Shown in this file photo, Lake Hotel, built around the late 1890s, was located at 301 E. Main. Entrance to the hotel was 119 S. Philadelphia. In 1923 the hotel was known as the new Willord Hotel. The hotel had the reputation of being the only up-to-date small hotel in Shawnee providing free baths, also heated rooms. Rates were $1-$1.50 per day. Rooms were all outside rooms, well furnished, kept cool in summer and warm in winter. Information is from Shawnee Industrial Publication of 1910, page 18. Decades later W.R. Jones made use of the building. Photo was reproduced by Shawnee News-Star Photographer Houstin Payne April 29, 1975. SNS
Then and Now: Though many things come and go, much of what remains in Shawnee displays hints of days gone by. While some buildings still…
