50 Years, 50 Legacies: Lil Williams
#2: Lil Williams
Photo Credit: National Park Service
Sometime circa 1918, Bob Williams made an unusual deal to purchase the Kettle Falls Hotel from its original builder “Big Ed” Rose – roughly $1,000 and four barrels of whiskey (a pricey sum just before the prohibition era started). Three years later in 1921, Hilma (Lil) Marie King and Bob Williams were married and took up running Kettle Falls Hotel together. While Bob primarily focused on running the local nightclub in Rainier, MN, Lil took charge of the hotel, turning it into a hub of hospitality for visitors and fishermen alike.
Lil was a hardworking and resourceful woman with an unyielding spirit. One legendary story, shared by her grandson Mike Williams, speaks to her determination. After a long workday that ended around 10 PM, Lil was ready for rest but found the bar downstairs too loud for her liking. Without hesitation, she marched across the yard to the generator powering the bar and turned it off, plunging the rowdy crowd into darkness—and ensuring her well-deserved night of peace.
Lil's dedication to her work went beyond managing the hotel. She baked bread daily to make sandwiches for the hundreds of fishermen who stopped by, all while overseeing staff and ensuring the hotel ran smoothly. Her tireless efforts kept Kettle Falls Hotel on the map as a cherished gathering place for generations. After her husband passed away in 1956, Lil and her step-son Charlie continued to run the hotel until her death in 1961. The National Park Service purchased the hotel 16 years later in 1977.
Lil Williams set the standard for hospitality at Kettle Falls, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and community. Visitors to the Kettle Falls Hotel today honor her memory by experiencing the charm and history of the place she helped build.
This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of Voyageurs National Park by sharing 50 inspiring stories of the people who shaped its legacy—from the visionaries who established the park to those protecting its beauty today. Raise a canteen and celebrate this historic milestone with us at our 50th anniversary website (coming soon!). Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiring stories and updates!
