Experience Early 1900s Charm at The Ross Hotel this Scenic Drive
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
Located near the banks of the Spoon River in London Mills, the Ross Hotel stands as a living testament to the town's rich history and the legacy of the Ross family. Built in 1883 by John Armstrong and opened as a hotel in 1884, the Ross Hotel has seen over a century of life pass through its doors. Today, it remains a cherished landmark, preserved by the London Mills Community Association as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
The history of the Ross Hotel is intertwined with the Ross family, whose roots in the area date back to the mid-19th century. Stockton James Ross, born in 1855 on the Ross Homestead in Ellisville Township, played a pivotal role in the hotel's history. Stockton, a man of education and enterprise, attended Hedding College in Abingdon and spent several years teaching before marrying Annie Warden in 1880. The couple lived in the area until a brief stint in Kansas, after which they returned to London Mills, established a bakery, and Stockton worked as a livestock buyer.
In 1904, Stockton and Annie purchased the Ross Hotel, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both the family and the hotel. They operated the hotel together until Stockton's death in 1920. Annie continued to live in the hotel until her own passing in 1933. The Ross Hotel remained in the family until 1971 when Lulu Faye Ross, Stockton and Annie's daughter, sold it to the London Mills Community Association, ensuring its preservation as a historical site.
What sets the Ross Hotel apart is its remarkable state of preservation. Unlike many historic buildings, the hotel has remained largely untouched since its early 20th-century heyday. Aside from the installation of a coal furnace, electricity, and telephone service, the hotel retains its original charm, with many of the original gas light fixtures still in place in the upstairs bedrooms. The dining room still houses a floor outlet used for plugging in a television during the 1950s when Jack Paar hosted "The Tonight Show."
The Ross Hotel is not the only notable piece of history in London Mills. Though not directly related to the hotel itself, Jerry Shultz, a volunteer with the hotel, recounted the story of his grandfather, Ernest Terwilliger, a close friend of Henry Ford. Terwilliger built many of the original Ford cars in his garage in London Mills after they were unloaded from the train. He also played a crucial role in the development of the serial number system used on Ford cars. Since the original all-black cars were hard to differentiate, the serial numbers were necessary for tracking the proper owners of the cars.
Today, the Ross Hotel continues to grow as a museum, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of families who donate antiques and memorabilia. In late July, the descendants of Frannie Armstrong Hill, a daughter of the original hotel owners, donated period antiques to the museum, further enriching its collection.
The hotel is open to visitors during the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive for all generations to enter into a preserved period unlike ours today. The Ross Hotel also offers guided tours, allowing the public to step back in time and experience life as it was in the early 20th century. Special groups, such as school field trips, are also welcomed, with the hotel offering an authentic 1905 boarding house meal as part of the experience.
As you explore the winding roads and vibrant fall scenery during this year's Scenic Drive, stop by this historic gem in London Mills. The hotel offers a rare chance to step into a bygone era with its beautifully preserved rooms and fascinating exhibits that bring the past to life. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, the Ross Hotel provides an authentic glimpse into early 20th-century life. Don't miss the chance to connect with local history and create lasting memories during this year's Scenic Drive!
