These two hotels are important to me because they were fixtures in my life for more than forty years ... part in my youth, part in my early business years and part … the 60’s and 70’s … when my own community and political engagement was aborning.
I recently discovered these old 35mm photos taken by me on a very cold day, standing on the Main Street Bridge with my family to witness the first significant implosion of large buildings in Arkansas.
Simply finding the old photos was serendipitous enough. Upon further research, this blog became even more personal. Marion Kahn, a dear friend of Patti and me, is the great- granddaughter of The Hotel Marion creator/developer/owner, Herman Kahn. To add even more interest, Herman was married to MARION COHN KAHN … ergo, THE “MARION” HOTEL. Our friend, Marion, in a phone call, confirmed the connection and elaborated even more about Herman, a 17 year old German immigrant who contributed so much to the Arkansas business, banking and Tourism industries.
It is almost impossible to believe one could ever get a multi course gourmet Thanksgiving meal in a fine hotel for $2,00 … Check it out.
There is much more to this story than I cover here. So much more about these business pioneers, so much more about Little Rock at that time, more about the part these buildings played in the social, and political fabric of LR, the Gar Hole Bar, the world leaders such as President Truman and General MacArthur who stayed here … on and on and on. Plus, where I fit into Little Rock leadership … Chairman of the A&P Commission, City Board Member, LR Mayor …. This period and these buildings are fundamental foundations of my place in our history. Thank to those who came before and those with which I have partnered to build a better Little Rock and Arkansas.
Jim Dailey
Jim Dailey 
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Jim, Thank you for this wonderful story. It was a memorable day, indeed.
And so was the opening day in 1906 or 1907 when The Grand Lady opened. My grandfather,Alfred G Kahn, and his brother great uncle, Sidney Kahn, had to ride the train home three days and three nights from Boston, attend the opening, and then ride the train back up for three days and nights to take their finals at Harvard.
Dale Bumpers told me the first elevator he ever rode was in the Marion Hotel.
So many great stories about this place. If other people have stories or memorabilia, I’d love to see/hear them, as I’m thinking of writing a book.
Thanks again!
P. S. Herman Kahn was my great grandfather.
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Marion. I was hoping you would add to my post.
Thank you. You should write the book.
jim
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Great piece of history. And well documented! Loved the photos. Hugs!
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