Short history of the Hotel Askenas in Benton Harbor, Michigan explored.

Hotel Askenas is one of the historical and forgotten hotels of Benton Harbor, Michigan. This news article will explore and explain the history of Hotel Askenas.

Samuel Askenas opened Hotel Aksenas in 1891. Samuel Askenas owned and operated Hotel Aksenas for a short time. He was the sole proprietor and owner of the hotel during that time. (Ref: https://www.genwebsite.org/berrien/documents/B641A57A6B96D9BAA2DF785F2C25F2F2452DE803.html)

According to a Sanborn insurance map dating back to 1917, Hotel Aksenas was composed of 2 single story rectangular buildings facing the corner of East Main Street and Oden Avenue. The building had sharp angles, ends, and corners. (Ref: Sanborn Map of Benton Harbor, Michigan from 1917, Sheet 7)

One of the largest and prettiest of the early fall weddings were conducted and held at Hotel Askenas on Monday, October 11, 1915. This was reported in the News-Palladium under the heading of “Large Wedding Held”. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/363605720/)

“One of the largest and prettiest of the early fall weddings was that of last evening at the Hotel Askenas at 865 East Main street, when Miss Anna Abrams, daughter of Mr. J. Abrams of Chicago, became the bride of Mr. Benjamin Litowich, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Litowich.”

Hotel Askenas was located at 869 East Main Street, Benton Harbor, Michigan, US 49022.