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Second Hotel Built in Arkansas City
The second question posed in our recent “History Contest” was the following:
Can you name the second hotel built in Arkansas City and its address?
THE ANSWER: CITY HOTEL.
ADDRESS: 200 SOUTH SUMMIT STREET.
Last occupant of a building on this site: Smyer Travel Service.
H. O. Meigs built the second hotel in 1870. The building was 20 x 32, two stories, and had a cellar under the whole building.
Emporia News, January 27, 1871.
The new City Hotel is warm, neat, and luxurious in all its appointments. A more cozy or better conducted house is not found in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Meigs, proprietors, leave nothing undone to promote the comfort of their guests, even their neat bed chambers are so arranged as to be warmed from the fires below.
Emporia News, August 25, 1871. [Article by Stotler, Editor.]
ARKANSAS CITY.
This town has over 100 buildings. Among the rest, and about the largest and best, is the city hotel, kept by our friend, H. O. Meigs. It is the best kept hotel in the Walnut Valley. The table is supplied with good, substantial food, and what is not the case with all tables, it is clean and well cooked; altogether, this is the cleanest, best ventilated, and most homelike public house we have found in our travels lately.
Winfield Courier, April 17, 1874.
[Item from the “Traveler.”]
Forty-two beds were made at the City Hotel on the night of the circus. This Hotel has been compelled to put on another addition in order to make room for the traveling public. H. O. Meigs is well known as a landlord, and his many friends are glad to hear of his resuming control of this most estimable house.
Later in 1874 Meigs turned over the hotel to A. N. Deming and then reclaimed it.
By 1876 Mantor & Son owned the City Hotel.
Cowley County Democrat, March 28, 1876.
Arkansas City Item.
The Central Avenue is the only house in the city now, the City Hotel having closed, but the Central Avenue is up to business and we can still offer as good hotel accommodations as can be found in the Southwest.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 22, 1879.
We understand Hermann Godehard has rented the City Hotel with a view of opening the same to the public, after it has been properly repaired. Hermann has served the public as Mine Host in former times, and always enjoyed the reputation of setting a number one table.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 12, 1879.
Won’t the city dads dump a few loads of dirt into that goose pond at the northwest corner of the old City Hotel. We wish to locate the depot just there.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 18, 1879.
Mr. Cuyler, of Quincy, Illinois, has leased the old City Hotel of Henry Tisdale, and will take possession after the building has been thoroughly repaired and put in order for a first-class house.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 27, 1879.
The best and most important improvement in our city is the thorough overhauling and remodeling of the City Hotel by Mr. J. C. Eager, an agent of Mr. Tisdale. He has done his work in a very thorough manner, having put the hotel in first-class condition. From the new roof to the cellar, the house has been cleaned, freshly painted and papered outside and in, and the stairways have been altered and made much more convenient. The work being completed, the house will soon be thrown open to the public, and under good management will be certain to receive a large share of patronage.
By way of giving the hotel the “name of good places,” Mr. Eager gave a social dance on Tuesday evening of last week, which was a success in every particular, the lovers of the mazy keeping the fun up until the “wee sma’ hours.”
Arkansas City Traveler, September 17, 1879.
The soldiers are talking of giving a dance at the City Hotel some time soon. The nights are becoming cool enough now to make a dance quite enjoyable.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 24, 1879.
Where, oh where, is the landlord of the City Hotel?
Arkansas City Traveler, October 15, 1879.
The late proprietor of the Pacific House, Wichita, has leased the City Hotel at this place and will open the house to the public in a few days.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 15, 1879.
We acknowledge the receipt of a complimentary to the military hop, on Thursday night at the City Hotel. Lieutenant Cushman and his detachment are renowned for doing whatever they undertake in the best style, and those who attend will be sure of a good time.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 15, 1879.
The detachment of military stationed at this place will give a grand hop at the City Hotel on Thursday night. “The boys in blue” have been with us for several months, and their gentlemanly bearing and social qualities have won the friendship of our people. Turn out and show that you appreciate a good thing by attending the hop.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 22, 1879.
Where is that landlord for the City Hotel?
Arkansas City Traveler, October 29, 1879.
Mr. C. U. France, the former proprietor of the Pacific House at Wichita, has leased the City Hotel in our town, and will be ready to entertain the public in a day or two. Mr. France had a large run of patronage in the old Pacific and he will continue to serve the public with the best the market affords at the City Hotel.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 5, 1879.
The City Hotel, on last Thursday, was again reopened under the new management of Mr. C. U. France, an experienced landlord, of Wichita. The building has been thoroughly overhauled and refurnished and everything about the house looks neat, clean, and comfortable, and the weary traveler will find all the comforts of a first-class hotel at his disposal.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 3, 1879.
A new harness shop has started into life in the basement of the City Hotel, and is ready for a thriving business. Give them a call. The firm is Krauss & Lehrmann.
AD: KRAUSS & LEHRMANN, Manufacturers and dealers in Saddles and Harness. Repairing promptly attended to. Shop in the basement of the City Hotel.
Arkansas City Traveler, Wednesday, December 17, 1879.
The Masonic fraternity have an oyster supper at the City Hotel tomorrow evening, to which all the members of the lodge are invited.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 28, 1880.
The hotels in town are crowded. We called at one the other night and found the guests piled on the floor about like cord wood. One unfortunate who retired (?) in peaceable and lawful possession of two hundred and twenty-five (avoirdupois) was flattened into a spread representing a government wall map, while the perspiration that flowed from his hide might be the victim of a tan vat. He spoke our views when he declared that, “What this town needs is hotels with more elbow room.”
Arkansas City Traveler, March 3, 1880.
One of the numerous Cowboys who infest the Territory South of this place visited the city one day last week. After imbibing freely of tanglefoot, he proceeded to the City Hotel, where he gave a free and unsolicited exhibition of his skill in the use of firearms by discharging the contents of his revolver through the office floor. A night in the cooler took all the crookedness out of him, when he went on his way rejoicing.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 21, 1880.
SUNDAY’S WIND.
Last Sunday was a day long to be remembered by the citizens of Arkansas City. The morning promised a nice day, but soon the wind began to blow at a lively rate from the south and by noon had almost reached a gale, changing to the west. Its fury did not abate until near sundown, when it changed around to the north and became more calm.
In looking over the damage done, we find it extends pretty well over the City. During the entire day the air was dense with flying sand and dust.
The awning in front of the Newman building and Schiffbauer Bros. store was blown to pieces; and in falling, broke five of the large plate glass in the front, which cost $15 each, beside the glass in the door.
A dwelling in the northeast of town was unroofed. A shed in the rear of Brooks livery barn was lifted over into the street and demolished. A flying board came in contact with a window in the City Hotel, which was crushed to atoms. The rafters on Lafe McLaughlin’s new residence at the west end of Fourth Avenue, were badly careened. A shade tree on north Summit street was twisted off and landed out in the street. The loose lumber at the lumber yards was picked up by the wind and promiscuously scattered around. Numerous outbuildings were decapitated, upset, or otherwise more or less damaged. Many of the buildings in town were shaken to such a degree as to seriously alarm the occupants, and not a few were hastily propped against impending danger.
Take it all in all, Sunday can be put down as a windy day, and one it is to be hoped the like of which may not again soon visit Southern Kansas.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 23, 1880
The new temperance billiard hall in the basement of the City Hotel is now open, under the management of Mr. L. D. Godfrey.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 11, 1880.
A quiet and select dance was had by the young folks last Monday night at the City Hotel.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 25, 1880.
The City Hotel has been taxed almost beyond its capacity during the past few weeks. Somehow or other Mr. France has worked up an immense reputation for the best of food and treatment since his arrival, which accounts for his crowded house. Let it be wet or dry, hot or cold, France fills his regulars and transients “just as hard.”
Arkansas City Traveler, September 8, 1880.
C. U. France had a run extraordinary, last Friday, finding one hundred and twenty-five people at the popular City Hotel.
Arkansas City Traveler, January 12, 1881.
France, of the City Hotel, says he likes to have a good run and all that, but it is too much of a good thing to have his house so full, on these cold nights, that he has to sit up until daylight in order to accommodate his customers.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 30, 1881.
Mr. Godfrey’s temperance billiard hall, under the City hotel, is enjoying a prosperous career. No drinking of liquor was allowed in this room even before the constitutional amendment presented itself as an obstacle, a good quality of cigars being the only article of refreshment kept by the proprietor.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 13, 1881.
C. U. France, our justly popular hotel man, has taken charge of the Central Avenue Hotel, and will run the same in connection with the City Hotel.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 31, 1881.
THE PISTOL.
The Bullet vs. Rocks.
On Monday morning a fuss took place between Bill Baxter and W. C. Baird, clerk of the City hotel, the cassus belli being a dime smoke furnished Baxter, and for which he refused to pay. Several compliments of a highly personal character were indulged in, after which a tournament, in which two shots were fired, transpired. W. C. Baird handled the pop, but without damage to his assailant, who promptly gathered a rock and went for Baird. The “bad man” grasped the situation and fled for refuge, and, in the words of a bystander, made his coat tail crack in his effort to make good time. A warrant was taken out for Baird, who was arrested and taken before Judge Bonsall, who bound him over to appear at 1 o’clock yesterday. When the time for trial came, he turned up missing, and thus forfeited his bail of $100.00.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 28, 1881.
All the ice in town has been exhausted and the City Hotel has to be supplied from Winfield.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 17, 1882.
The work of laying the new stone sidewalk in front of the City Hotel is now in progress.
Arkansas City Traveler, May 24, 1882.
With pleasure we record the return of Mr. Cassell, of Mattoon, Illinois, to this city. He intends, we understand, to permanently locate and take charge of the City Hotel. Mr. Cassell is a whole-souled, genial gentleman and with such a landlord, the house is bound to be a success in every sense of the word.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 7, 1882.
Charley France, late of the City Hotel at this place, is now at the Buttrey House, Wellington.
Arkansas City Traveler, June 21, 1882.
The new porch and awning in front of the City Hotel is a boss institution.
Arkansas City Traveler, September 13, 1882.
The City Hotel has been crowded with guests the past few weeks. Mr. Cassell is a successful hotel man, and his motto seems to be, “I’ll do more than command success—I’ll deserve it.”
Arkansas City Traveler, September 20, 1882.
One of the “Old Soldiers” returned from Topeka Saturday night last. As he was airing himself the next morning in front of the City Hotel, a small snake appeared on the sidewalk close by. The soldier eyed it; ran his hands through his hair, looked about and said: “Boys, I’m all right, ain’t I? “Why yes, why?” “If I hadn’t just returned from the State Fair, I’d swear that was a snake.”
Arkansas City Traveler, November 15, 1882.
Mr. McIntire, of Independence, Kansas, has purchased the furniture and fixtures of the City Hotel, and will have control of it hereafter.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 20, 1882.
D. C. McIntire, landlord of the City Hotel, was sick for several days with hemorrhage of the stomach, but is better at this writing.
Arkansas City Traveler, March 21, 1883.
D. C. McIntire, of our “City Hotel,” is now staying at Geuda Springs. We hope he may receive benefit from their healing waters.
CHANGE IN NAME: FROM “CITY HOTEL” TO “LELAND HOTEL.”
Around April 1, 1883, Capt. J. B. Nipp and A. W. Patterson purchased Mr. McIntire’s interest in the City Hotel. They placed Mr. R. E. Grubbs in charge as manager. It was Capt. Nipp who changed the name to the “Leland Hotel.”
Arkansas City Traveler, May 30, 1883.
DISSOLUTION NOTICE.
Notice is hereby given that the undersigned have this day dissolved partnership in the Mammoth Livery Stable and Leland Hotel business by mutual consent. All accounts against the Leland Hotel are assumed and will be settled by A. W. Patterson and all accounts against the Mammoth Livery Stable are assumed and will be settled by J. B. Nipp.
Signed: JAS. B. NIPP, A. W. PATTERSON. Arkansas City, Kansas, May 11th, 1883.
Patterson proceeded to make an addition to the Leland Hotel in June 1883. Mr. Wm. Canfield was the contractor.
One newspaper account reported the new addition was 24 x 50 feet; another that it was 30 x 50 feet. The addition was two stories high, giving on the first floor a main office 14 x 30 feet and two 12 x 20 feet sample rooms. Upstairs there were seven large and elegantly fitted bedrooms. The addition was completed in July 1883. A barber shop was added.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 7, 1883.
“Mine host” of the Leland, A. W. Patterson, has given most substantial proof of his success in catering to the public and of his confidence in the commercial metropolis of Southern Kansas. Last week he purchased of Mr. Henry Tisdale the Leland Hotel property, consisting of three lots and buildings thereon, for the sum of $5,500, which leaves him sole proprietor of the property. Within a short time C. U. France leased the hotel from Mr. Patterson and became the manager.
Soon after this the property was purchased by another party.
Arkansas City Traveler, November 28, 1883.
J. L. Huey last Monday purchased the Leland Hotel property, consisting of the building and three lots. So long as the present lease holds good, no change will be made; but at the expiration of the lease, Mr. Huey contemplates the erection of a substantial business block, with seventy-five feet front. This is a fine corner, and will prove a most excellent investment for the Creswell Bank.
In December 1883 Col. Neff, of Winfield, went into partnership with C. U. France and became one of the managers of the Leland Hotel. Neff retired in April 1884 when A. W. Patterson, known as “Pat,” returned with his family from Michigan and once again assumed control of the Leland.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 16, 1884.
The Leland Opening.
As announced in last week’s TRAVELER, the Leland was opened under the management of its former proprietor, A. W. Patterson, on last Thursday, and everybody was invited to the noonday feast, which was as free as the water of life—without money and without price.
A. W. has a well merited reputation as a landlord in this country, and the news that he was once more at the head of this favorite resort was hailed with pleasure by the lovers of good eating and courteous treatment. Some two hundred and thirty partook of the Leland’s hospitality last Thursday. With one voice the guests pronounced it the best dinner ever served in this city. Mine host says that he will have such dinners every day now, with equally palatable morning and evening meals. There is no denying that “Pat” is what is generally known as a rustler for business, and if setting good tables with everything that money can buy, having it well cooked and well served, and looking after the convenience of guests, will avail anything, the Leland will certainly be crowded. It was during Mr. Patterson’s regime that the new part of the Leland was built, which furnishes the best of accommodations for the traveling public, and now that he has once more assumed control, we bespeak for him the success he merits.
In early August 1884 Patterson hired W. T. Kitchen to be manager. On August 19th the Leland again changed hands. Messrs. Ward and Perry took charge; Kitchen remained as the manager.
Arkansas City Republican, August 23, 1884.
H. H. Perry is again in the hotel business. For the past ten days he has been as uneasy as a fish out of water. He went abroad to find a suitable location, but returned thoroughly convinced that Arkansas City is the best place in the world after all. Accordingly he purchased the appurtenances of the Leland and moved in. His ambition is such that the present quarters will not suit him, so he has contracted to have an addition built to the already spacious building. The new part will be 25 x 40 feet and two stories high, and will contain twelve commercial rooms. We are glad this gentleman is again in our circle and wish him the best of success.
Perry commenced the addition in September 1884. The first floor was used as a dining room. The old dining room became a laundry.
Arkansas City Traveler, October 15, 1884.
The Leland Hotel opened up its new dining hall last Sunday in grand style, setting forth a dinner fit for the gods. The new addition to the Leland, just completed, gives Mr. Perry fifteen more large and commodious rooms for the accommodation of the traveling public, which is much needed. We hate to bid good-bye to the old dining room, which has fed so many thousands during the last fourteen years, but improvement is the order of the day in Arkansas City, and the people will soon accustom themselves to their new place of eating.
Arkansas City Republican, October 18, 1884.
The Leland Hotel addition is completed. Sunday mine host Perry gave his initiatory meal. About 75 guests were there to refresh the inner man. The dining room is now of sufficient size to accommodate any sized crowd. It is now being papered, and when completed will look so snug and cozy as to remind one of the dining rooms “at home.”
The dining room became the drawing card for many events: dinners, dances, meetings. The Leland was the subject of many stories, some humorous, some not.
Arkansas City Traveler, February 25, 1885.
Some wicked cowboy perpetrated a cruel joke on one of the “Jennie Bowen” combination. Wm. Davis, the “kid” of the troupe, is a Welshman who has never before been out West, and cowboys and Indians were “them be queer critters,” to him. His greenness in this line was so prominent it stuck out far enough to hang an overcoat on. Several cowboys, who were staying at the Leland, soon caught on; and while they were in the washroom, suddenly turned on Davis and ordered, “Hands up.” It is needless to say that hands went up, and heart too. His knees knocked together like dry limbs in a gale as he looked in the barrels of two “bull-dog” revolvers. After a little loud talk, they told him he could go. He went. Afterwards we asked him if he was scared. “Scared!” he said, “well I should remark.”
Arkansas City Republican, March 7, 1885.
Last Wednesday evening, Adjutant Finley left a lighted lamp in his room, No. 15, at the Leland Hotel and went out. During his absence the lamp exploded, setting fire to the carpet and bed clothing. Lodgers in the next room were attracted to the scene of the would-be conflagration by the smell of burning clothing and hastily extinguished it.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 15, 1885.
On Thursday evening just as the performances had closed at Highland Hall, the retiring spectators were treated to a free exhibition on the sidewalk. Two or three of our city guardians had a refractory prisoner in charge, and as he refused to be taken to jail, they were carrying him thither by their united efforts. The voice of the prisoner attracted a crowd, and the Leland Hotel was emptied of its guests as the stormy procession passed by. The offender was a colored teamster in the service of the quartermaster, and the next morning he was fined $2 and costs for too free indulgence in the ardent.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 22, 1885.
The Boomers Booming.
The Boomers are full of excitement. Capt. Couch returned from his mission to Washington Monday, and reported to his followers the result of his interview with Secretary Lamar. The substance of the conversation has been given as a press dispatch, and it certainly affords no encouragement to the Oklahoma colonists. After the matter was discussed at some length, a committee of thirteen (as we understood the number) was appointed to draft resolutions, and report to an adjourned meeting to be held at 10 a.m. yesterday. But it rained heavily all forenoon and no meeting was held. At noon the train brought in Hon. Sidney Clarke, who put up at the Leland House, and was instantly beset by boomers. A general talk over the situation was held, the outcome of which was an informal extension of the committee appointed the day previously to thirty-two—that being the number of states represented in the colony—and a postponement of the meeting till 9:30 o’clock this (Wednesday) morning. As the TRAVELER goes to press before the hour set for the meeting, we are unable to give a report of the proceedings. It is believed, however, that the present hopelessness of the case will be recognized, and that the colony will disperse to seek some way of living.
Arkansas City Republican, July 18, 1885.
H. H. Perry has leased the bath rooms in the Commercial Block and will run them in connection with the Leland Hotel. Baths given to both ladies and gentlemen.
Arkansas City Traveler, July 22, 1885.
W. W. Perry, mine host of the Leland, has leased the handsome bath rooms in the Hasie building, and now offers the luxury of a refreshing bath to all perspiring souls. Facilities are provided for ladies and gentlemen, the plumbing work faultless, and the supply of the limpid element unfailing. Good bath rooms have been a desideratum in this city, and now they are provided. We expect to see them liberally patronized.
Arkansas City Traveler, August 5, 1885.
H. H. Perry, of the Leland, put a range in his kitchen last week, bought in Chicago, of sufficient capacity, it would seem, to cook for the whole city.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 5, 1885.
ALMOST ANOTHER CONFLAGRATION.
The Leland Hotel Set on Fire Wednesday Night;
and Jerry McGee Arrested for the Deed.
Last Wednesday evening, at about 10 o’clock, the alarm of fire was given. It proved to be in the Leland Hotel, and from the testimony offered in the preliminary examination yesterday, of the man who is accused of the deed, we glean the following information.
Shortly after the Santa Fe train came in Wednesday night, the fire was discovered under the stairway by a chambermaid going to a closet after bed clothing. She screamed for Landlord Perry, who came with a pitcher of water, followed by a drummer with a bucket of water. They both dashed it on the flames and extinguished them. While this scene was transpiring, upon the outside two girls employed in the hotel were coming into the house from the laundry, when they met a man, who appeared to be trying to hide from them. They recognized him as Jerry McGee, and one of them, Ruth Bowles, caught hold of his coat collar and asked what he was doing there. No answer was made to her inquiry, and the girl held on to him for a short distance as he moved away trying to obtain an answer from him. She finally let loose and upon going in the house learned what had occurred there. She told Mr. Perry of her experience outside and he immediately had Billy Gray to go over to the Occidental where McGee worked, and see if he was there. Marshal Gray found him there and arrested him. He was kept under guard all night. Thursday the preliminary trial was to have come off, but it was postponed until yesterday. Landlord Perry tells us a man by the name of Hill saw the prisoner in the hallway of the Leland just before the fire occurred, but this witness strangely disappeared before the trial began. DeWitt McDowell, proprietor of the Occidental Hotel, testified that McGee was in his hotel at the time the fire occurred. The girl who caught the man by the coat collar is positive that it was McGee and McDowell was equally positive that the prisoner was in the Occidental at that moment. But Judge Kreamer wisely gave his decision to hold McGee, and he was bound over in the sum of $2,500.
The Leland Hotel was chock full of lodgers and if the fire had gotten under headway, no doubt some of them would have been cremated. The fire was under the only stairway in the hotel and if it had burned, all egress would have been cut off except through the windows. Whoever it was, it was intended to make a sure job, as everything in the place where the fire was started was saturated with coal oil.
The Leland Hotel almost burned down in December 1885. Proprietor Perry gave a statement concerning this.
“On the night in question my house was full, and as I retired before the omnibus from the Santa Fe depot came up, I instructed the porter to call me, if a certain passenger (a Mr. Pomyea, from Kansas City), came in. My wife being away from home, I proposed to give up my room and sleep for the night with one of the boys. About ten minutes after I had undressed and was in bed, the porter came to my room and called me, saying Mr. Pomyea had come in the stage. I arose, and having half dressed myself, sent for a chambermaid to make up the bed and tidy the room. Ella Chapel came, and after she had prepared the room for the guest, I sent her downstairs for two towels. The girl came flying back in an instant, saying the stairs were on fire. I grabbed up the water pitcher, and running downstairs, found the flames in a recess under the stairs and hard to get at. Getting on my knees I thrust the pitcher into the recess, scorching my hand slightly with the blaze, and emptied its contents.
“In the hall, just forward of the stairs, is a sleeping room occupied by Mrs. Hill. I burst her door open, awakening her with the noise; and seizing her water pitcher, I also emptied that over the burning material, and this effectually extinguished the fire.”
Suspicion of this daring act of incendiarianism fell upon Jerry McGee, a discharged porter, then employed in the Occidental Hotel, who had been seen about the premises by a dining room girl. Complaint was made to Justice Kreamer, and the City Marshal was instructed to make the arrest. The suspected party was found in the Occidental and taken before the justice, who placed him under $1,500 bonds to appear for examination. Bail was furnished by DeWitt McDowell, proprietor of the Occidental, and the accused was discharged; but later on he was re-arrested and placed under guard.
To make a long story short, they had a preliminary examination and later a trial, trying to pin the fire on McGee.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 26, 1885.
Jerry McGee, the would be incendiary of the Leland Hotel, was acquitted.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 30, 1885.
H. H. Perry, mine host of the Leland, last week purchased 640 acres of improved farm land from D. L. Wright, of Chautauqua County. The land lies seven miles southwest of Sedan, and five miles from Elgin. Mr. Perry owns an adjoining piece of land, 200 acres in extent, and this investment of his makes it look as if he was going into the cattle raising industry.
Arkansas City Republican, January 23, 1886.
The building in Arkansas City promises to be thrible this year to that of last year. The latest building scheme projected is on the lots where the Leland Hotel now stands. We are told that the frame building is to be removed soon and a handsome block supersedes it for a banking institution.
Arkansas City Traveler, April 23, 1886.
Our new street commissioner has filled up that bog in front of the Leland Hotel, and he has also repaired that dangerous break in the flume that crosses Fifth Avenue at Sixth Street.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 22, 1886. From Tuesday’s Daily.
B. G. Kirker, of Maple City, has purchased H. H. Perry’s interest in the Leland Hotel. The consideration was $4,500. Mr. Perry purchased of Mr. Kirker 654 acres of land near Maple City; the consideration was $7,000. Mr. Kirker has taken possession of his purchase and is now mine host of the Leland. Johnnie Hill will remain in the employ of Mr. Kirker. Mr. Perry, we are told, will remove to his cattle ranch in Chautauqua County. The REPUBLICAN can almost picture in its mind Perry transforming himself into a festive cowboy.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, May 29, 1886. From Monday’s Daily.
For two business lots, upon which a portion of the Leland Hotel stands, the owner, J. L. Huey, was offered $14,000. The offer was refused. The lot on the corner will be occupied by a large bank building, which is to be put up by the Arkansas City Bank.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, September 25, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
The Leland Hotel changes proprietors tomorrow. B. G. Kirker retires, covered all over with landlord honors, and W. J. Ward, of Burden, succeeds him.
[The above article does not agree with the next one. Republican stated “W. J. Ward, of Burden.” Traveler article stated “J. D. Ward, a Dexter benefactor.” MAW]
Arkansas City Traveler, September 29, 1886.
On Saturday the Leland Hotel changed hands, its late proprietor, B. G. Kirker, turning over the business to J. D. Ward, a Dexter benefactor of some celebrity. The new landlord celebrated the change of hands by inviting a host of friends to dinner on Sunday. His hospitality was partaken by about 200 guests who sat down to as bounteous a repast as was ever served up in this city. The cooking was excellent, and the table service prompt and efficient, two or three waiters being stationed at every table. Mr. Ward, as a caterer, has won the favorable regard of all the patrons of the house, and he starts upon his new enterprise with the spirit of a man who can keep a hotel. John D. Hill, we are glad to announce, will be retained as chief clerk. Mr. Kirker will remain in the city.
Peter Pearson Purchases Leland Hotel Property.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, November 13, 1886. From Friday’s Daily.
Yesterday George Druitt purchased the business lot of Peter Pearson next to Cunningham’s implement establishment. The consideration was $9,000. Mr. Pearson immediately made the purchase of the Leland Hotel property of J. L. Huey. He gave $16,000 for it. F. J. Hess made the sale.
Arkansas City Bank to be Built on Leland Hotel Corner.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 1, 1886.
The Arkansas City Bank has been chartered as a corporate institution under the state law, and will re-organize for a fresh start on January 1st. The incorporators are Samuel Newell, Gen. L. Whitman (of New York), James L. Huey, Chas. Hutchins, and Frank J. Hess. The intention of the officers is to build next spring on the Leland Hotel corner a three-story and basement bank, the full size of the lot, 25 by 132 feet, in a style of solid elegance that will be surpassed by no similar building in the state. The business of this banking institution has kept pace with the commercial growth of the city and county; a spirit of judicious accommodation being its recognized policy, and the competence and financial standing of its owners and officers above question. Sound banks are a vital necessity to business prosperity, and Arkansas City is favored in the ability of its banking houses.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, December 4, 1886. From Thursday’s Daily.
An inebriated painter was sitting this morning in the Leland Hotel office catching a few winks of sleep, which he had lost last night. The boys around the hotel resolved to play a wicked trick upon him. They secured a large cork, split one end, and stuck the other full of brimstone matches and then fastened it onto the drunken painter’s nose. The matches were touched off and were half burned up when he awoke and saw his nose on fire. At first he thought it was a “malt blossom,” but finally the heat became so intense that he summoned up enough of his paralyzed senses to knock the cork from his nose. The joke was not only dangerous but very wicked. The poor inebriate might have ruined his eyesight.
Arkansas City Traveler, December 8, 1886.
The Leland Hotel has again changed hands, Stinson & Scott having bought out John D. Ward.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, February 5, 1887. From Friday’s Daily.
Plans for Bank Building to Replace Leland Hotel Outlined.
J. L. Huey, on the lots on the corner of 5th Avenue and Summit Street, will have erected the handsomest bank building in the Arkansas Valley. The building will be 50 x 132 feet, the fronts being of pressed brick trimmed with cut stone. Mr. Huey is away now attending to the plans and specifications. Work will begin on this block in the early spring. The lease on the frame building used as the Leland Hotel expires in March, after which it will be removed and be replaced as above stated. Peter Pearson will also build a business house 25 x 128 feet for his mammoth furniture store. It will be located on the lot next to the Arkansas City bank.
Arkansas City Republican, Saturday, March 12, 1887. From Monday’s Daily.
The work of moving the Leland Hotel began this morning. It will take about two weeks to do it. Messrs. Godfrey and Adams have the contract.
REMOVAL OF THE LELAND HOTEL, AN OLD “LANDMARK.”
Arkansas City Republican, March 19, 1887.
Work on the moving of the Leland Hotel has begun. The old part of the hotel was built in 1871 by H. O. Meigs, and is therefore entitled to the name of an old “landmark.” Now it is to be taken away and succeeded by the handsomest three-story bank building in the state. As time progresses the prediction of Prof. Norton, one of the originators of the Arkansas City town company, is being fulfilled. When the townsite was being surveyed, Prof. Norton claimed that there would be a great city here on account of its many natural advantages. This site, in his opinion, was the best one the state offered for the founding and the building of a great city.
