Council Grove in Morris County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Cottage House Hotel and Motel
1867 - 1872
— Philomathian Heritage Plaque —
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
1. The Cottage House Hotel and Motel Marker
Originally a boarding house owned by Reverend and Mrs. Joab Spencer, who added to the 1867 three room cottage shortly after they purchased the property in 1871.
Purchased by Lewis Mead in 1870 and owned and operated by the Mead/Marks family from 1879 to 1935. 1898 addition included the gazebo style porches, the turret section and bay window section on the north and marked the transition from boarding house to hotel.
The building was converted to apartments during World War II, but was returned to hotel status as "The Stagecoach Motortel" in 1960, with major facade changes.
Renovation work which included the return of the porches was started in 1982 and completed in 1988.
On August 4, 1988, the hotel was entered onto the National Register of Historic Places.
Erected by G. F. C. W. Philomathian Club.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 38° 39.704′ N, 96° 29.468′ W. Marker is in Council Grove, Kansas, in Morris County. Marker is at the intersection of Neosho Street and Columbia Street, on the left when traveling north on Neosho Street. Touch for map. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Council Grove National Bank Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Conn Store (about 300 feet away); Farmers & Drovers Bank (about 300 feet away); Malcolm Conn Store (about 400 feet away); A Well-furnished Store (about 400 feet away); Council Grove (about 400 feet away); Hays House (about 400 feet away); Masonic Lodge Hall (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Council Grove.
Also see . . .
1. Cottage House Hotel National Register Nomination. Kansas historical Society website entry (Submitted on July 27, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Our Rich History. City website entry (Submitted on July 12, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. 8 Wonders of Kansas History: Council Grove, Santa Fe Trail National Historic Landmark. Kansas Sampler Foundation website entry (Submitted on July 27, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
2. The Cottage House Hotel and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
3. The Cottage House Hotel and Motel Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 616 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
