Tonganoxie cafe that inspired ‘Bus Stop’ has new owner

The Amanna Elan hotel in Tonganoxie was sold in an Internet auction on Tuesday. The historic property, which dates to the late 1800s, is reputed to be the inspiration for playwright William Inge’s “Bus Stop.”

? A historic Tonganoxie venue that is said to have inspired Kansas playwright William Inge’s “Bus Stop” appears to have a new owner.

Dating back to the late 1800s, the business operated as the Myers Hotel, then the Almeda Hotel and most recently as the Amanna elan Hotel. Along with its lodging amenities, the property also has been home to a diner, a beauty shop, and, yes, a bus stop. Inge’s play was made into a movie starring Marilyn Monroe in 1956.

The future of the historic property hinges on whoever purchased it Tuesday during an online auction. The new owner was not identified by Purple Wave, a Manhattan auction service.

A total of 55 bids were placed, starting with $10 on April 17 and ending Tuesday with $149,600.

“It will have new ownership in 30 days,” said Steve Sommers, auction Realtor with Purple Wave.

The most recent owners of the landmark were Darlyn and Anna Hansen, who purchased it seven years ago for $130,000.

The Hansens renovated the property and operated it as a bed and breakfast and a reception hall. But the reception hall wasn’t producing enough revenue.

“The bed and breakfast alone would not work with our debt structure,” Darlyn Hansen said.

Hansen also is self-employed selling microfilm equipment to banks, but digital imaging equipment “has taken over the lion’s share of what I used to do.” That also played into the couple’s decision.

Revenue for the lodging side of the Amanna elan was up considerably in the last year and a half, Hansen said, but could not cover the bills.

First State Bank and Trust in Tonganoxie recently took possession of the property. Bank officials couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday.

Another online auction, this time for the contents of the business, will start Thursday.