Comments on: Leland Hotel – 1950

By: Glenda Shmikler Sirota

Glenda Shmikler Sirota — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:53:44 +0000

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!!

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:45:04 +0000

I believe Sangamon State had downtown classes there where people could take a “lunch-time” class….can anyone verify this?

By: ed kienzler

ed kienzler — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:37:48 +0000

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

By: Bob Houston

Bob Houston — Mon, 24 May 2010 12:06:39 +0000

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

By: Eddy

Eddy — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:28:03 +0000

It was usefull to me, Thank you

By: Jim Bolinger

Jim Bolinger — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 07:33:12 +0000

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.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:47:19 +0000

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.

By: Scott

Scott — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:17:28 +0000

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.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 03:29:21 +0000

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

By: KC Schneider

KC Schneider — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 04:40:31 +0000

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