This photo shows a historic kitchen scene inside the former Keller Hotel in Strasburg, North Dakota. A small wooden table covered with a red-and-white checkered tablecloth is set against a wall, with a single chair placed in front. The table holds vintage kitchenware, including canisters, a tin, a fruit, and a kerosene lamp, evoking the feel of an early 20th-century dining space. The simple setup reflects the modest, practical lifestyle of the time.

On March 10th, 1917 Valentine Keller took out an ad in the Aberdeen American News Newspaper that read, “I will open my new and strictly modern hotel at Strasburg, ND. I cordially invite the patronage of the public. I have engaged a first-class cook and will endeavor to give the best of service.”

Valentine likely felt comfortable knowing he could deliver top-notch service as he and his wife, Emilia, had already had 9 daughters before they had their first of three sons—so they had a whole crew of chambermaids, dishwashers, cooks, and anyone they would need to ensure a pleasant experience for their clientele.

The hotel was built here where his implement shop had previously served the community. The main floor housed the lobby, a restaurant, several more rooms, a garage area for vehicles, and a storage area for implement parts. The upper floor had eleven rooms and two bathrooms. The basement had the heating plant, water system, an icehouse, coal bin, and a large door opening to the east so part of the basement could be used for a work and parts area for farm equipment.

The Keller Hotel had the first telephone in Strasburg, and later the very first radio in town. Unfortunately, like many businesses during the Great Depression, the restaurant closed during the 1930’s. In 1941, the lobby was moved to the restaurant side and a hardware store was opened on the west side. The Keller Hotel closed during World War II, and the remainder of the main floor was then used for the hardware business.

Valentine’s grandson, Gary Keller, still helps run the hardware business today. Gary remembers stories his dad, Rudy, used to tell him that he can hardly believe to be true. One story from Rudy took place when the circus came to town, and the hotel basement was used to chain up a circus bear. Rudy had a particularly difficult time falling asleep, as he could hear the bear walking throughout the night, and the chain rattling against the concrete floor. He was sure that bear would get loose.

Over the years the building has been home to the hotel, restaurant, implement business, a dentist’s office, a barber shop, and the city auditor’s office. We appreciate you stopping by!

Funded in part by Humanities North Dakota, a nonprofit, independent state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of Humanities North Dakota or the National Endowment for Humanities.