Leland Hotel
Springfield Journal Register, date of paper which originally published the following is unknown.
(Photograph courtesy of Mrs. Wilbur Hale)
"WORKEN ENJOYED THE FIRST THANKSGIVING DAY DINNER IN NEW LELAND, 1910 --
The first guests at a Thanksgiving Day dinner at the New Leland were the workmen on the structure! Gen. J. S.
Culver, the contractor, had asked them to work on that holiday as a special favor - and in appreciation of their
co-operation he planned this big feast of turkey with all the trimmings, as a surprise. . . . And a surprise it
was! Promptly at 12 noon, two big trucks from Connelly's drive up, loaded down with good things to eat. The workmen laid
aside their lunch pails and, arranging impromptu tables for the feast, fell to with great gusto. Later they gathered outside of
the structure for this picture. . . . Among those standing back of the table at left were, left to right, William G. Leaverton, Fleetwood Connelly
and George W. Leaverton. Included in the group of workmen were Albert C. Hahn, William Muench, John Foster, Walter Simpson, Charlie Kimpel, Frank Hoge,
Ed McClanahan, William Downey, William Stuemke and Frank Grant. . . . "After giving three cheers for Col. Culver, the
force went back and finished out the day ont he job" so the newspaper account stated.
Submitted by: Jeanie Lowe.
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