B and B's for Vets

Once again Hallauer House B & B is an enthusiastic participant in the B & B's for Vets program sponsored by PAII, the Professional Association of International Innkeepers and The Better Way to Stay Campaign. This is a program started as a way for B & B's to thank all of our veterans and active duty military personnel for the service that they have given or are presently giving, to our country. Last year we gave away one night in all three of our rooms for FREE. The first callers last year were three Coast Guard officers from the Cleveland area. (We like Coastie's since our daughter is an IT 2 Petty Officer stationed in Key West! Yeah Emily!)

This year the date for the FREE night giveaway is Thursday, November 10, 2011. We are holding 2 rooms for the first veterans or active duty persons to call and request the B & B's for Vets special night! Bring your spouse, friend, partner! Come early to explore Oberlin, a great college town with much to do and then dine in one of our many super restaurants! Take in a movie at the Apollo or spend the evening at one of the college events. In the morning we will treat you to a FREE four course breakfast before you set out to enjoy the day of Veteran's activities. You can also make use of our many amenities: the exercise room, the new rec room, the whirlpool tub, the dry heat sauna. Play the piano, read the history books, and listen to Joe's stories about the Civil War and the Underground Railroad. We don't do frilly but instead decorate our rooms with swords and military uniforms from the Civil War. 

So much to do, so little time! But we always invite you to come back!

If you live too far away to come to Hallauer House, then take advantage of one of the other B & B's participating in the program. Check out this website, B & B's for Vets. If you don't find one in your area right away, don't dispare as participating B & B's are added everyday!

This program is on a first come, first served basis so the first 2 callers get the deal. So what are you waiting for?! Pick up the phone and call 440-774-3400 or 877-774-3406. Please bring ID with proof of military service.

Big 'Wacky' Parade

There is a lot going on in Oberlin this month and tomorrow, Saturday, is the kick off that begins with the 10th annual Big Parade! It evolved on a whim 10 years ago as a form of self expression without any centralized organization. Individuals and organizations were free to express themselves as they saw fit and it has been a way for Oberlin College students and the Oberlin community to work together on a common goal. Planning and preparation began months ago and all 'floats' will be presented tomorrow as they progress from Eastwood Elementary school to Tappan Square. The Oberlin High School band will lead the way and the Kendal at Oberlin Precision  Lawn Chair Drill Team usaually brings up the rear. Rumor has it that there will be a 30 foot, incredible dragon float, and characters from the movie 'Up.' The parade will begin at 12:00 noon and go down College St., ending with a community festival at Tappan Square with lots of music and perhaps some food! If you haven't seen one of our 'wacky' parades then you are in for a real treat. Come on over and join in the fun! Hope to see you there! The parade goes on, rain or shine! The pictures are from past parades so you can get an idea what to expect!

And the Civil War Began On This Day

One hundred and fifty years ago the Civil War began and it did not end until over 625,000 people were killed. Over the next four years communities across the country will be commenorating this war with reninactments, talks, activities, and much more. Most of the battles occurred in Virginia, Mississippi, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, and the Carolinas so people often wonder what role Ohio played in this part of history.

Bluffington, Ohio was the site of one battle between John Hunt Morgan (Morgan's Raiders) and some rag tag Union squirrel hunters and Ohio home guard. Morgan  and his troops were captured and imprisoned in Columbus but they eventually escaped. Ohio also housed a Confederated officers prison on Johnson's Island in Sandusky Bay.

But before the war actually began and for four years thereafter, Oberlin and Lorain County played a major role in events that shaped the future of the United States. A book has been written by Nat Brandt about Oberlin, "The Town That Started the Civil War" that details the trial that challenged the Fugitive Slave Law and sent the south on a head long plunge toward war. Oberlin and Lorain County also offered save houses on the Underground Railroad that protected runaway slaves as they made their way to freedom.

The Oberlin Heritage Center is engaged in a four year project to highlight what happened here 150 years ago. Read their Blog and delve into local history.

Over the next 4 years you may be planning to visit numerous Civil War battlefields and we would recomment that you do not miss Antitem and of course Gettysburg. But we also recommend that you add Oberlin to your list of Civil War places to visit. No battles occurred here but much history did transpire. Approximately 5000 to 6000 slaves made their way through our town to freedom. This is the story you will find here. People helping people. This is our story.

While you are planning your Civil War travels, be sure to take a look at our History Buff Package which includes a copy of the book "The Town That Started the Civil War" as well as a Civil War penny rug and complimentary tickets to the Oberlin Heritage Center. Stay for 2 nights and at breakfast each morning you will hear reviting stories from the very knowledgable innkeeper about Oberlin's role in the war and the Underground Railroad. While you are here you will see authentic Civil War swords, Confederate and Union reproduction uniforms and pistols, many books on the Civil War and the players involved, Civil War magazines, games, and iron toys.

If you have not already been to our website, be sure to navigate to there as we have a Civil War factoid on each page as well as some Civil War recipes. We hope to see you in the next 4 years and come back to this Blog frequently to get updates on any specials or activities that commenorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Give us a call. You know you want to!

ROOM AVAILABLE FOR OBERLIN COMMENCEMENT

Planning to attend Oberlin College Commencement over Memorial Day weekend?

Need a place to stay?

Unfortunately for us but fortunately for you, we have had a cancellation in our Union Room!!!!!

Our Wait List has been exhausted as it seems that everyone on it has already found other accommodations.

So if you are stuck in a hotel out of town or you have reserved a dorm room, now is your chance to be close to Oberlin and stay with us, a finalist for Ohio B & B of the year!

Because of the many activities at the college over the weekend, we require a 3 night minimum, you choose which dates you need. There is a flat rate of $500.00 for the 3 nights which include, among other things, a full 4 course breakfast each morning and all tax, plus you get the use of all of our amenities, including the heated pool, gardens, sauna, exercise room, and free WIFI.

Hurry and give us a call to reserve a room for this fabulous and fun filled weekend. Call us at
440-774-3400 or toll free at 877-774-3406. Check out our website and see what you will miss if you don't call soon!