#43 The Original Springs Hotel

Okawville, IL

This old hotel and bathhouse has been sitting in this tiny town since 1891.

I'm not sure what the place looked like 123 years ago, but when Don and I stayed in September, it looked exactly the same as it did in 1984.

30 Years Ago

Don and I were living in St. Louis in the '80's, when we heard about this place, just a 45 minute drive from the Arch.  However, we arrived on bikes and it took a lot longer. I was too sore and exhausted to care about luxury, but I remember chuckling at the "time warp" experience. 

Saturday at the Spa

When we visited recently, I was surprised to find Okawville, smaller and quieter than I remembered.  When we walked through the open front door, we actually saw others checking in at the front desk.  I expected to see no one. How did they even hear about this place?  We had to wait a bit while some couples checked in and made arrangements for massages and spa treatments.  Really?

A Bit Worn

I sound like a spa snob.  In fact I know very little about spas.  This was just not the atmosphere where I could picture people coming for a weekend of pampering.   The lobby was comfy enough, like Grandma's house... with lace doilies and autumn scarecrow decor.  A breeze was blowing through the lacy curtains,  causing the advertisement fliers, taped to the woodwork to flutter.  It was the kind of comfy that made you want to take off your shoes and tilt back on the Lazy Boy with a Reader's Digest.  I just couldn't see myself signing up for a Detoxifying Body Wrap or a Deep Tissue Massage.

Upstairs

There was no elevator, but they had an awesome staircase to our second floor room.  My photos are good at disguising stains on walls and carpets. They also hide some of the old building smells.  I'm not complaining though, we like old hotels and we had asked for one of the older rooms.  We were just happy this place still existed! 

Room 92

When we opened the door my senses were bombarded. Visually, the green and burgundy decor transported me right back to 1980's!  Little straw hats and dried flowers decorated the walls and wallpaper border.  A curious swag of material hung above a rather grimy window.  And what was that smell coming through the window...? 

Yummm!

I'm talking about good smells... the aroma of mouthwatering sirloin and sizzling pork chops!  It was hard to see through the window, but we could see well enough to realize we had a view of the roof of The "Boiler Room Restaurant". 

 The kitchen blower was right on the other side of the glass.  It's good Don and I are not vegetarian or we could have had a real problem with this.  Mostly it just made us laugh... and made us hungry.

What Shall We Do?

We had the whole afternoon to enjoy! What should we do?  30 years ago, I did partake of the bathhouse experience, with a soak in the hot mineral waters.  I remember the attendant delivering me to my tiny dark room with a claw-footed tub, that had been filled with a hose.  I remember I had a hard time suppressing my giggles at the whole situation. I've never been very good at relaxing.

A Quick Tour

We decide against spa time, but did take a little peek.  The old steam cabinets and massive tubs had been removed.  A "modern" tub tried to tempt us with some awaiting mineral water.  The wooden loungers, covered in sheets, looked like ghosts rising slowly.

Where are the Old Tubs?

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I wondered where the old bathhouse equipment was.  I was told by a woman at the desk that lots of old goodies were now up in the attic.  When I looked up at the windows  from outside, I could tell she wasn't lying!

The Pool

We remembered the pool from our last visit.  The hand painted stairs, the surrounding picket fence and the glassed in ceiling.  Mostly we remembered an encounter with a gentleman 30 years ago.  He had approached Don with an almost frightened expression.  "You look just like my son."  We've always wondered about that.  We didn't have anymore people encounters near the pool, but Don did make use by doing a little lap swimming. 

Ahhh! The Porch!

The porch looked more inviting this time.  The wicker furniture was pretty comfy and the weather was lovely!   It felt good to sit and do a little nothing.  This was the 7th night of our 22-day road trip and we were ready for a little porch time.

While we relaxed, the church next door entertained us with a carillon concert.  The churchy hymns made me feel like I should get into my Sunday clothes.  

But then the bells surprised me with a performance of "We shall overcome..."  I've never heard that played on church bells!  The concert ended and we suddenly heard the clomping of horse's hoofs.  I looked up to see a bride and groom riding by in the backseat of a carriage.  A few minutes later the driver rolled past, minus the bride and groom.  What interesting entertainment.

Saturday Night Dining in Okawville

Lucky for us the hotel had a restaurant in the basement.  As far as I know there were no other dining options in Okawville.  By the time we made it down to The Boiler Room for a meal of pork chops and chicken, there was hardly a table left.

This photo, taken earlier, shows the festive fall decor and cozy corner bar.  We sat at a table between the glowing juke box and non-glowing fireplace.  It was a perfect spot for people watching and there was a lot of that to be had.  We seemed to be the only diners who weren't a part of a large, local family reunion.  Lots of greeting and hugging and mingling.  We looked a little out of place as we sat glued to our table. 

Time for Bed!

This is not a picture of our hotel turn down service.  It's just a sad little picture of a very weary old bedspread with a torn ruffle. I removed the Kleenex-thin spread and placed it on the chair.   We could have enjoyed a little television time before turning in, but decided to give the old Zenith a rest.  I'm pretty sure that TV was there when we stayed in 1984. 

Morning

Don and I try to enjoy each overnight with a little exploring in the area.  Our hotel was in a pretty ideal location for a morning walk... that included, cornfields, kittens, a church or two and this sweet barn!  

We returned to our room where we were greeted with a blast of new aromas!  Bacon and sausage smells filled our room!  All we could do was laugh!

What's Notable?

The old O. S. Hotel   was indeed... old.  The 1980's updates can't be called updates anymore.  But the hodgepodge mix of ages was oddly charming to me.  AND, THE PORCH!  I love a porch!!