Despite blustery weather, parents and their children enjoyed the Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce's Bunch-o-Bunnies and parade Saturday.

While bundled in blankets, kids sat under a tent creating Easter eggs for judging, which was sponsored by Chrislove Collectibles.

The chamber's Peep Show had clever entries as "Easter Island," "Good-bye, Mr. Cheeps," "Two Peeps in an ipod" and "The Peeples Republic of China," complete with panda painted Peeps. The big winner was Steve Zavesky's "Culpeeper & Merriweather Circus."

More than 30 people had a "heady" experience as they entered the handmade bonnet contest with prizes sponsored by Baran Funeral Home. Best of show was Sarah Jansky.

I met a nice mom from Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood there with her son who said they come to all the Whiting events and that Whiting has the nicest events in the area for young families. And it's always great to see so many parents and children enjoying the parade and joining in activities.

Of course, the biggest activity every year is Pierogi Fest, and we hear from those coming in from across the country how they would like to stay in a hotel in Whiting. That's difficult since we don't have one, but that wasn't always true.

Back in the late 1920s the chamber, with Mayor Walter Schrage, decided what Whiting needed was a "modern" hotel. Originally to be named The Whiting Hotel, the $260,000 structure was christened The Illiana Hotel. According to a newspaper of its day, in 1927 The Illiana was "the last word in modern hotel construction" and was "the finest and most modern hotel in Northern Indiana."

Besides its 66 guest rooms, it boasted a lobby with leather chairs plus a banquet hall. There was a ladies' parlor and a recreation parlor. I'm not sure what "the new Tiffany style" was, but the Illiana's carpeted corridors were done in its design. Guests could also enjoy maid, valet and tailor service.

More than 2,000 people walked through the hotel on grand opening day. I don't know when the hotel closed but its cafe, The Hob-Nob, was still operating back in the early 1980s.

Though abandoned, the structure still exists. There's talk it might be rehabbed with condos, which would be great for empty nesters. The building is just one block west of downtown and within walking distance of churches, banks and the library, too.

And while it may take some time, it would be wonderful to see Whiting's "modern' Illiana come back to life. Pierogi visitors would love it.

Gayle Faulkner Kosalko is secretary of the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society. The opinions expressed are her own. Reach her at puccini99@aol.com or (219) 659-8129.