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Historic hotel is transformed into Lindsborg's
first bed and breakfast.
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building has had a long and varied history. Built around
the turn of the century by C.A. Lundstrom, it originally
housed grain and feeds, extending back 3/4 of a block.
There was an alfalfa seed business; later, it was the home of
a dealership in Studebaker cars and Banner buggies. Then
Mr. Lundstrom decided to convert the building to a hotel. |
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The
architect planned thirty-two rooms, and a front facade of
Spanish style stucco. This facade was not quite what the
Lundstroms had in mind, but very much in step with the style
of the day. In the course of construction, the 32 rooms
were cut down to 16, to reduce expenditures, but provision was
made for the addition of a third story if business warranted
it. The eight rooms on the north were each equipped with
a half-bath; the eight on the south had full baths.
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Downstairs
there was a coffee shop and a barber shop. Dr. W.W.
Peterson had his dental office in the hotel. There was a
shoe shining parlor (Harold Patrick managed this as a high
school student) and a recreation room. This recreation
room was at first somewhat controversial... it contained pool
tables! Some religious people in town were dubious about
the advisability of a pool hall, but Mr. Lundstrom at first kept
control of it by asking a membership fee of $1.00 from each
user. Later, the pool hall situation was reviewed and a
city vote was held, and by a large margin it was decided to
allow everyone over a certain age to use it. |
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Easter
week was the busiest time in the early years. The soloists for
the Messiah Festival at Bethany College came to stay, as well as
audience members. This time was always very special in the
life of Lindsborg and the Carlton Hotel. A local historian
recalls a soprano soloist who walked into the recreation room and
astounded everyone by not only playing pool, but winning every game
she played! She was the envy of the whole town. |
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Later
the hotel passed on to the ownership of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Carbiener,
and subsequently was sold to Bethany College, which used it for many
years as off-campus housing for Bethany College students. |
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The
Inn was purchased in 1986 by Mr. and Mrs. Quintin Applequist and was
completely restored and named the Swedish Country Inn. So the
grand old building has come full circle. Today it again houses
guests for the Messiah Festial as well as the many tourists who come
to see the charming community of Lindsborg, Kansas. Current
owners are B and Becky Anderson of Lindsborg. |
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