Hotel Pawnee
• In the late 1960s, additional motels and hotels were built
in the North Platte area, causing occupancy rates at the Hotel Pawnee
to decline. The hotel soon became the home of many retired senior
citizens who were looking for a more carefree lifestyle.
• In 1983, Bob and Alyce Parsons of Santa Barbara, Calif., purchased
the hotel. They began offering assisted living services in the building
in 1985.
• By 1996, a small number of young adults with a diagnosis of
mental illness made the Hotel Pawnee their home.
• Today, the hotel accommodates an intergenerational population
that offers a normalizing, homelike environment to its 75 residents.
A
History of Service Hotel Pawnee
By Denise Poss
It stands majestically in the heart of downtown North Platte; its presence
a constant reminder of the historical evolution of this once small town
into the thriving community it has become today.
The Hotel Pawnee is considered by many to be one of the highlights of
the downtown area. Located across the street from the famous Neville Center
(formerly the Fox Theater), the hotel proudly displays the same architectural
features and elegant ambiance that made it a popular stop for those visiting
the North Platte area in days gone by.
The eight-story building, designed in the Georgian Revival style by architect
F.A. Henninger, opened as the Hotel Yancy on Oct. 16, 1929. The hotel
was named for William L. Yancy, who became its proprietor after signing
a lease with Keith Neville and Alex Beck (who constructed both the hotel
and the Fox Theater) in 1928.
The formal grand opening gala was a posh affair in which guests were treated
to hors d'oeuvres such as Consomme Printaniere and Quenelles Princess.
Creamed Lobster, Crabmeat a la Newburg and Squab Chicken stuffed with
Truffle Dressing were also on the menu.
Later in the evening, speakers such as Keith Neville, William Yancy, and
W.M. Jeffers addressed the crowd. Guests also had the opportunity to dance
under the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers in the elegantly appointed
ballroom.
An article in the Oct. 26, 1929 edition of Tavern Talk had the following
to say about the Hotel Yancy:
"The Yancy is one of tomorrow's hotels that are being built in the
smaller cities and towns of the central west and southwest."
The article went on to state, "In the upper six floors there are
150 rooms and 132 baths. The house will be rated as follows: Four sample
rooms at $4.50 and $5; six rooms at $1.50 and six rooms at $2; 70 percent
of the balance of the rooms will be $2.50 to $4; rooms with twin beds,
$6."
The elite hotel also offered a "commodious lobby, a dining room,
a coffee shop, a barber shop, a beauty parlor, florist, haberdashery,
bus depot and combination cigar-news stand and drugless drug store."
The hotel was later renamed the Hotel Pawnee and through the years it
has remained a popular gathering place for tourists and area residents.
According to Sandy Schade, executive director of the hotel, there have
been relatively few changes in the building over the years. From the high
ceilings and archways in the main lobby all the way up to the eighth floor,
the hotel remains remarkably intact.
The main lobby still serves as a gathering spot for residents and guests,
Schade said. The ambiance is warm and inviting and one can envision distinguished
guests making their way across the room to the front desk.
Much as it might have been in the early days, the front desk is the central
hub of activity at the hotel. A large Bell System telephone switchboard
occupied space at the front desk until 1997, when a new system was installed.
"It was getting too hard to find parts for it," Schade said.
"I think it was Lucent that was here looking at the switchboard not
too long ago. They said they had only seen one other that was like it
and it was under glass in a museum in Denver."
Just off of the main lobby, several rooms have been converted for the
convenience of hotel residents. The library used to be home to the North
Platte Chamber of Commerce and the Sunshine Room provides a bright, cheery
space where residents can exercise or watch movies.
The Huskerland Barbershop, formerly the Pawnee Barbershop, has been located
in the building since the hotel opened. Dean Pittman has operated the
shop since April of 1983.
"It's probably a good thing these walls can't talk," he laughed.
Directly across from the barbershop is the 20th Century Veterans Memorial
office. An arts and crafts room was formerly the well-known White Horse
Bar, a popular gathering spot for locals and travelers.
The Tom Tom Room was another popular meeting place for everyone, especially
local businessmen. The room has retained many of its original features,
including a circular bar surrounded by mounted stools.
The second floor is unlike the others, according to Schade. One of the
most obvious differences is the balcony walkway that overlooks the lobby
area.
On a walk around the balcony, one might notice historical relics including
the old switchboard, a floor sweeper and a display case that holds pieces
of original china, napkins from the Tom Tom room, photos and other memorabilia.
Another notable feature on this floor is a game room, complete with pool
table and foosball table. The oldest pictures in the hotel adorn the walls
of the game room.
The highlight of the second floor is the Crystal Ballroom. Many world
famous bands, such as Tommy Dorsey and Lawrence Welk, have performed in
the spacious, elegant room. The dance floor has accommodated thousands
of dancers over the years and is still used on a regular basis.
The third-eighth floors are all similar, each offering private rooms,
clean hallways and lots of nooks, crannies and closets. According to Schade,
there are 144 rooms in the building, not including the first floor.
Although the building is old, it does not seem fragile. Schade said it
is a solid building with many features designed to keep residents safe
and the building standing.
"The entire building has sprinklers in it and it's made of cement
with steel girders, so we are really safe here," she said.
Schade said the hotel will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year and
she is already planning a party to honor the stately structure.
"We're not quite sure what we are going to do yet, but it's going
to be very special," she said.
NPTSummer 2004 Issue
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