Grand Island Yancey Hotel

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The Yancey was built in 1917 as the North American Hotel. In 1918, construction was halted on the hotel, leaving a half-finished skeleton in downtown Grand Island for five years. Finally, it was auctioned off and leased out to William Yancey, who would give the hotel his name. With the Yancey's opening in 1923, Grand Island's golden age of hotel opulence had begun. The hotel featured doormen and bellhops, and its restaurant served such delicacies as truffles and caviar. was halted for 5 years due to financial difficulties.

The first postcard shows the facade embellished a bit for promotional purposes. Touring celebrities often stayed at the Yancy.   Today it has been developed into conominums.

Postmarked 1919

Postmarked 1939

Postmarked 1945

early 1940s

1947: looking east on Second Street

1949: looking north on Locust Street

approximately 1952.

Postmarked 1943

Probably mid-1930s