Our History

The Lightstreet Hotel is quietly tucked away in the Village of Lightstreet. It is steeped in the history of the Susquehanna Valley, dating back to 1856 when Peter Shook built the original “Tavern” with brick burned on his nearby farm. But, neighbors opposed the sale of “spirits” forced the loss of his license. By 1860, Daniel L. Everhart had acquired the business, as well as a new permit to sell alcoholic beverages, and opened second-floor rooms to travelers. When the Civil War broke out, he went off to fight in General Grant’s army. Unfortunately, he was captured by Confederate troops and spent most of the conflict in a southern prison, where his health deteriorated. Everhart finally returned to Columbia County in 1865, but was forced to sell the hotel.

Phillip Keller, the new owner, named the establishment “The United States Hotel” and added a large meeting and dance hall in the building’s third floor. The hotel soon became a popular gathering spot for prominent residents of the area. At that time, there were very few local establishments offering both lodging and food and refreshment served in an atmosphere that would be considered fine dining by the standards of time. When Frank Kimble became the new proprietor in 1910, he renamed the hotel after the village of Lightstreet, christened by Methodist clergyman Marmaduke Pearce, who had lived on “Lightstreet” in Baltimore as a boy.

After a succession of owners and as the building became more antiquated, its reputation for fine dining began to decline. But a lot of history was written before that began to happen. The hotel’s rooms were taken out and made into a large banquet room and another room serving as a private bar, which still serves its purpose today.
The hotel survived a steep decline in popularity when corporate restaurants started taking over the area. It has also survived two economical crises and a prohibition in its day and here it still stands! At one time the hotel had only been seen in the rearview mirror of passersby.

Today, it’s making its come back…..because after 100 + years in existence how can it close its doors? The comradery and history within the hotel’s walls can never be replaced. We have not and will not forget those who have started and helped keep the hotel open. The past, present, and some of our future are on our walls!
The present ownership, which took over in 2007, saw continued potential within the hotel and has continued to strive to prove its existence within Columbia County. We’ve changed the menu to fit the wallets adding burgers, wings, sandwiches and more! Belly up to the bar and meet one of our locals. We welcome all of our newcomers and we won’t forget what you drink! Be sure to ask them about Gus, our “spiritual” local who will blink the lights when it’s last call.
Restaurants like our’s are becoming far and in between so please bring your friends back and help keep the tradition alive!
We thank you for your patronage! See you soon!