Surviving the Depression, the Hotel remained open well into the 1950s.

The Fay Smith Family purchased the hotel in 1945. It became known for the bread and rolls Mr. Smith made in the early morning before going to work at the local brick plant, as well as the great Sunday dinners. Mrs. Smith was a wonderful cook, known far and wide for her pies.

Threshing crews came here to eat family style at the long dining tables. Christmas parties, class reunions, club meetings and many other occasions were held here. In the 50's it was so busy that the building of a third floor was discussed. It was quite the center of the town.

 Then in 1965, the Smiths closed the hotel to the general public. They continued to serve their regular boarders as well as their Sunday meals by appointment for another 4 years. Mr. Bob Smith, the current owner at that time, informed the remaining 4 tenants they must move. After the fall of 1992, there was no longer anyone living at the hotel. Though no one lived here, he continued to come here to receive his mail. This hotel had been home to his family for over 50 years.

 After being vacant for 5 years, it was bought by Virginia Howdeshell in late summer of 1997. Her extensive renovation began shortly thereafter. Putting back 36 broken window panes and cleaning out years of accumulation was the start of The Grand Vandalia Hotel coming back to life. There were apartments built where the original lobby and restrooms were, which had to be removed. The lobby is now the private Great Hall Dining Room, with a beautiful oak mantled fireplace. The upper floor was renovated into rooms for rent. Many antiques and other pieces of the Hotel's past remain, including the grand staircase leading to the second floor. Up the unique stairway to the living room is a magnificent original domed skylight.

In 2007, the Hotel welcomed a new family into its historic corridors. Tom and Debra Ritter and family are now the innkeepers of this grand old hotel. Today, the Grand Vandalia Hotel is home of MeMe's Tea Room, a unique, quaint ladies' luncheon room. It is a great place for private parties, catering to ladies of all ages.  Our restaurant now features The Lighthouse Cafe'.  Jason, Amanda and family offer a variety of "home cooked" meals. From open faced roast beef to rib eye steaks, you're sure to enjoy the tasty food as well as the hospitality! And let's not forget the Great Hall for private meetings, reunions, parties and celebrations.

Upstairs, the Hotel has been transformed into 10 beautiful rooms for rent. Some have private baths or kitchens and even Jacuzzi tubs.