Tag Archives: Clark County

The Historical Simon Kenton Inn in Springfield, Ohio

Growing up in Springfield, I was well aware of several historical names associated with my town.  From George Rogers Clark to Shawnee chief, Tecumseh, one name stands out in the history of our city, Simon Kenton.

Friend to Daniel Boone, Kenton traveled to Ohio from Virginia and settled on 50,000 acres of land between today’s Springfield and Urbana.   Building a cabin on the outskirts of Springfield, his former property is now the Simon Kenton Inn and was the first white settlement in the state.

As a result of financial hardship, Simon would lose the land, passing it down to the McCord family in the early 1800s.  In 1828, the land was divided into parcels and sold.  The Hunt family, having made their wealth in textiles, moved from Princeton, NJ and settled on land they had purchased from the McCords.

Katie had taken my reservation and kindly greeted me when I arrived.  I decided to visit on Wine Wednesday with $1 off glasses of wine and found a great wine that would pair nicely with my meal.  I ordered the High Note, a Malbec with cassis and raspberry fruit flavors with a touch of chocolate and sweet spice.  Reservations are highly recommended for Fridays and Saturdays, where waits can take up to thirty minutes.

The Inn offers live music on certain weeknights and weekends.  Enjoying the music and the beautifully restored historic home, I was introduced to current owner, Theresa Siejack.  Energetic and passionate about her new adventure, Theresa was eager to talk about Simon Kenton Inn and her life experiences that led her here.

The house had been empty for three years.  There were lots of potholes on the road and many trees were down.  There was only one lit candle in the window.

Because of the holidays, Theresa was unable to go inside of the home until mid-January but as soon as she was able to visit, she made an offer within 10 minutes.  At the time of purchase, the housing market was doing well and she was able to secure the money for the purchase. With no inspection, she purchased this dilapidated old house on four acres for 250,000.  She had a vision, becoming the third owner of this property.

Originally from Baltimore, Theresa’s parents died when she was young and she was raised by her grandparents until they too passed.  Brought up in foster homes, she would marry young and join the Air Force as a flight nurse.  She retired after thirty years and one day, realizing she wanted to run a bed and breakfast.

With plans to stay in Ohio, she found her first opportunity in South Charleston and later decided that she wanted to make a home in Clark County.  Driving on the outskirts of Springfield with a friend on a cold and rainy day in December, Theresa noticed that the property was for sale.

My meal had arrived and it was absolutely delicious selecting the pistachio crusted salmon and cheesy risotto.

I was happy to continue our conversation as Theresa detailed the defining moment when she knew she had to purchase this  beautiful place.  She explained that in between the process of signing the papers and meeting for the official close,  she would drive up to the property to watch the sunset and enjoy the view from atop of the hill.  One morning, she noticed a woman on the property who was throwing feathers in the air as if conducting a ritual of some sort.  Theresa went to meet with this mysterious woman.  What the woman would say, was a foretelling of Theresa’s ownership of Simon Kenton Inn.

This woman stated that Theresa was going to be the next owner of the house, just as the spirits had told her.  She mentioned Simon Kenton’s Indian name and explained that she, herself, was a descendent of the Shawnee.  Theresa knew that this was the confirmation she needed and thanked Barbara for her visit. They would become long friends and Barbara would be able to provide additional information about the property and its role in the lives of the Kenton and Hunt families.  Barbara was also instrumental in developing the logo.

Theresa mentioned that when she cleared the attic of the home, she found wooden crates with the name Ischy Hunt, who was part of the Hunt family.  They were most likely used to carry their belongings for the east all the way out to this area in Ohio.

The property had a barn towards the back, but it was falling apart and she felt it could potentially be a hazard as children liked to go back to check it out.  She had it imploded and the remains were buried in the spot where it once stood. During construction, Theresa lived above the kitchen and there were loft rooms above the laundry as well.

In 2005, the property underwent a 1.1 million dollar renovation and an expansion was added in 2009.  A breezeway was later built to connect the two.

Recently the Inn hosted a Craft Beer and Wine event during their anniversary where 160 people attended. With 52 wines and 27 craft beers from 7 Ohio wineries and 12 Ohio breweries, the event was a huge success.

The inn is also a popular wedding venue with a large, covered seating area, gorgeous setting for photographs and overnight accommodations.

Theresa has big plans for Simon Kenton Inn to include further expansion and more events.  I’m looking forward to seeing what she  has in store for this, beautiful, historic place where the spirit of the Indians still roam.

Have you visited Simon Kenton Inn?  Did you enjoy a meal here?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my dinner and discussion with Theresa at Simon Kenton Inn and wishing you many Happy Travels.

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What to Do and What to See:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 399 9950

Where to Stay:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 399 9950

Where to Eat:

Simon Kenton Inn
4690 Urbana Road
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 399 9950

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

Snyder Park in Springfield, Ohio

On sunny Sunday afternoons, our family would pack a picnic lunch for a visit to Snyder Park.  With plenty of of picnic tables, we loved finding the best location near the water where we could watch the geese and ducks. After lunch, we would walk along the river or stop by one of the locations to swing before going back home for the evening.

Snyder Park was a generous donation of land that was held by a group of local millers.  They held the title for land measuring over 1000 acres within Clark County.  It was their desire to donate 217 acres to be designated as a park for the locals to enjoy.

With the help of landscape architect, Herman Haerlin, the park opened in 1897, just a couple of years later.  The city inaugurated the park with a parade on April 22nd and named it Snyder Park in honor of John and David.     Two granite stones on the west side of the park commemorate the Snyder brother’s contribution.  Later, in 1902, a stone arch was built as an additional entrance into the park.

In the earlier days, a section of the park was designated as a Par 3 golf course and was a favorite among the locals.  Today, the clubhouse stands as an administrative building for the park.

The tennis courts were perfect for summer lessons and many of the courts have been converted to pickleball courts.

Of course, my favorite memories are visiting the beautiful lagoons to feed bread to the ducks and the geese,

 Crossing the old stone bridge,

Watching the sun set along its shores,

and swinging along the water’s edge.

Since my childhood, there have been several updates and additions to the park, such as the Centennial Playground, which is ADA accessible.

There is also an adorable “Central Bark Dog Park”, a safe place for pups to run about….

and beautiful gardens.

Snyder Park is one of Springfield’s largest parks and a beautiful addition to the city.  With additional activities of white water rafting and a sprayground, the park continues to expand with wonderful activities for the whole family.

Have you visited Snyder Park in Springfield, Ohio?  What were some of your favorite activities at the park?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about Snyder Park in Springfield and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Snyder Park
1900 Park Street
Springfield, OH  45504
Telephone: 937 328 7275

Where to Eat:

Dairy Queen
721 North Bechtle
Springfield, OH 45206
Telephone: 937 325-9572

Where to Stay:

Marriott Courtyard, Springfield
100 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  (937) 322-3600

Lunch at Teaberry’s, Springfield, Ohio

Update:  As of December 26, 2022, Teaberry’s and Heart of Ohio Gift Shop has closed. 

Restaurants can bring on a nostalgic feeling and I felt that as I entered Teaberry’s in Springfield.  I remembered visiting craft stores when I was younger and vividly recollected the menu of home-cooked meals.  I was so happy to be visiting here again to try some of the cooking that reminded me of my favorite lunches we shared at my Grandmother’s house.

We were seated straightaway and our server took our drink order.  It was a hot sunny day in my hometown and so I ordered the lemonade, trying to decide on what I would have for lunch.

Once I had decided on the chicken salad sandwich with cauliflower salad, I took time to read the historical account of Teaberry’s learning that the restaurant had once been a two-room schoolhouse in Clark County, built in 1868.  It later became a home, a gift shop and the restaurant was added in 1998.  Today, Teaberry’s has expanded by adding five rooms to accommodate up to 120 guests.

The serving of chicken salad was overflowing from the perfectly baked croissant, lightly toasted with a think layer of butter.  The broccoli salad was dressed with a sweet and salad dressing, which was absolutely delicious.

Of course I had to save room for their famous “orange cakes”, which were moist and full of flavor.  Completely full, we had time to shop  and found a few items to decorate my home and gifts for the upcoming holiday.   I’m not sure which I had enjoyed more…the lunch or the shopping, but both were quite enjoyable.

Have you visited Teaberry’s in Springfield?  What was your experience and did you eat and shop?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my lunch and shopping at Teaberry’s and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Heart of Country Gift Shop
1600 Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH  45505

Where to Eat:

Teaberry’s
1600 Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH 45505

What to Eat:

  • Chicken Salad
  • Reuben Sandwich
  • Orange Cake

Springfield, Ohio: The City at the End of the Road

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Arriving at the The Clark County Heritage Center, I was excited to learn more about the history of Springfield, Ohio.  This city was once my home until high school when I left in search of adventure.  I decided to return home to start a business and was happy to become reacquainted with all of the familiar places that I once remembered.  They say you always come back to your roots.

After grabbing a cup of coffee at Un Mundo Cafe, I arrived at the Center to explore its museum of historical exhibits.  Built in the late 1800s, this Richardsonian Romanesque beauty was home to several public offices until it was abandoned for a number of years, reopening in April 2001.   From City Hall to the Police Department, the Center is now a museum as well as retail space for several local businesses.

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Easily accessible from the coffee shop, I entered the museum where I was surrounded by pamphlets and books on several shelves in the center lobby.  After signing in, I explained to the attendant that my reason for visiting was to write about the museum.  He  suggested a couple of books to help with my research and  I was eager to begin learning more about Springfield, once known as “The City at The End of the Road.”

Stepping into the exhibit, I began my tour standing in front of a map of state route 40.  From here, I would soon learn the importance of the National Road as well as its significance and impact on Springfield.

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The National Road was first proposed by George Washington to connect the east coast and west coast of the United States.  It took several years to complete, and with the help of Thomas Jefferson, they finally broke ground in 1808.  The project first began in the small town of Cumberland, Maryland, as the route continued to evolve over the years.

As the road progressed, it reached Columbus, Ohio in 1830 and continued  towards Springfield with the financial aid of local resident Pierson Spinning.  Mile markers made of stone were strategically placed to document the distance traveled from Cumberland where some of these markers still remain.

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Wagons were the primary source of transport for adventurous families leaving the east coast for a future out west.  The museum displays the wagon of David Crabill who was one of the early settlers to reach Clark County and make this area his home in 1808.

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Today, the National Road is paved with blacktop, but at its inception, small stones marked its path.  As the roadway reached Clark County, brick was laid throughout the streets of Springfield and later continued to Bellefontaine with the use of concrete.   Without further government financing, the National Road would end in Springfield in 1836, where it became know as the city at “the end of the road.” As the progression stalled, many families settled in Springfield doubling its census from 510 to 1080 residents.

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The National Road encouraged a booming business along its route with the start of several taverns as well as bed and breakfasts.  Over the years, the establishment of small towns in Clark County would help Springfield grow as a city of wealth and industry.

In 1844, Wittenberg College moved from Wooster to Springfield and the city became incorporated six years later.  The addition of six gas lights downtown and the production of farm equipment put Springfield in the spotlight for industry.

Springfield also played a role in abolition, offering assistance to runaway slaves throughout the underground railroad movement.  By 1832, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published and an awareness of slavery was reaching the northerners.  It was Anne Aston Warden who assisted with organizing an underground railroad association in Springfield to provide aid and safe havens for the slaves as they made their way north towards Canada.

Harriett Beecher Stowe’s book was made into a play, which was performed in Springfield.  The same year, the Basey family purchased land, being the first African Americans to do so.  Shortly thereafter, in 1857, local resident Udney Hyde of Mechanicsburg protected a Kentucky slave, Addison White,  from being captured by US marshals.

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During the Civil War, Springfield factories rose up to support the war efforts by making uniforms, wagons and linseed oil.  Congressman Shellabarger voted to pass the United States’ first Civil Rights Act and local families in Clark County offered their assistance by taking in former slave children.  The production of farm equipment  continued as Springfield entered its Golden Age in the mid 1870s.

As Springfield continued to prosper, Ulysses S. Grant was President of the United States and the city would host the Ohio State Fair.   “Mother Stewart” would arrive in Springfield from Piketon to lead the temperance movement in a crusade to abolish alcohol.

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Photos depicting the industrial movement in Springfield are on display in the museum.  It was a time of prosperity for Springfield and the City Building (now the Heritage Center), designed by Charles Cregar, a local architect, was completed by 1890.

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In the late 1890’s Springfield would come to be known as “The Home City” as facilities to assist organizations such as the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Knights of Pythias were built around town.  In 1898, Snyder Park was created with land donated by the Snyder Brothers and remains today as a beautiful oasis close to the city’s center.

From here, I took a short break for lunch returning in 30 minutes to continue my visit to the Heritage Center which is covered in a second blog post titled, Politics, Theaters and Automobiles:  Springfield, Ohio’s Rich History.  

Are you a Springfield native or have family in the area?  Have had the opportunity to visit the Heritage Center?   I would love to hear about your connection to Springfield or about your visit to the Heritage Center if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.    Many thanks for reading this post about my hometown of Springfield and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

The Clark County Heritage Center
117 South Fountain Avenue
Springfield, Ohio 45502
Telephone:  937 324 0657

  • Admission Fee:  Free, and donations are welcome.
  • Hours:  Museum:  Tuesday through Friday from 9AM to 4PM; Saturday from 9AM to 3PM.  Closed on the following holidays:  New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
  • Amenities:  Bookstore and gift shop, guided tours, video presentation
  • Length of Visit:  2 – 3 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Donations recommended are Family:  $10; Adults:  $5 and Children: $3.

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH  45505
Telephone:  937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries.   I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread.  Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant.   If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio