reopened for customers.
Perhaps, the most unique aspect of Lynn Hotel is how the original share owners have not only restored the hotel, but also maintain the hotel. The most nostalgic room is maintained and originally created by Mr. Russ Liston, who has gathered memorabilia from the former Biggsville High School. From an old school bell to photos of graduation classes and diplomas, dating back to 1894. Mr. Liston has all these treasurers on display. Sports fans will also find trophies, and most significantly the Track Championship Trophy from 1899 and 1900. Obviously, a labor of love, the entire hotel is a one-of-a-kind spectacle to enjoy.
Little Swan Lake ladies were treated to tables decked out in white linen tableclothes and napkins, and napkin rings made from antique silver spoons. The lovely centerpieces were a bouquet of flowers in a cystral vase. The table was decked out with antique silver and china. At each place setting was a homemade cameo mint placed in an antique salt well. It all was delightful to the eye. A perfect place to be pampered for a day. The ladies were also treated to a delicious lunch of Cream of Cheese Broccoli Soup with Chicken Salad on a Croissant. A scrumptious dessert of chocolate cake, frosted with whipped cream, and topped with crushed Heath Candy Bar completed the lunch.
Treated to both the delicious luncheon and the interesting story of Hotel Lynn were:Darlyne Ackers, Carlene Adams, Pat Bricker, Sharon Butler, Kathy Coultras, Peggy Garrett, Judi Jones, Bev Ver Steeg, Mavis Harmon, Nancy Hoppes, Gail Maher, Donna Markley, Gloria Miller, Sandy Morrow, Mariana Schrader, Jane Stevens, Denise Thomas, Patty Anderson and Sharon Hundley.
The pampered ladies of Little Swan Lake were pleased with Lynn Hotel, so a return visit will be a pleasant plan for the future. If you would like to experience Hotel Lynn for yourself, call for reservations.
The ladies of Little Swan Lake are having another Rummage Sale this year. The proceeds will go to supplement Little Swan Memorial Garden. The sale will be May 14 7AM.-2:00PM. If you would like to donate articles for the sale, the club house will be open Mon-thru-Thurs. May 9th thru May 12 from 8:30-10:00AM and Wed. May 11th and Thurs. May 12 6:00-8:00 PM. No clothes please. Any questions call Nancy Hoppes 465-5277.
Little Swan Lake ladies will return to the pavilion for their next meeting, on May4, for the regular pot luck luncheon, at Noon. See you then.
