The Railroad House:  1890

Built by working people for working people.

The Railroad House:   2009

  Working people come and enjoy their leisure time here!

William and Mary Connelly along with daughter Winifred arrived in Guthrie after the Land Rush of April 22, 1889, making them Boomers not Sooners.   December 12, 1890, William and Mary bought the lots on which the Railroad House Bed & Breakfast stands. The Census of that year lists the Connelly's address as Vilas between 2nd and 3rd; there was no street number or any other residents listed on the street. The properties Abstract details the sale and resale of these lots to several people, several times by the Guthrie Land Agents. Guthrie had an interesting early history and vibrant characters that created it. The property title starting with William and Mary’s 1890 purchase was a legal mess. William filed a lawsuit to clear the title in 1893. It took until 1950 for the Court System to settle the matter. The rest of the story and others can be told over coffee or a smoothie in our parlor.

William and Mary’s, plan in coming to Guthrie, was to build a Boarding House.    We do not know the exact date, the house was completed, or when the building that now holds our Cottage suites was constructed. We do know the Railroad House stood alone on this grassy knoll while Guthrie, the neighborhood and its trees grew around it. 

The Railway worker had a short walk, at the beginning and end of the workday, to and from the nearby Railroad Depot.  The Railroad Station, half a block down and half a block over, served the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, Union Pacific Railroad, as well as other Railway companies over time. The location of the Boarding House, in Guthrie’s business district, was conveniently close for the office worker, store clerk, brewery worker who boarded here...  When completed, we are told, the house was named the Railroad House. It was the Bed & Breakfast of its day, offering convenience, comfort, and good food from its very beginning. 

 Guthrie, the First Capital of Oklahoma, was a thriving town offering many opportunities to those who risked taking them.  William worked as a United States Mail Carrier and as a Health Inspector. Winifred grew to young womanhood at the Railroad House. Mary Connelly, a women ahead of her time, believed in the future of Guthrie, Oklahoma, as she put her money to work. , she owned fourteen   lots in Guthrie and three lots in Crescent City by 1906.

 The Railroad House originally had at least sixteen rooms and eventually an inside bathroom at the end of the hallway.  There are nine Lodgers listed on the 1900 Census.  The Railroad House was a full house on the 1910 Census, with sixteen Boarders, the Innkeeper, and her family for a total of nineteen people residing here.

Over the years there have been some interior changes made to this working house. The house no longer has that “traditional long down the middle of the house,”   boarding house hallway, several of the downstairs rooms are now a warm inviting parlor befitting any early 1900’s home.  The Railroad House was and has been home to many from the 1890’s.  

We are respectful of the Railroad House by keeping its original features unblemished, its warm woodwork, relaxing colors, and textures, the doorbell, locks, skeleton keys.  The 18-inch thick brick walls give a sense of its strength, of its endurance. 

 Five families, we make it six, have grown up here and many individuals have lived within the Railroad House walls.  Today families, and couples, come to the Railroad House for that special getaway and create memories.

We invite you to come and find that same comfortable place to stay as others have over the last 100 plus years.  The Railroad House is not fancy; it is a working person’s house, it is like “Grandma’s or your favorite Aunt’s house”, so our guests have told us, filled with good things cooking, time for sharing with your friends and family. You do not have to walk on tiptoes here, laughing, singing, piano playing, movie watching, pop corn eating is always encouraged.   The Railroad House is home.

 Mary and William built this stately two story yet approachable boarding house.  The Railroad House has stood quietly, elegantly on this tree shaded, brick paved, street in Guthrie, Oklahoma for more than 110 years. It is waiting for your visit.

 The Railroad House Bed & Breakfast is listed on the Registry of National Historical Landmarks and is part of Guthrie’s Historical Downtown District.  It is still, as it was on the day its construction was complete, full of hospitality, comfort, and convenience for the working person…but today you embrace it in your leisure.

Your Innkeeper is dedicated to continuing the warmth, comfort, and hospitality that is as much a part of the Railroad House as the brick s in the walls.

 We have voluntarily set high standards and house rules to assure all our guests experience the same quality of comfort, service, and hospitality.

We are a pet and smoke-free establishment.  We have patios with near by ponds, porches and a veranda where the smoker can enjoy.

 We provide homemade baked goods, snacks, soft drinks, bottled waters, coffee, and teas for all guests.

We have a variety of VHS/DVD’s, games, and reading material for your enjoyment.

All rooms are air-conditioned. 

We serve a home cooked three to four course breakfast every morning. You can choose homemade biscuits and yes, pan fried sausage gravy as part of your breakfast.

 If you have, special dietary needs please let us know in advance so we can accommodate those needs.

Our check-in time is 4 pm  to 7 pm Check-out by  11 am

If you need an early or late check in time, please let us know when you make your reservation.  *Your Innkeeper has commitments to business, family,   and our community and of course you.  Thank you!

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Our bed and breakfast is located in the downtown Landmark Historic District, with in walking distance to most activities and attractions.  Due to high demand and a limited number of rooms our  cancellation policy is 72 hours in advance or 30 days in advance during festivals, or if you reserve the entire bed & breakfast for a group. If you do not cancel within the appropriate time, you will be charged. You will receive a cancellation confirmation number, please retain it for your records.

Thank you for understanding.

We look forward to you staying with us at the Railroad House!