CHUGWATER – During a combined May meeting of the Chugwater Economic Development (CHED) and Chugwater History Unity Group (CHUG), the community was invited to an ice cream social to socialize and learn of the history of the Grant Hotel and discuss other portions of the town history.
The Grant Hotel is a two-story brick hotel on 1st Street was built in 1915 on Main Street in Chugwater, on the road known as the Yellowstone Highway. It has seen several owners, has been a bus stop, housed a bank and post office, been burned with fire, witnessed the incorporation of the Town of Chugwater in 1919, weathered the stock market crash and during the 30’s it was a popular stop along the path of travel for folks going to Yellowstone. There was even a small bomb detonated in front of it in 1945. The hotel building was last used in the 1990’s and was also saved from demolition in 1993 when it was purchased by Steve Kelley with plans to stabilize the hotel for future use.
Currently CHED, who currently owns the building, has been looking into the logistics on what it would take to renovate the abandoned building so it can become a thriving part of the town again. CHUG has been researching the history of the building. An engineering study to determine its structural integrity has been completed, but any plans to open the building for use is still a long way down the line.

CHED president Philip Ellis said, “We still think lodging is the way to go with the success of the new school. It would be good to have a hotel. If you know somebody with capital and vision, send them to me.”
Ellis and Josh Hopkins discussed past owners, read interesting news clippings regarding the hotel and town history, and stories handed down from grandparents. They had a quick quiz on the town’s history as a fun way for attendees to test their knowledge. Some memories of the old days and some laughs were shared as the answers were read. Apparently, school children used to be allowed on a certain day to join hands and run from the school to the hotel and then run through the building, and one resident remembers seeing a vintage 1930’s bus parked in front of it.
Even though some of its past is a mystery and its future holds untold possibilities, the Grant Hotel building in downtown Chugwater has always been a part of the town and holds within its walls memories and secrets, some of which were shared among friends and neighbors at the ice cream social.
More information and contact information for anyone interested in sharing their stories or memories of Chugwater or the Grant Hotel can be found in the Chugwater Groups link on the town’s website, www.chugwater.com.