Hotel Main

Hotel Main, Steelville, MO

Written by Maddix Lunsford

     Hotel Main was the last real hotel built in Steelville, Missouri. The hotel was built in 1908 and was the first concrete block structure in Steelville. When the hotel was being constructed, it was quite an attraction for the people of the town. Maurice Cooper, Steelville’s local historian, related, "I watched the laying of the blocks one morning as I was on the way to school. I was late for school and had some trouble with my parents". (1)

At one time, Hotel Main held a very significant position in Steelville. This hotel has been the scene of many political agreements and decisions. Hotel Main had the reputation of "the Most Modern Hotel in Steelville." Around the 1940s, if you opened the entrance and walked to the left, there was the main office. On the left-hand wall, there was a jukebox whereas, a soda cooler was arranged near the right-hand wall.

Throughout the years, ownership passed through several hands. More recent owners were Charley Scott and Tony Sutherland. This building currently belongs to the Bell Family. After the Bell Family purchased it, the building contained 10 apartments on the second story. Currently, the building houses the Steelville License Office, as well as the office for Steelville resident and attorney, Susan Bell.