Spring/Summer 2010
The Welshfield Story
Jacob Welsh and his daughter traveled from Boston, Massachusetts in 1811 to the Western Reserve area of Northeast Ohio. Mr Welsh donated fifty acres of his land on which to build a church, parsonage and cemetary. In addition, he agreed to provide the nails and glass for their church if his neighbors would call the area Welshfield, in honor of his family.
The Inn was built during the 1840s by Alden Nash and was originally known as the Nash Hotel. This original structure still stands as the center portion of the building, with various additions added throughout the years. It served as a stagecoach stop on the two-day trip from Youngstown to Cleveland and offered overnight lodging to visitors.
During the Civil War, the Inn was part of the Underground Railroad, caring for escaped slaves on their way to Canada. There are written accounts from the time detailing how the slaves were hidden in the hotel barn and fed with baskets of food prepared in the kitchen. During the ensuing years, the Inn was the social center of the Welshfield area, at various times housing a school, a barber shop, a jewelry shop and the post office. Additions to the building were made over time, including a ballroom, guest rooms and the signature front porch.
Up until 1946, the Inn went through several owners, each adding their history and personal touches to the building. In August, 1946, the Inn was purchased by Brian and Pauline Holmes of Akron, who created and nutured the family style restaurant known as the Welshfield Inn. The Holmes' owned the Inn for over forty-five years, residing and raising their family in the upstairs living quarters and growing and harvesting much of the produce featured seasonally on their menu. Upon their retirement and sale of the business, the Inn continued its tradition as a restaurant, drawing visitors and families from all over Northeastern Ohio.
In 2007, the Inn was purchased by Gamekeepers Hospitality, proprietors of several well-known restaurants and inns, including the acclaimed Gamekeeper's Taverne in Chagrin Falls and the Bass Lake Taverne and Inn, located in Chardon. After extensive renovation and restoration, the Welshfield Inn reopened in November 2007. A new menu was created, blending the best of the historic Welshfield Inn with innovations made famous by the Gamekeeper's Group. As always, our commitment to our guests is to provide excellent quality food, a well-trained service staff and a memorable dining experience in one of our region's most historic establishments.