/our-story
Sawmill Lodges has been part of Hennessey since 1964 — through a few names, a few owners, and a lot of travelers passing through.
1964
Russel and Pauline Richter, along with their children Sara and Kevin, moved to Hennessey from Marysville, Kansas to operate the town's motel — the Colony House Motor Lodge and restaurant, complete with a full-kitchen restaurant, meeting room, family living quarters, and an in-ground pool.
1960s–1990s
Over the following decades, the property passed through several owners, staying a fixture for travelers passing through Hennessey along the way.
2001
Ray and Dayna Gilbert, originally from Coweta, Oklahoma, purchased the property and renamed it the Sawmill Inn, setting out to improve the rooms and grounds.
2003
A fire destroyed the property's restaurant — a loss for the business, though the motel itself carried on.
2025
The property became Sawmill Lodges, and renovations have been underway ever since — newly updated Standard and Deluxe Rooms, six Kitchenette Studios, and a full 3-bedroom House, all part of bringing Hennessey's motel into a new chapter.
More than sixty years after Russel and Pauline Richter first welcomed guests, Sawmill Lodges is still Hennessey's independent, family-run place to stay. Since becoming Sawmill Lodges in 2025, renovations have been ongoing — newly updated Standard and Deluxe Rooms, six Kitchenette Studios, and a full 3-bedroom House, for stays of one night or several months.
"We want to maintain the historical character of Sawmill Lodges while renovating it to bring in modern amenities. Family friendliness, that small-town feel, open space, and a real sense of community — that's what matters most to us, and what we hope every guest feels when they stay."
— Roger, Sawmill Lodges
Sawmill Lodges sits at 700 E Jack Choate Ave, Hennessey, OK 73742 — close to the Hennessey Monument, Hennessey Public Library, and Bull Foot Park, with Pizza Hut and Sonic both a short walk away.