A Web Article About Us!

For all you historical buffs out there, just wanted to let you know about the Historical Inns in Ohio that were recently highlighted in an on-line article at Trans World News. (For full article go to the website at http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=26505&cat=7. And 1830 Hallauer House Bed & Breakfast had the lead at the top of the article! We are proud and excited to have had this article written about us and to share with you our attempt to keep alive the part of history that Ohio played in the Civil War and the Underground Railroad.

Five years ago when we were deciding on a theme for our new bed and breakfast, we realized it was a no-brainer! With all the Civil War books, swords and memorabilia we owned, plus Oberlin's history we most certainly should be a Civil War themed B & B. So we set about to create the two rooms across from each other into the Union and Confederate rooms.

The Confederate
Room and the 10th South Carolina Confederate Uniform








We loaded each room up with the proper books, magazines, artifacts, swords, and decorating schemes but it was not until some very dear guests donated the authentic reproduction Union and Confederate uniforms that the entire rooms came together. For this we thank again, Bob and Ann Jones. You guys are terrific!







The Union Room and 55th New York Irish Brigade Union Uniform


Then when we opened the suite a few years later, a local resident came up with the name Mason/Dixon Suite
since it overlooks the northern and southern sides of the house and has a little more modern feel than the front two rooms.





The connection to the Underground Railroad was discovered quite by accident one day a couple of years ago. We'd wondered for some time what role this house played during the 1850's and 60's since the basement has a section behind one wall that is elevated, has a dirt floor, and was open to the dry cistern that we discovered during excavation for an addition. Then one day while we were sitting in the center room, we noticed a hole in the floor that had not been there before. On closer examination, we discovered that the hole in the center of the floor board had contained a round plug that had fallen out.


The hole in the center of the floor.



When Joe reached into the hole, he discovered a rectangular device that can be removed and replaced quite easily. It is still in tact, made with square nails, fits right in the middle of the original floor board and it is this area of the room that sits on top of the hidden room in the basement.








The floor peg as it sits up out of the floor.





I guess our next step is to find one or more artifacts in the dirt basement underneath this area of the upstairs room. Sounds like a job for a 10 year, curious boy. I wonder if our 10 year old grandson is up to the challenge? Oh Ethan!!

So when you're planning a trip, keep us in mind. Check out the History Buff Package on our website or just come for a weekend visit. We'll be glad to share with you the stories of Oberlin's history and give you a glimpse of the Civil War. Think about it. You know you want to come! You definitely will not be disappointed!