Hotel History
The Power Hotel
The Midland Hotel is located in Wilson, Kansas. Originally the Hotel was named the Power Hotel and was built in 1899. The structure was a magnificent lime stone building, three stories high with 27 rooms. It had a large basement and the front of the hotel was 80 feet long. It was originally built by Wilke Power who came from Philadelphia, PA. The funding for the build came from an inheritance of Wilke Power's son, Harry. The Hotel Power was well-known to people in the surrounding areas as well as people in Kansas City and Denver. It was a frequent stop for vendors and businessmen that travel the Union Pacific Railroad selling their wares. Salesmen would display their goods in the basement. This was called the Sample Room.
On Nov.7, 1902, a fire gutted the hotel. Less than 48 hours later Mr. Samuel Anspaugh, a rancher from north of Wilson agreed to purchase the site and rebuild the hotel. It was reopened as the Midland and considered one of the greatest hotels between Kansas City and Denver. It was first class, with modern heating and acetylene lighting. It had a large dining room and 27 first rate bedrooms with ventilated privacy doors for each room.
The 1920's, were the heydays for the hotel. This is the period to which it is presently restored. The 30's were not so kind. During the depression, business declined. To make ends meet the third floor was converted to raising chickens to be served for dinner in the restaurant on the main floor.
By 1960, a couple by the names of John and Agnes Hill purchased the hotel and operated it until 1978.
In the 1970's, the Midland Hotel was used as a movie site for many of the scenes filmed for the movie "Paper Moon" staring Ryan and Tatum O'Neal. In 1997, the Wilson Foundation acquired the Hotel for $35,000 and began restoration. In 2003 and 3.2 million dollars later, the Midland Hotel was reopened for business to its former glory.
On Nov.7, 1902, a fire gutted the hotel. Less than 48 hours later Mr. Samuel Anspaugh, a rancher from north of Wilson agreed to purchase the site and rebuild the hotel. It was reopened as the Midland and considered one of the greatest hotels between Kansas City and Denver. It was first class, with modern heating and acetylene lighting. It had a large dining room and 27 first rate bedrooms with ventilated privacy doors for each room.
The 1920's, were the heydays for the hotel. This is the period to which it is presently restored. The 30's were not so kind. During the depression, business declined. To make ends meet the third floor was converted to raising chickens to be served for dinner in the restaurant on the main floor.
By 1960, a couple by the names of John and Agnes Hill purchased the hotel and operated it until 1978.
In the 1970's, the Midland Hotel was used as a movie site for many of the scenes filmed for the movie "Paper Moon" staring Ryan and Tatum O'Neal. In 1997, the Wilson Foundation acquired the Hotel for $35,000 and began restoration. In 2003 and 3.2 million dollars later, the Midland Hotel was reopened for business to its former glory.
