Pat Reynolds, Rose Reynolds, NY State Senator Pamela Helming and Tom Reynolds (left to right) stand outside the American Hotel with the proclamation recognizing the American Hotel’s selection for the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. Photo provided by Senator Helming’s office
With its rich history, the American Hotel in Lima is a natural for the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry and the American Hotel has been formally named to the registry.
New York State Senator Pamela Helming presented a proclamation to Pat Reynolds, the owner of the American Hotel, recognizing that achievement in a ceremony last Friday (August 2) at the Hotel in Lima in front of numerous family members, village and town officials and community residents. The New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry program highlights businesses that have been in operation at least 50 years (the American Hotel has been in existence at least 104 years) and have contributed to their community’s history, heritage and identity.
“Of course, the American Hotel of Lima certainly fits the bill,” said Helming in her remarks during the ceremony.
Helming read the proclamation that goes along with the inclusion into the distinguished New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. The proclamation noted that local businesses are the backbone of the villages, towns and cities across the Empire State and these businesses have helped shape, the unique history, heritage and identity of the communities they serve. The New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry was established to highlight businesses in operation at least 50 years and have contributed to their communities’ history. The proclamation goes on to say that at a time when many businesses face new and unique challenges, the registry allows the state to recognize and honor these businesses while providing educational and promotional assistance to assure their continued viability and success.
The proclamation noted that the American Hotel is a beloved Livingston County institution that has stood at the “Crossroads of Western New York” for decades. Historical documents show that the American Hotel was first built in 1790. Since then, numerous iterations of it has stood in Lima with the current building being constructed in 1840. It was purchased by John K. Reynolds in 1920 and the family has owned and operated the restaurant and five-room hotel which has always been a comfort stop offering meals to cross country travelers and locals alike. It is known for its signature soups made by Rose Reynolds, Pat’s sister, who also helps run the business.
Helming said the proclamation also stated that the business has always sought to comply with the rules and regulations of the time, including converting the hotel bar to a soda fountain during Prohibition. For over a century, three generations of the Reynolds family has worked tirelessly to preserve and enhance the American Hotel, cementing its legacy as both a successful business and a cultural hallmark. The Reynolds family, including John K. Reynolds, John F. Reynolds and his wife Aretha and current owner Pat Reynolds have made a commitment to caring for their customers, employees and the community. The Reynolds’ family historic preservation efforts were recognized with the Hotel’s listing on both the National Register of Historic Places and the New York State Register of Historic Places. The family’s business success was also recognized by Livingston County Chamber of Commerce with its Business of the Year Award.
New York State Assemblywoman Marjorie Byrnes congratulated the Reynolds family by saying that “this is a remarkable place, not just the building but the human beings who for decades and generations have presided over it, preserved it, worked on improving it and cared so much about the integrity of the building and the entire community that I can’t thank them, their families and all of their predecessors enough because it’s generations who allowed us to be here today.”
After accepting the proclamation from Senator Helming, Pat Reynolds said that “we have always tried to stress that we want to give the best to our customers and we always want them to feel comfortable when they come in. I think we’ve done that more than 90 percent of the time and they keep coming back. Every day, we have new people who have never been here before come in and we just welcome them, we always say thank you we’re glad you came in. I am proud to be a resident of New York State. Since my grandfather and grandmother came through Ellis Island, the Reynolds family has provided an anchor to the Lima community and beyond at the American Hotel. It is with great pride that I accept this honor on their behalf.”
Congratulations were also offered by Town of Lima Supervisor Mike Falk and Village of Lima Mayor John Skiptunas, who were both present for the ceremony.
“Congratulations to Lima’s American Hotel on being selected for the NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry!,” Falk said. “For over 100 years, the American Hotel has been our downtown anchor point surviving the Great Depression, Prohibition, and the ups and downs that come with doing business. Three generations of the Reynolds Family have worked tirelessly to keep this landmark open and available for our enjoyment including draft Guinness, critically acclaimed soups, and Zweigles Hot Dogs! Best wishes on your well-deserved recognition.”
Skiptunas said, “The American Hotel has and always will be a travel destination in Lima, NY. The Reynolds family has done an amazing job in maintaining its charm and history with its restaurants, soups, and walls filled with photos and articles preserving the memories for all to enjoy. It’s so fitting that they are recognized by the NYS Historic Business Preservation Registry. Congratulations to the American Hotel on receiving this honor.”
The American Hotel of Lima will be officially added to the registry in mid-September during its quarterly update. For more information on The New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry, go to: https://parks.ny.gov/historic-preservation/business-registry/default.aspx
