Historic tavern The Lodge off 66 has new owners

One of Logan County’s oldest existing watering holes is getting new owners.  The bar formerly known as Sugar Creek Lodge and before that Tom’s Lodge, 2265 900th Ave., Hartsburg, on Route 121 has been purchased by Kristi Powell and Randy Jones, both of Lincoln.

Powell and Jones purchased the bar called Sugar Creek Lodge in 2022 from John and Bev Snyder who completely renovated the establishment in 2015. The Snyder’s purchased the bar from the family of Tom Imming after Tom passed away in 2014.

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Powell said in a statement that the property has history that dates back to the time of the prohibition.

“It operated more than 45 years as Tom’s Lodge from 1969-2015.  From about 1954-1969, the bar was known as Lonnie and Mae’s.  Before that, it was known as Hutton's Lodge,” wrote Powell.

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History

Hutton’s Lodge dates back to the time of the prohibition era and had ties to the bootleggers in Logan County. Hutton’s Lodge was ran by Jerry Ogden during that same time period. John ‘Coonhound Johnny” Schwenoha  who was considered a beverage distributor would treat his Chicago acquaintance Al Capone to hunting trips and entertainment in Logan County.  One of the entertainment stops would include Hutton’s Lodge.

An oral history of this lodge can be found by Ogden's daughter Joyce Ogden Gibson at www.findinglincolnillinois.com/wateringholes.html.

Gibson, a Lincoln High School graduate class of 1959, said she vividly remembers the place being packed when Capone was in town.

"My mom did the main cooking. She said Capone always 'bragged on' her potato salad and slaw. I still have a set of ceramic bowls she kept because she said Al Capone had eaten coleslaw and potato salad out of them. I believe this was during Prohibition. Coonhound Johnny used to take Capone hunting or sold him a dog or two. Johnny had a dog run somewhere behind the Lodge," said Gibson reflecting on the past.

Powell and Jones say they chose to purchase this establishment due to the history, along with the countless stories and the friendly “Cheers-like” atmosphere that can be found inside.   

According to Powell The Lodge off 66 will be cutting a ribbon at noon Saturday, July 2.  After the ribbon cut, there will be music, food, drink specials, and giveaways throughout the day. 

The new owners are looking forward to bringing visitors to this historical roadside tavern with hopes of reliving the past as well as making memories for the future.

 “Stop for a drink and stay for a story”.