The Shelby Hotel

The Shelby Hotel is a building located in Shelby, Nebraska that was built by the parents of John R. Dunning, nuclear physicist who played key roles in the development of the atomic bomb and was Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Columbia University. Today, it is owned and operated as a Bar & Grill by George Sr. and Cindy Thelen, who are indirect descendants of John R. Dunning. The building has had only three owners since being built in 1924, all of whom are from the Thelen family tree, immigrants from Germany who settled in the area south of Shelby in 1868. The building is in the application process to be nominated to National Register of Historic Places.
History
The Hotel was constructed in 1924 by Albert C. & Josephine (Thelen) Dunning, parents of John R. Dunning. From 1924 through 1935 the Barker family operated the Hotel. In 1935 the Hotel was nicknamed "The Shelby Hotel" after being taken over by Emil Anderson. Emil ran The Shelby Hotel until 1947. LeRoy Renander was listed as the tenant for the barber shop noted in the contract for the sale of real estate (pictured at right). In September 1947 Albert & Josephine's nephew, Hubert G. Thelen (III), bought the building and business known as "The Hotel Building and Barber Shop", from Albert Dunning, and operated it for the next five years. Hubert converted the 2nd floor, formerly the area where the hotel rooms were located into residential space for his family to live. In 1950 Hubert moved his family to a farm located North of Shelby and began leasing the business to a number of people including Al Pruse, Charlie Sabotka, Bob Peterson, Dale Rosenbarry, Arthur Brandt, and Rose & Larry Hams. In 1978 George E. Thelen Sr., Hubert's youngest son, bought the building & business from Hubert and started renovating the building. George Sr & his wife Cindy moved their family of four children into the 2nd floor of the building in 1978 and made it their house. In May 1979, they had the Grand Re-Opening of "The Shelby Hotel" Bar, Grill & Dance Hall. George Sr. and wife Cindy still own and operate the bar today and are the longest continuously operating owners of the building.
Architecture
It stands at 2 stories in height, with one basement floor, for a total of 3 floors. Walls constructed with Brick & has a Flat-tar & seal coated roof.

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