Zion in Lake County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Zion Hotel
Elijah Hospice
— 1902 - 1979 —
Erected in 1902 to provide a temporary lodging house for the followers of John Alexander Dowie, founder of the Christian Catholic Church and Zion City, Elijah Hospice was believed to be the largest wooden balloon-frame structure in the world. Containing 350 rooms, the hotel featured a bell tower, a roof garden, large circular parlors, and dome. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The hotel was razed in 1979 after a two year unsuccessful effort by Zion Park District to acquire restoration funds. Area citizens preserved the dome and adapted it to the present location which closely conforms to its original placement. The site embracing the restored dome was donated by the Zion State Bank and Trust Company to the Zion Park District to assure visitors and residents a glimpse of Zion’s earliest years.
1993 Dome Restoration
In recognition of Raymond and Irene Zukley, who through their tireless efforts were responsible for the original preservation of this historic dome and instrumental in its restoration, and advantage bank who, during the restoration project, so generously offered their financial support. It is only through hard work, perseverance and a true spirit of community cooperation that the dream of saving and restoring the dome has become a reality.
Rededicated this 2nd day of December, 1993
Erected 1993 by Raymond and Irene Zukley, Other Concerned Citizens, Zion State Bank and Trust Company, and the Zion Park District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1993.
Location. 42° 26.88′ N, 87° 49.519′ W. Marker is in Zion, Illinois, in Lake County. Marker is at the intersection of Sheridan Road (Illinois Route 137) and 26th Street, on the right when traveling north on Sheridan Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Zion IL 60099, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Shiloh House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Joseph T. Bowen Country Club (approx. 4.3 miles away); Thirty-Second Division Memorial Highway (approx. 6 miles away in Wisconsin); Welcome to Ray Bradbury Park (approx. 6 miles away); Ray Bradbury Park (approx. 6.1 miles away); Orion Perseus Howe (approx. 6.1 miles away); Waukegan Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.2 miles away); Cpl. Richard E. Bush Memorial (approx. 6.2 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. William Schwager's 1971 Article on the Zion Hotel. (Submitted on November 18, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. The Zion Hotel Dome. (Submitted on November 18, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,550 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 18, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.