Ye Olde Hotel Bar and Restaurant

A little history of the hotel...

Among the first structures to be built in the newly found village of Lyons was Ye Olde Hotel, currently owned and operated by Joseph Schaefer. Built in 1860 by Peter Strassen as a small frame structure, Mr. Strassen enlarged it gradually to a Hotel. It is said that cattle sales men would travel from Chicago, to this small farming community, to conduct their business and take up lodging at Hotel Lyons before their return trip to the big city. Mr. Strassen remained the owner of Hotel Lyons until the year 1905 when it was sold to Benjamine Hollencamp. Other proprietors between 1905 and 1911 were Herschel Rogers, Dell Stroupe, Peter May and Henry Hallen. Mr. Hallen sold to Henry Hofner and his brothers, Benjamin and William in 1911. Upon taking ownership the Hofner brothers removed the “unsightly” tank and windmill. Mr. Henry Hofner sold the business to Mr. Gus Wuttke in 1957. Upon his return from the army, in 1969, Joseph Schaefer purchased the Hotel from Mr. Wuttke. Shortly after taking ownership, Mr. Schaefer added a menu of hot beef sandwiches and other lite affair. As time went on the menu was increased to include lunch and dinner entrees, including one pound lobster tails in the late 70’s. Live music, featuring the “Misfits”, was enjoyed by patrons on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. One can still find a few rooms for rent by the month however the greater portion of the upper level is now Mr. Schaefer’s residence. Decorated with photos and artifacts of the towns past, a quaint ambiance surrounds all those who enter the establishment.

Credit: lyonshistoricalsociety.wordpress.com