History of The Old Tavern
The Old Tavern in Unionville, Ohio is recognized as Ohio's oldest surviving Tavern. The building has stood for over 220 years and served as a destination and gathering hub in northeast Ohio. Specifically, the Tavern has served as a stagecoach stop on the Old Cleveland-Buffalo Road, a post office, inn, and restaurant. Most notably, The Old Tavern is a documented site on the Underground Railroad.
Although the Tavern has operated under different names, and many different proprietors, one thing has remained constant: In the traditional sense, as a tavern, The Old Tavern has served our community as a place for comfort, good food, and a unique venue where people can share experiences and celebrate lifes many milestones.
Early 1800's
In 1798, a small single room log cabin was built serve the needs of travelers, along a Indian ridge trail, in the frontier of the Connecticut Western Reserve. Within a few years, the tavern quickly expanded to meet the growing demand due to rapid expansion West. A second cabin was erected next to the original, then shortly after, the two were joined to create a two-storied salt box style house.
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During this time, the Tavern served as a safe house on the Underground Railroad for freedom seekers escaping the bondage of slavery. According to tradition, runaways would have been secreted in the Tavern through underground tunnels until it was safe to reach the docks in what is now Madison, Ohio.
Also during this time, Lake County, Ohio was known to be a county where no freedom seeker would be captured and returned to slavery. A well documented account to prove this sentiment to be true occured in late summer of 1843. Milton Clarke, a freedom seeker from Kentucky, was in Madison, Ohio with his brother Lewis, to speak on the horrors of slavery. While in town, Milton's presense was discovered by slave catchers and kidnapped to be taken back to his owner in Kentucky. When word spread about Milton's capture, the local community rallied together and formed a mob in front of The Old Tavern causing the eventual escape of Milton. (Read more of this incident, and of Lewis & Milton's life experiences, in their personal narratives HERE)
Early-Mid 1900'sIn the early 1900's the Tavern became a destination for travelers, during the early "Roadside Era". The Tavern's traditional fare was welcomed by locals, as well as those traveling along "The Yellowstone Trail", from the Nation's northeast corridor to the west.
The last major reconstruction of The Old Tavern was completed by the Hopper Family in 1914 following a period of neglect by the previous owner.
It was also during this period that The Old Tavern's famous corn fritters were added to the menu by Arthur & Hulda Fritz. This crowd favorite was made from locally grown corn, accompanied by local Ohio maple syrup, and served with every meal. It remains a favorite dish of patrons 100 years later!
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The above photograph were taken as part of the 1936 Historic American Building Survey.
View complete survey on the Library of Congress website.
View complete survey on the Library of Congress website.
Late 1900'sThe late 20th century saw continued service from The Old Tavern as a destination "Where Friends and Family Met". The Old Tavern provided a gathering place for community, where families celebrated special occasions, groups held organizational dinner meetings, veterans were received home, and visitors would travel to for the local fare, including the famous corn fritters.
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Eventually, the Tavern discontinued service as an inn and dedicated its existence to a restaurant and banquet facility. The Tavern continued to be a favorite destination for bus tours, school field trips, and guests both local and from out of town.
Early 2000'sIn 2006 The Old Tavern's doors were closed to the public and the structure fell into disrepair in it's vacant state. In 2011, The Unionville Tavern Preservation Society was formed following the success of our initial "Save The Tavern!" campain to create awareness to the deteriorating condition of the Tavern and the importance of preserving this historically significant building.
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In 2014, the Society acquired The Old Tavern with the help of a private donor and got to work stabilizing the structure and began the effort to rehabilitate and restore The Old Tavern to return this unique venue as a destination in Northeast Ohio.
TodayThe Old Tavern Preservation Society is engaged in a multi-phase historic preservation project to revitalize The Old Tavern, in Unionville, Ohio. With funding through Ohio's Cultural Facilities Grant program, and generous contributions from indivuduals and foundations, we have completed two major construction projects to replace the roof, rehabilitate and restore the portico, and replace a portion of the foundation. Learn more about Construction projects.
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Keeping traditions alive...
The revitalization of The Old Tavern goes beyond the building and grounds. The Tavern has been closed to the public since 2006 leaving a whole new generation unaware of its history and charm. The Society invites the community to help keep the Tavern alive by offering opportunities to engage with its history and spend time on the property through educational programs, volunteer activities, and fundraisers. And yes...Corn Fritters!
Check out upcoming Events schedule and Volunteer for opportunities to leave your mark on The Old Tavern!
More Old Tavern History
Dining at The Old Tavern (coming soon!)
Underground Railroad (coming soon!)