My father owned the Leland Hotel in the sixties. I would like to see more about that time and what the Leland used to be. Anyone have photos? I remember “the bean soup comittee’, My father Raymond “mike” Johnston used to run with Maureen Reagan and others. Anyone with old articles comment here about where I can find them. Warm smiles,
Tamara S Johnston
Your dad did not buy The Leland until very late 1969. My father ran The Leland from 1948 until the time that Mike Johnston bought it. My sister and I were raised in the hotel and lived there from 1953 until 1970. What eventually happened to the interior of the hotel was very sad, particularly loosing the Red Lion Tavern and the Crown Ballroom.
I am to very intrested in the Leland hotel past history my grandfather, Joe Schweska was chef ther fron the mid 20′s till late 40′s if anyone has old photos of the hotel or any memorabilia form this time please let me know
Hi Julie!
I worked as a busboy at Mansion View Restaurant back in 76 and we served a Horseshoe sandwich there too! Two slices of toast, meat and cheese sauce covered in french fries! It was Great! I can remember trying to figure out how they made the cheese sauce and being told by Milly the salad lady, that it had a secret ingredient…
Actually, I think it was made with beer! haha Sorry Milly the secrets out!
Now that open faced sandwich had to be a major icon loved by Springfield, but anyone who knew Milly understood she was the true icon adored by Springfield!
The Horseshoe and Ponyshoe sandwiches originated at The Leland and were served in the Red Lion Tavern the entire time that I lived there. It was Joe Schweska who originally developed the recipe and, yes, the cheese sauce contained beer as well as Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard and cayenne. My dad always said that you had to make it with real cheddar cheese, not anything processed. There were many types of horseshoes, not only ones with hamburger patties. I remember chicken horseshoes, shrimp, egg and tomato, ham, turkey and there might have been others too.
Brings back memories! I worked at the hotel in laundry in the late 60′s and my Father Bob Houston was also a chef there for years and years until it closed. He sent this article to me and I just wanted to comment on some of the great times we had there.
Whe my ex-husband graduated from St.Police acadmy in 1958 we had brakfast at the Lehand Hotel and being from a small town in Southern IL it was my first big Hotel and thought it was so great and beautiful, and never thought to do day my companion now would be the chef, Bob Houstnn that cooked my breakfast.
Mr Bollinger – I came to Springfeild two weeks ago there was man from Germany named Stanley Moskwa, staying at our hotel who your father had sponsored into this country after your Dad met him overseas during the war. He had come to town to visit your Dad’s grave and meet his family. DO you have a realitive named Ceclia? I understand Stanley lived and worked at the hotel…
I loved the Red Lion. I was a young girl and my Dad took me there for dress-up dinner nights. Elegant Supper Club.
Can you please contact me. KC Schneider … ComicChaos@aol.com (469) 766 -1666
I am looking for information on my Grandmothers. I do believe she and other family members worked there at the Leland. They were from Lithuania, It would of been 1950′s 55-58? area The name would of been Poudzunas or Voysilas Nellie first name.
Was there another hotel that was close by that was popular or was this the main one downtown? Any information would greatly be appreciated. Thanks Stacy
Stacy, the Leland was a major hotel, but there was also the Abraham Lincoln Hotel one block west on the SW corner of Capitol Avenue and 5th Street. It was demolished around 1978. The St. Nicholas was also a major downtown hotel at 4th and Jefferson. Many would consider the St. Nicholas to have been the premier downtown hotel. Today it is an apartment building.
Thanks, Scott
It was the Abraham Lincoln that she worked in. I am trying to find out about a Chef or Cook Named Charles Lamar not sure if the spelling is exactly right might be LaMarr etc.. I did try to do some searching at the Prarie Archives downtown before. If anyone knows anything on that name or Chef I would appreciate it! Again it would of been 1955-58 area. I am trying to do some family searching.
Yes, there were the three major downtown hotels, along with the smaller Hotel Governor next to the St. Nick. Although very much biased, I disagree that the St. Nicholas was considered “the premier downtown hotel”. Its lobby could in no way compete with the beauty and size of the ones in the Abraham Lincoln Hotel or The Leland. The St. Nick’s ballroom was larger, but not grand as was The Leland’s and the Abe Lincoln’s. Neither of them could compete with The Leland’s food and beverage operations that included The Red Lion and the Sunbrella, both of which were sizeable and attractive. In its heyday, The Leland was packed for lunch each weekday.
As an aside, The Leland was the Republican hotel, while the Democrats claimed the St. Nicholas. My dad was friends with the Democratic governors though and Adlai Stevenson ran his campaign from the Crown Ballroom of The Leland.
You are 100% right. I worked at the LELAND FROM 1948 TILL IT CLOSED.I worked for your dad all those years. I knew your mother,and later Poly. You and your sister TAMMY? WERE LITTLE KIDS THEN. I remember lots of good times there. Truly yours . BOB HOUSTON
take a look at the 1950 building on what is the 6th street side where the sign was and take a look at the more recent picture and you can still see where the sign sat, as there is some burn marks where the neon sign was place
My father, Joseph Shmikler, was one of the owners of the Leland Hotel and I was married there in the ballroom, August 27, 1961. In one year we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. I remember “little” Jim very well and your dad was a wonderful man!!
My father worked at the Leland in the 60′s and I remember sitting in those red velvet chairs in the lobby waiting for him, eating at the Red Lion and ridding the old time elevators up and down the floors. It was really something in it’s day. A shame that it is now an office building to bad someone couldn’t of got it and opened it up again as a really nice hotel and Restaurant.
My Great-Grandfather, William J. Kleban, was the hotel’s reservation manager. He was still employed there when he passed in 1964. His father, William Kleban Sr., worked there as an elevator man until 1933 when he was found dead at the Leland. My Great-Grandmother, Ann D. Andolsek (Kleban), also worked there when she was younger and single.
The Leland was the original home to WICS-TV from 1953 to 1964. For more on the history of WICS-TV visit http://www.dougquick.com. Also, check out history of Springfield radio stations WCVS and WDBR. Radio station WCVS(formerly WCBS) was also located at the Leland.
The Horseshoe was invented at the Leland Hotel. My first drink was in the coctail lounge , a Rhine wine and seltzer. I thought I was really something having a drink. It was a fun time in Springfield so much history with the Leland, We had my 30th birthday party in the sun room, a cocktail buffet on St Patricks Day. The Bolingers were a handsom couple. I also remember the Perrys.
A wonderful lady named Tressa Smith was the sales mgr. at the Leland in the 50s and part of the 60s. She lived in an up and down duplex at 901 S. 6th (we lived upstairs). She could cook up a storm. Her son-in-law was the racecar driver Alan Crowe for whom a race at the State Fair is named–he was killed, I believe in 1961. She also had a son, Valjean, who was a local attorney.
I was in the Beaux Arts Ball, ’59, ’61, and ’62…I think… held at the Leland Hotel. I thought it was beautiful and terribly sophisticated but I never made it to the Red Lion, I did get a chance to enjoy a horseshoe at the Norb Andy across the street, when I was “of age”.
My mother met my father at the Leland when they both worked there in late 30′s and early 40′s! They were married in 1940! Thank you Leland Hotel! And thanks for the old photo!
The St Nick was famous for the dis covery of the cash in shoe boxes (Sec of State Paul Powell) The Abe was a great hotel during WWII; Mary Hamilton and I had wedding breakfast and reception at Leland Sept 27,1952.Bolinger was the trainer for a lot of good hotel and food&breverage people; John Shephard was very close to becoming Regan’s Atty Gen after Meese.My dad’s dental lab was next to drugstore,southeast of Leland.Many great memories.Thank you. Jack G
I have an old printer’s block of the Red Lion. It was used to print menus, etc. for hotel. I also have a Guest Information hardcover binder. It has pages of local advertisements, i.e. Bressmer’s, Franklin Life, Bachmann & Kumle, etc. The binder’s cover has the Red Lion (in red) and below “Hotel Leland, Springfield, ILL.” Was the correct name Leland Hotel or Hotel Leland?
As a child, born in 1961, I remember my parents taking me to the Red Lion, I became obsessed with the suits of armor, and I think I remember a carriage, didn’t like horse shoes then now I can’t live without them! I wish I knew what happened to all the wonderful things after the auction of contents!
Hello~ Yes Mike Johnston has seven daughters.I am Tammy the next to the youngest. Lisa, Tammy, Diane, Taffy, Cindy, Marsha, and Annette. Dad passed away in 2008 and I am looking for old pictures of when my dad was there. We lost alot of our pictures in a house fire in Dec 1967. Any suggestions?
i have been doing some family history and found that a relative of mine worked at the leland hotel then moved to california he was good friends with the owners the last name was PAGE does any one have information on him good or bad i would just like to know or any othere PAGES (especially from the northend) thanks also looking for any information on the pawnee organization that was in the springfield area thanks again
I would eat lunch at the leland hotel in the early 1960′s ‘appx.3rd and 4th grade,and ate many horseshoe meals; as my fathers optometric practice was next to the leland hotel and he would take me to lunch there, and being amazed by all the original suites of armour. The wics television station was to the west next to the church. I do remember mr bolinger, and being aquianted with his daughter.
I do remember taffy johnston from high school, and visting at your house in leland grove. please do say hello, she sent me a chain letter and i ignored it. Was your father working with mr.bolinger who was the hotel manager?
To Joseph L~ I don’t remember the people dad worked with much as he owned the place and worked alot. We went to immaculate conception down the street from the hotel and walked up there to meet dad after school and to have dinner…Taffy went to middle school in Barrington and eventually moved to New mexico for HS..you sure you have the right sister? there are 7..lol
My father owned the Leland Hotel in the sixties. I would like to see more about that time and what the Leland used to be. Anyone have photos? I remember “the bean soup comittee’, My father Raymond “mike” Johnston used to run with Maureen Reagan and others. Anyone with old articles comment here about where I can find them. Warm smiles,
Tamara S Johnston
Tamara Johnston | Feb 6, 2008 | Reply
Wouldn’t awnings look great on this building!
liz cadwell | Jul 23, 2008 | Reply
Your dad did not buy The Leland until very late 1969. My father ran The Leland from 1948 until the time that Mike Johnston bought it. My sister and I were raised in the hotel and lived there from 1953 until 1970. What eventually happened to the interior of the hotel was very sad, particularly loosing the Red Lion Tavern and the Crown Ballroom.
Jim Bolinger | Dec 21, 2008 | Reply
I am to very intrested in the Leland hotel past history my grandfather, Joe Schweska was chef ther fron the mid 20′s till late 40′s if anyone has old photos of the hotel or any memorabilia form this time please let me know
thank You Tom Schweska
tom schweska | Jan 20, 2009 | Reply
As a young woman I remember eating horseshoes at a restaurant in Sprinfield, was it here?
Julie | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
Hi Julie!
I worked as a busboy at Mansion View Restaurant back in 76 and we served a Horseshoe sandwich there too! Two slices of toast, meat and cheese sauce covered in french fries! It was Great! I can remember trying to figure out how they made the cheese sauce and being told by Milly the salad lady, that it had a secret ingredient…
Actually, I think it was made with beer! haha Sorry Milly the secrets out!
Now that open faced sandwich had to be a major icon loved by Springfield, but anyone who knew Milly understood she was the true icon adored by Springfield!
Giuseppe | Feb 8, 2009 | Reply
The Horseshoe and Ponyshoe sandwiches originated at The Leland and were served in the Red Lion Tavern the entire time that I lived there. It was Joe Schweska who originally developed the recipe and, yes, the cheese sauce contained beer as well as Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard and cayenne. My dad always said that you had to make it with real cheddar cheese, not anything processed. There were many types of horseshoes, not only ones with hamburger patties. I remember chicken horseshoes, shrimp, egg and tomato, ham, turkey and there might have been others too.
Jim Bolinger | Mar 2, 2009 | Reply
Brings back memories! I worked at the hotel in laundry in the late 60′s and my Father Bob Houston was also a chef there for years and years until it closed. He sent this article to me and I just wanted to comment on some of the great times we had there.
Robyn P | Jun 2, 2009 | Reply
Whe my ex-husband graduated from St.Police acadmy in 1958 we had brakfast at the Lehand Hotel and being from a small town in Southern IL it was my first big Hotel and thought it was so great and beautiful, and never thought to do day my companion now would be the chef, Bob Houstnn that cooked my breakfast.
Margaret N. | Jun 2, 2009 | Reply
Mr Bollinger – I came to Springfeild two weeks ago there was man from Germany named Stanley Moskwa, staying at our hotel who your father had sponsored into this country after your Dad met him overseas during the war. He had come to town to visit your Dad’s grave and meet his family. DO you have a realitive named Ceclia? I understand Stanley lived and worked at the hotel…
I loved the Red Lion. I was a young girl and my Dad took me there for dress-up dinner nights. Elegant Supper Club.
Can you please contact me. KC Schneider … ComicChaos@aol.com (469) 766 -1666
KC Schneider | Sep 19, 2009 | Reply
I am looking for information on my Grandmothers. I do believe she and other family members worked there at the Leland. They were from Lithuania, It would of been 1950′s 55-58? area The name would of been Poudzunas or Voysilas Nellie first name.
Was there another hotel that was close by that was popular or was this the main one downtown? Any information would greatly be appreciated. Thanks Stacy
Stacy | Dec 9, 2009 | Reply
Stacy, the Leland was a major hotel, but there was also the Abraham Lincoln Hotel one block west on the SW corner of Capitol Avenue and 5th Street. It was demolished around 1978. The St. Nicholas was also a major downtown hotel at 4th and Jefferson. Many would consider the St. Nicholas to have been the premier downtown hotel. Today it is an apartment building.
Scott | Dec 18, 2009 | Reply
Thanks, Scott
It was the Abraham Lincoln that she worked in. I am trying to find out about a Chef or Cook Named Charles Lamar not sure if the spelling is exactly right might be LaMarr etc.. I did try to do some searching at the Prarie Archives downtown before. If anyone knows anything on that name or Chef I would appreciate it! Again it would of been 1955-58 area. I am trying to do some family searching.
Stacy | Dec 20, 2009 | Reply
Yes, there were the three major downtown hotels, along with the smaller Hotel Governor next to the St. Nick. Although very much biased, I disagree that the St. Nicholas was considered “the premier downtown hotel”. Its lobby could in no way compete with the beauty and size of the ones in the Abraham Lincoln Hotel or The Leland. The St. Nick’s ballroom was larger, but not grand as was The Leland’s and the Abe Lincoln’s. Neither of them could compete with The Leland’s food and beverage operations that included The Red Lion and the Sunbrella, both of which were sizeable and attractive. In its heyday, The Leland was packed for lunch each weekday.
As an aside, The Leland was the Republican hotel, while the Democrats claimed the St. Nicholas. My dad was friends with the Democratic governors though and Adlai Stevenson ran his campaign from the Crown Ballroom of The Leland.
Jim Bolinger | Dec 27, 2009 | Reply
It was usefull to me, Thank you
Eddy | Apr 9, 2010 | Reply
You are 100% right. I worked at the LELAND FROM 1948 TILL IT CLOSED.I worked for your dad all those years. I knew your mother,and later Poly. You and your sister TAMMY? WERE LITTLE KIDS THEN. I remember lots of good times there. Truly yours . BOB HOUSTON
Bob Houston | May 24, 2010 | Reply
take a look at the 1950 building on what is the 6th street side where the sign was and take a look at the more recent picture and you can still see where the sign sat, as there is some burn marks where the neon sign was place
ed kienzler | Jun 8, 2010 | Reply
I believe Sangamon State had downtown classes there where people could take a “lunch-time” class….can anyone verify this?
Mike | Jul 1, 2010 | Reply
My father, Joseph Shmikler, was one of the owners of the Leland Hotel and I was married there in the ballroom, August 27, 1961. In one year we will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. I remember “little” Jim very well and your dad was a wonderful man!!
Glenda Shmikler Sirota | Aug 24, 2010 | Reply
My father worked at the Leland in the 60′s and I remember sitting in those red velvet chairs in the lobby waiting for him, eating at the Red Lion and ridding the old time elevators up and down the floors. It was really something in it’s day. A shame that it is now an office building to bad someone couldn’t of got it and opened it up again as a really nice hotel and Restaurant.
irma mcdonald | Sep 16, 2010 | Reply
I loved the Red Lion Room when I was younger. It was always a treat to go there. I miss it when I go home.
Phyllis Lessly Fleming | Oct 14, 2010 | Reply
My Great-Grandfather, William J. Kleban, was the hotel’s reservation manager. He was still employed there when he passed in 1964. His father, William Kleban Sr., worked there as an elevator man until 1933 when he was found dead at the Leland. My Great-Grandmother, Ann D. Andolsek (Kleban), also worked there when she was younger and single.
Paul Golladay | Dec 15, 2010 | Reply
The Leland was the original home to WICS-TV from 1953 to 1964. For more on the history of WICS-TV visit http://www.dougquick.com. Also, check out history of Springfield radio stations WCVS and WDBR. Radio station WCVS(formerly WCBS) was also located at the Leland.
Doug Quick | Jan 7, 2011 | Reply
The Horseshoe was invented at the Leland Hotel. My first drink was in the coctail lounge , a Rhine wine and seltzer. I thought I was really something having a drink. It was a fun time in Springfield so much history with the Leland, We had my 30th birthday party in the sun room, a cocktail buffet on St Patricks Day. The Bolingers were a handsom couple. I also remember the Perrys.
Ruth Giachetto | Feb 8, 2011 | Reply
Sangamon State did indeed begin its history in the Leland Hotel.
Becky | Feb 9, 2011 | Reply
A wonderful lady named Tressa Smith was the sales mgr. at the Leland in the 50s and part of the 60s. She lived in an up and down duplex at 901 S. 6th (we lived upstairs). She could cook up a storm. Her son-in-law was the racecar driver Alan Crowe for whom a race at the State Fair is named–he was killed, I believe in 1961. She also had a son, Valjean, who was a local attorney.
Janice Butler | Feb 11, 2011 | Reply
I was in the Beaux Arts Ball, ’59, ’61, and ’62…I think… held at the Leland Hotel. I thought it was beautiful and terribly sophisticated but I never made it to the Red Lion, I did get a chance to enjoy a horseshoe at the Norb Andy across the street, when I was “of age”.
Barbara Wyeth | Feb 16, 2011 | Reply
My mother met my father at the Leland when they both worked there in late 30′s and early 40′s! They were married in 1940! Thank you Leland Hotel! And thanks for the old photo!
Susan Ketchum Kilby | Mar 25, 2011 | Reply
The St Nick was famous for the dis covery of the cash in shoe boxes (Sec of State Paul Powell) The Abe was a great hotel during WWII; Mary Hamilton and I had wedding breakfast and reception at Leland Sept 27,1952.Bolinger was the trainer for a lot of good hotel and food&breverage people; John Shephard was very close to becoming Regan’s Atty Gen after Meese.My dad’s dental lab was next to drugstore,southeast of Leland.Many great memories.Thank you. Jack G
Jack Gaffigan | May 26, 2011 | Reply
What was the name of the main dining room at the Leland?
John Dietrich | Jun 26, 2011 | Reply
I have an old printer’s block of the Red Lion. It was used to print menus, etc. for hotel. I also have a Guest Information hardcover binder. It has pages of local advertisements, i.e. Bressmer’s, Franklin Life, Bachmann & Kumle, etc. The binder’s cover has the Red Lion (in red) and below “Hotel Leland, Springfield, ILL.” Was the correct name Leland Hotel or Hotel Leland?
A. Stevens | Jun 30, 2011 | Reply
As a child, born in 1961, I remember my parents taking me to the Red Lion, I became obsessed with the suits of armor, and I think I remember a carriage, didn’t like horse shoes then now I can’t live without them! I wish I knew what happened to all the wonderful things after the auction of contents!
mitch parker | Jun 30, 2011 | Reply
Hello~ Yes Mike Johnston has seven daughters.I am Tammy the next to the youngest. Lisa, Tammy, Diane, Taffy, Cindy, Marsha, and Annette. Dad passed away in 2008 and I am looking for old pictures of when my dad was there. We lost alot of our pictures in a house fire in Dec 1967. Any suggestions?
Tamara | Jul 12, 2011 | Reply
my dad owns the patent for the horseshoe sandwich from the Leland hotel.
Tamara | Jul 12, 2011 | Reply
I would love to have some old menu’s or some memorabilia from there..
Tamara | Jul 12, 2011 | Reply
tamarasjohnston@yahoo.com
Tamara | Jul 12, 2011 | Reply
i have been doing some family history and found that a relative of mine worked at the leland hotel then moved to california he was good friends with the owners the last name was PAGE does any one have information on him good or bad i would just like to know or any othere PAGES (especially from the northend) thanks also looking for any information on the pawnee organization that was in the springfield area thanks again
crystal page | Aug 7, 2011 | Reply
Sangamon State had classes in the Leland in the 1970s until completed new facility at the Lake. It’s now UIS
Julie | Sep 29, 2011 | Reply
I would eat lunch at the leland hotel in the early 1960′s ‘appx.3rd and 4th grade,and ate many horseshoe meals; as my fathers optometric practice was next to the leland hotel and he would take me to lunch there, and being amazed by all the original suites of armour. The wics television station was to the west next to the church. I do remember mr bolinger, and being aquianted with his daughter.
joseph L. | Oct 28, 2011 | Reply
I do remember taffy johnston from high school, and visting at your house in leland grove. please do say hello, she sent me a chain letter and i ignored it. Was your father working with mr.bolinger who was the hotel manager?
joseph L. | Oct 28, 2011 | Reply
To Joseph L~ I don’t remember the people dad worked with much as he owned the place and worked alot. We went to immaculate conception down the street from the hotel and walked up there to meet dad after school and to have dinner…Taffy went to middle school in Barrington and eventually moved to New mexico for HS..you sure you have the right sister? there are 7..lol
Tamara | Oct 29, 2011 | Reply
my grandfather also worked there during the same time as a chef ill ask him if he knew your grandfather my grandfather is robert houston
Mike hardin | Jan 3, 2012 | Reply