Picture courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Florence Hotel faces both streets in this small Illinois River Town. Abraham Lincoln's known to have stayed in this hotel and at Naples and presumably at Valley City, although Lincoln did not like hotels of the time. Why? Because hotels of the time, were more like barracks, and not individual rooms. So, privacy was at a premium.

Originally called the Findley Hotel, built 1850.
Text from current Hotel Brochure:
Built in 1850, the three story structure is the only brick building in the town of Florence, Illinois. Overlooking the beautiful Illinois River, locals still use the name "Ole Brick" when referring to the stately building. Legend has it that Abe Lincoln stayed in this former hotel around 1858 while traveling through Pike County when meeting people and engaging in debates. Some believe his visits were many to this hotel located between Winchester and Pittsfield.

Even though the current bridge (or any former bridge) was not there in the mid 1850's, Florence was the place where people crossed the Illinois River. Using ferry boats to transport, it could take hours before one could reach the other side. For many years the "Ole Brick" sat dormant, waiting for the second chance it so deserved. In July of 2002, the building was bought and after months of decision making, restoration of the building was begun in January of 2003, with a completion date of summer, 2003. The Findley Hotel name was changed as the building's new life began. Maybe it will stand for another 153 years!

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