Paris in Edgar County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The France Hotel
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023
1. The France Hotel Marker
placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
Circa 1924
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1924.
Location. 39° 36.663′ N, 87° 41.647′ W. Marker is in Paris, Illinois, in Edgar County. Marker is on East Court Street east of South Main Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 118 E Court St, Paris IL 61944, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. American Revolution War Memorial - Edgar County Illinois (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Millstones Long in the Service of Pioneers (about 400 feet away); Zion's Camp March (about 600 feet away); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (about 600 feet away); Tom Sunkel (approx. 1.6 miles away); Korean War Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Edgar County World Wars I and II Memorial (approx. 1.8 miles away); Paris Illinois (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paris.
Regarding The France Hotel. Excerpts from the National Register nomination:
OnFebruary 18, 1918 Paris experienced the biggest fire of its history which destroyed an entire block of the downtown area including the old Paris Hotel. In reaction to this fire and in recognition of the need for a “modern up-to-date” and “absolutely fireproof” hotel, the Paris Chamber of Commerce in August 1918 organized a huge community-wide campaign to raise money to build a new hotel. Subscriptions to hotel stock were sold with a goal of $150,000 to be raised within the community.
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…Seemingly insurmountable delays in receiving the architect's plans, incorporating the hotel company, and continuing to raise funds, put off the initial construction work by a local contractor until March 1923. By September of 1923 the Chamber fund was severely diminished and the contractor threatened to file a lien on the property. … The “great body of common people” in Paris rallied to support the project donating $4,664 in one evening and resulting in a final project fund of $191,000.
Also see . . . France Hotel (PDF). National Register nomination for the building, which was listed in 1987. (National Archives) (Submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023
2. The France Hotel Marker
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023
3. The France Hotel
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
