The Railroad House, originally known as the St. George Hotel, has a rich history tied to the development of the Lebanon Valley region’s transportation and industry.
Located at the corner of Scull Street and Doe Alley (now Gannon Street), it served as a key establishment during the era when railroads were a primary mode of transportation and commerce.
This building was a hub for travelers, workers, and businesspeople connected to the railroad and the heavy industrial enterprises located in and near Lebanon.
The St. George Hotel, christened by George A. Hunter, served both local patrons and transient guests associated with the railroads and these businesses.
When it transitioned to the Railroad House under Emma E. Behny, the name reflected its closer association with the growing prominence of the railroads in the region. Lebanon was a key stop on several railway lines, including those connected to the coal and iron industries, which were central to the town’s economic growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Railroad House would have been frequented by railroad workers, salesmen, and others traveling through Lebanon, providing lodging, meals, and a gathering place for socializing. It was common in those days for such establishments to be located near railroad depots, making them convenient for travelers arriving by train. Add to that the Railroad House’s close proximity to both City Hall and the new Central Market House, both located just to its west down Scull Street on North Ninth Street.
The hotel’s long existence at this corner suggests the significant role it played in the social and commercial fabric of Lebanon. Its evolution from the St. George Hotel to the Railroad House reflects Lebanon’s shift from a more general mercantile and service based economy to one heavily centered on iron, steel, and the once dominant railroad industry.
The Railroad House is a survivor. It remains standing, a silent sentry over the block between the railroad crossing at the P&R Depot on North Eighth Street and the bridge over the Norfolk Southern on North Ninth Street. Both the P&R Depot and the C&L Depot are on the National Register of Historic Places. The Railroad House precedes them both.
Railroad House Ownership Eras
- Samuel L. Light (1879-1892)
- Behny Family (1892-1952)
- Shutter Family (1952-1972)
- Ebright – Witman (1972-1984)
- Kenneth E. & Nancy L. Mark (1984-1992)
- Kenneth E. & Marie T. Mark (1992-1997)
- Thomas P. Fies Jr. (1997-2003)
- South Street Acquisitions (2003-2014)
- CAMO Enterprises LLC (2014-2024)
- Urban Holding LP (2024-present)
Construction and early proprietorship
The St. George Hotel, later known as the Railroad House, is an overlooked historical landmark in Lebanon. Samuel L. Light, a prominent local figure, constructed the building, establishing it as an essential part of the Lebanon community.
The hotel’s prime location and robust construction quickly made it a central hub for travelers and locals, albeit in an overflow capacity for the much larger and eloquent Lebanon Valley House and Franklin House across the tracks to the east on North Eighth Street.
Samuel L. Light’s era
Under Light’s ownership, the St. George Hotel thrived, providing lodging and amenities to guests. Its reputation for excellent service grew and its strategic location between both major railroad depots contributed immensely to its success.
Light’s management ensured the hotel became a cornerstone of Lebanon’s hospitality industry. The property was acquired by Light in 1879, and the building was constructed during the period from 1880 to 1885 as a part of “Samuel L. Light’s Block” from North Ninth Street east to Doe Alley along the Philadelphia & Reading tracks, and along North Ninth Street from the Philadelphia & Reading tracks south to the Cornwall & Lebanon tracks.
Subsequent proprietorship
Under Light’s stewardship, the St. George Hotel saw various proprietors, including a notable early period under George Lineaweaver Jr., George A. Hunter and then a brief repurchase by Lineaweaver during the period between1886 and 1889. The Lineaweaver-Hunter-Lineaweaver era was followed from 1889 to 1892 by a quick succession of proprietors including John Brock and Rolandus Johns (1889), Messrs. Homan and Roberts (1889-1891), Daniel H. Hinterleiter (1891), Mahlon A. Killinger (1891), John Hissner, who unsuccessfully sought to acquire the lease from Mahlon A. Killinger in September 1891, John M. Killinger (1891), and Harry Kase, who was in charge for Light (1892), just prior to the Emma E. Behny era.
Transition to stability in the Behny era
On Dec. 21, 1891, The Daily News in Lebanon reported that “Mrs. J. Frank Behny, of the Behny restaurant, has a new application for a license of the St. George Hotel, on Scull street, between Eighth and Ninth Streets.” Then on Jan. 1, 1892 it was reported that “Mrs. J. Frank Behny last night closed the Behny restaurant on Eighth street, and removed to the St. George Hotel, on Scull street, between Eighth and Ninth streets, for which place she has applied for a license.”
The license for the St. George Hotel was granted to Emma E. Behny on Jan. 23, 1892.
The Behny era
The next significant chapter in the hotel’s history began when Emma E. Behny purchased the property from Samuel L. Light on Oct. 1, 1892. Behny renamed it the Railroad House, aligning it with the significance of rail travel in the neighborhood and the region. On Dec. 24, 1895, Behny was listed as applying for a tavern license in Lebanon’s Third Ward for the Railroad House. Her ownership marked a period of rebranding and continued importance for the establishment.
Her son, Robert J. Behny, was a notable proprietor of the Railroad House from 1907 to 1944, following his mother’s death. His brother, John F. Behny, had inherited half of the business and sold it to Robert in April 1907. Robert was actively involved in managing the establishment and contributed significantly to its operations and reputation within the community. The Railroad House continued to thrive and operate as a central hub for travelers and locals alike, especially given its proximity to the growing railroad patronage which played a crucial role in Lebanon’s development.
Robert Behny’s management helped maintain the establishment’s prominence in Lebanon, providing a place for lodging, dining, and social gatherings. His sudden death at his home marked the end of his era of influence over the Railroad House, which then continued to be an important local landmark under his wife, Mary A. Behny, from 1944 to 1952.
Mary Behny continued to manage the establishment, maintaining its role as a key location for lodging and social gatherings in the community. In December 1952, Mary Behny sold the Railroad House to Robert Shutter. This transition marked a new chapter in the history of the Railroad House, while still maintaining its place as a significant local establishment in Lebanon.
The Shutter-Ebright era
Robert V. Shutter acquired the Railroad House on Dec. 22, 1952. On April 20, 1956, he passed ownership of the Railroad House to Foster “Pete” Shutter and Mary Jane Shutter. They owned and operated the Railroad House for approximately 20 years. In June 1972, they sold the entire restaurant business, including the real estate, equipment, liquor license, and goodwill, to Gordon J. Ebright. This sale included a covenant not to compete, which led to a legal dispute when the Shutters opened another restaurant within the restricted area shortly thereafter.
Gordon J. Ebright had a partner in the proprietorship of the Railroad House, Edwin R. Witman. This partnership included managing and operating the establishment after the purchase from Foster “Pete” Shutter and Mary Jane Shutter in April 1972. The transition and operations under Ebright and Witman marked a significant period for the Railroad House, continuing its legacy as a popular dining establishment in Lebanon.
Upon the death of Ebright on April 20, 1979, Witman continued to manage the Railroad House for the next five years and maintained its reputation as a notable dining establishment in Lebanon.
The Mark era
Kenneth E. and Nancy L. Mark acquired the Railroad House on March 30, 1984, and they managed the business together for several years, focusing on maintaining its reputation and service within the Lebanon community. Their effort sustained the legacy of the Railroad House, maintaining its role in the community as a quality restaurant and meeting place for a variety of organizations. Their management style was central to the operation and success of the Railroad House during their tenure and it came to an end with their divorce in October 1989. It was announced in the spring of 1993 that Kenneth E. and Marie T. Mark were to be the new proprietors of the Railroad House with a refurbished menu featuring new selections along with the old favorites.
The Jan. 27, 1997, Daily News printed an anonymous concern from a potential Railroad House patron that read, “It’s closed! I’m taking my husband out for his birthday on Sunday. We drove up to the Railroad House and found it was closed and out of business. When and why did it go out of business?”
Auction
On Jan. 27, 1997, the hotel underwent major changes altering its status as a key local establishment. The Railroad House was auctioned by Kenneth and Marie Mark, with Thomas P. Fies becoming its new proprietor. His acquisition of the property for $62,000 marked the beginning of a new era or, as some locals have suggested, the end of one.
Fies stated in the Jan. 28 Daily News that he planned to reopen the Railroad House as soon as possible after the 60-day settlement period and transfer of the liquor license from the former owners. His plan was to serve steaks and Italian fare in the 30-seat restaurant, and perhaps start a breakfast buffet in the banquet room.
The Marks, who ran the restaurant from 1992 to 1997, declined to comment on their reasons for getting out of the business.
Modern era
Over the years, the St. George Hotel/Railroad House continued to operate under different ownership styles, including tenants and owners as sole proprietorships and partnerships. Their management helped sustain the hotel’s legacy as a beloved local venue.
The hotel’s rich history, from its construction to its modern incarnations, reflects the dynamic changes in Lebanon’s community and the hospitality industry.
Conclusion
The St. George Hotel/Railroad House stands as a testament to the evolving history of Lebanon. The establishment remains a significant historical and cultural landmark, and its story encapsulates the growth and changes in the region’s hospitality and transportation sectors, maintaining its relevance through the decades.
“If the Walls Could Talk…”
Author Gardy Lawrence will soon publish his full history of the Railroad House in Lebanon, PA.
To stay updated as publication of the book approaches, follow the Railroad House & Stephen Birch page on Facebook.
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