Restaurant guide

March 23, 1906 was a very cold morning that locals would vividly remember for a very long time, and still talk about today. At 6:00 am the main fire alarms sounded… the Coles House was on fire! Below is an article from the Wednesday, March 29, 1906 edition of the Wellsboro Agitator: "BIG FIRE ON FRIDAY The Coles Hotel Badly Damaged – Loss Very Heavy Supposed to Have Been Caused By a Defective Chimney The Coles Hotel at the corner of Main and Waln streets in Wellsboro was badly damaged by fire last Friday morning (March 23, 1906). Landlord and Mrs. W. R. Coles who occupied the south corner room on the third floor, discovered the fire about 5:40 a m , glowing embers past the window attracting Mr. Coles’ attention as he was dressing. He at once started to investigate and saw flames bursting from the ceiling near the cupola. Procuring a pitcher of water he extinguished this blaze and seeing no more fire just then, supposed that was all there was of it. He soon found, however, that the walls and ceiling between the plaster were all in flames near the main chimney at the south corner of the building. This chimney is thought to have been defective thus causing the conflagration. Mr. Martin Gleason discovered the fire about the same time as did Mr. Coles and Mr. James Hazlett, who was walking past the hotel, about the same time, saw the mansard roof ablaze and gave the alarm. No general alarm was sounded until after 6 o’clock, as there was considerable difficulty in getting communication with the Electric Company’s power house, where the siren fire whistle is located. Soon after the fire was discovered several people residing near the hotel were on the scene with the fire apparatus and did splendid work, but the pressure of water was low and little headway was made until the pressure increased. The fire plug on Water Street was found to be broken probably due to having been frozen, so the only hydrants available were the two at Waln and Main streets and the one at Main and Crafton streets. About 6 o’clock there were many people on the scene and several streams were playing on the flames, but by this time the whole fourth floor of the hotel was a seething furnace. About 6:15 the cupola fell and about 6:45 the roof fell in. The fire was not under control until about 8:30 o’clock and at about 10 o’clock most of the water was shut off. The fire was a very difficult one to fight and the Fire Department is highly commended for the excellent work done. The thermometer registered 10 degrees below zero at several points in town and the firemen suffered great hardship. The guests and attaches of the hotel had no difficulty in making their escape as the fire was all in the third and fourth floors of the building. The entire structure was badly damaged by water and the two upper stories were gutted. Considerable of the contents were removed, but a large portion of the furniture and fixtures were either destroyed or badly damaged. Many of the boarders lost part of their belongings. Mr. Coles estimated his loss of the contents at about $9,000; insurance $4,000. His insurance on the building is $10,000. He had expanded recently over $4,000 in improvements : new bar, new toilet rooms and water closets, steel ceilings, etc. These were damaged only by water. The stock of sporting goods in the store of Mr. J. V. Morgan, the barber shop outfit of Mr. B. E. Francis and the contents of Mr. Howard Button’s pool and billiard room located in the hotel were removed to places of safety, but they all undoubtedly met with some loss, owing to the hurried removal of their property. The Coles Hotel building was erected in 1869-70 by the late A. P. Cone and cost about $50,000. Later improvements added $12,000 to $15,000 to the original cost. Mr. Coles has conducted the hotel for the past 12 years and purchased the property about 10 years ago for about $20,000. The building was four stories in height, 80 by 110 feet in size, the fourth story being in the form of a mansard roof with a large square cupola on top of the structure and the building contained nearly 100 sleeping rooms. It was the largest hotel building in this region and its partial destruction is a severe blow to the entire community. Messrs. H. J. Clinger, of Williamsport, and A. E. Innes, of Wilkes-Barre, insurance adjusters, were here on Saturday and adjusted satisfactorily the loss on the personal property. Mr. B. E. Francis’ barber shop and Mr. Howard Button’s pool and billiard room, located in an annex of the Coles House, were running as usual on Saturday, this part of the hotel being little damaged. Mr. J. V. Morgan’s sporting goods stock is stored in his barn on Central avenue until he can find suitable quarters. Workman were engaged on Monday and yesterday in clearing the debris from the burned portion of the Coles Hotel and canvas will be stretched over the building, temporarily, to protect the interior from rain and snow. The adjustment of the loss of the hotel building is expected to be made today. There has been some delay owing to the fact that one of the experts appointed was unable to come and another had to be secured. It is probable that after the insurance has been adjusted, preparations will be made to at once begin the work of reconstruction. It is hoped that Mr. Coles may see his way clear to rebuild the Coles Hotel and that he may continue to conduct the business successfully for many years to come. Mr. Coles is very grateful to the firemen for their gallant services in fighting the fire under great hardship on the coldest morning of the winter, saving the building from utter destruction."

Our favorite PA Wilds shopping district is Wellsboro, naturally, starting with Dunham's Department Store.

Once the Penn Wells Hotel opened its doors in 1926, the folks from Wellsboro and the surrounding areas were extremely proud of the accommodations the town could offer travelers. The following article appeared in the March 22, 1928 edition of the Wellsboro Gazette. AN IDEAL HOTEL IS GREAT ASSET Local Poets Sing Praises in Original Verses. “An ideal hotel is among a city’s best assets and advertisements,” says B. C. Forbes and we feel assured that Mr. Forbes has spoken true. With the wonderful highways leading to Wellsboro from East and West, North and South of what avail if she has not tes (sic) excellent hotel accommodations which the tourist finds at our new Penn Wells, managed by Paul E. Hilbert, who gives to his guests A-1 service in the beautifully appointed hostelry. Two offerings in poetry have been made by local poets, singing the beauties of our territory and the advantages of our own Penn Wells hotel. The following is contributed by C. E. Fullwood who is especially gifted in writing poetry. His original poems appear each week in the Gazette advertising Fullwood’s Jewelry Store. Out along the Roosevelt Highway if you’re traveling East or West, There’s a town you’ll want to visit For it’s noted as the best. Nestling in a pretty valley, Where the hilltops kiss the sun, Never has this spot of beauty, By nature’s artists been outdone. Noted not for noise and glamour, Just a quiet place to dwell, Where the folks are good kind people, Who will try to treat you well. If you happen to be motoring, O’er the beautiful Roosevelt Trail, We invite you most heartily To visit Wellsboro without fail. We are prepared to accommodate you, In a manner that is right And especially if you’re looking For a place to spend the night. Once you’ve stopped here we are certain, That your traveling friends you’ll tell, About the wonderful hospitality Of Wellsboro’s Penn Wells Hotel. The “Hen Yard Poet,” also of Wellsboro, and a great flower fancier, is M. Hardenberg. His tribute to our “new tavern” appears below. THE PENN-WELLS, WELLSBORO Since autos have banish’d the patient, old steed, The world seems to shrink with humanities speed. Men’s genius in conquering nature fair, Leads time a swift race on land, ocean and air. The continents distant he brought to his sphere A spark to the gas, and he is mostly there If Chevrolets, Lizzies and flyers with six Not display, like Dobbin-inherited tricks. Where patient, old Dobbin through mire drew his load, Gay tourists now speed on a mirrored road. In altitude high, were but eagles supreme Men soar above clouds, as an every day theme. The ancient old tavern, to progress it fell, Made room for the modern, improved hotel, Where tourists when nights blessed shadows have come Find rest without missing the comforts of home. The highway from Erie to greater New York (In mem’ry of Teddy, now past the Grand Fork) Proud Penn’s beauty reveals in its miles. In snow-capped forests, grand summer sun smiles, And midways in fertile, romantical dell Lies Wellsboro with its now famous Hotel. One morning a Tourist all smiling, was seen To leave this Hotel in a proud Limousine. On business and pleasure combined he had to come Not dreaming to find all the comforts of home. The motor buzzing, swift gliding the miles Contentment reflects in his radiant smiles. And at the next station he joyfully tells What those miss’d that did not stay at the “Penn-Wells”. With compliments from the Hen Yard Poet. M. H.

In Mid-March, 1932, the Penn Wells Hotel added its neon sign to its roof top. The description in the Wellsboro Gazette March 17, 1932, said, “a forty by ten foot electrically powered neon sign is being erected on the roof of the Penn-Wells hotel.” It was installed by Flexhume Corporation, of Syracuse, NY. “The brilliantly colored sign will carry in six foot letters the words “Penn Wells Hotel.” Then Manager Paul E. Hilbert said it would be visible “from the top of the hill as Route 6 enters Wellsboro from the east, as well as from the Tioga street corner, where the same route comes in from the west.” Once the sign was erected it “will be kept illuminated every night,” just as it still is today.

At the end of February 1928, the Penn Wells Hotel’s new fourth floor was finally completed. Manager Paul E. Hilbert invited the stockholders to come inspect the craftsmanship on the evening of February 28, 1928, and the February 29, 1928 edition of the Wellsboro Gazette reported the following article: Penn-Wells Completed. The Galeton-Leader Dispatch says: “Lush Brothers were the successful bidders on the contract for furnishing the entire thirty-two additional sleeping rooms and the corridors of the newly completed fourth story of the Penn-Wells Hotel in Wellsboro. This contract, one of the largest ever filled by Lush Brothers, called for the very best equipment obtainable and a solid carload of Simmons units were required to fill the order. Each room is fitted with a Simmons steel dresser, desk, night table and luggage stand, all finished in dark walnut to blend with the Graceline beds which are equipped with Ace springs and Beautyrest spring-filled mattresses. A Kroehler Cogswell and an attractive Windsor chair complete the perfectly matched outfit. “The floors are covered with a deep pile Wilton carpet laid over Ozite rug cushion, the work being done by experienced workmen from a New York firm of interior decorators. The rooms themselves are very tastefully decorated, and all the wood work from the floor mouldings to the massive doors, is of solid mahogany. Experienced travelers who have inspected the completed rooms are authority for the statement that the larger cities of the country can boast of no more attractive and comfortable accommodations than are available at the Penn-Wells. S. L. Lush and R. O. Lush have been in Wellsboro for several days looking after the installation and erection of the furnishings.”

The Arcadia's film festival featuring movies nominated for various Oscars kicks off Friday. It looks like a nice weekend to walk around Wellsboro, but not so nice that warming up with some movies and popcorn is not in order. Buy a pass to all 6 of our movies for $39 or pay by the movie. For our out-of-town guests, book your room and let our front desk attendants or reservationist know you want tickets, and we'll be glad to help you get a pass or tickets to the shows you want to see. Here is the schedule -- not all movies show each day, so plan ahead! Friday 4pm Beale Street and Roma; 6:45 pm Black Panther and Bohemian Rhapsody; 9:15 A Star is Born and The Favourite Saturday 1:45 Panther, Bohemian; 6:45 Star, Favourite; 9:15 Beale, Roma Sunday 1:45 Star, Favourite; 6:45 Beale, Roma; 9:15 Panther, Bohemian Monday 6:45 Star, Favourite Tuesday 6:45 Panther, Bohemian Wednesday 1:45 Beale, Roma; 6:45 Star, Favourite Thursday 6:45 Panther, Bohemian; 9:15 Star, Favourite

In the February 18, 1931 edition of the Wellsboro Agitator it was announced that some major new improvements to the Penn Wells Hotel were being considered to both the interior and exterior of the structure. As guests know, our ladies room consists of a large vanity room as well as bathroom. The vanity room was converted from George Mather’s Beauty Shop, which was moved to the second floor of the post office. What was then known as the “Assembly Room” was to be “redecorated and refurnished as a very attractive lounge.” The biggest planned improvement “includes large additions to both the dining room and kitchen” and “18 or more bed rooms.” “The addition to the Penn-Wells dining room and kitchen will be built at the rear of the building. The dining room will be arranged so that two separate rooms may be used when needed or both thrown into one large room.” Above the addition to the dining room and kitchen were to be “18 additional bedrooms equipped with every convenience and comfort,” making for a total of 102 rooms. “The hotel has operated to capacity an unusually large percentage of the time, since it was opened Aug. 1, 1926, and during the height of the tourist season, has often been obliged to turn away business. The new addition is needed and will add much to the service of this deservedly popular hotel.” The February 18, 1932 edition of the Wellsboro Gazette says, “Reporting its 6-3/4 per cent dividend paid to all stockholders, and a substantial reserved deposited, Wellsboro Hotel Co. this week makes an annual statement which indicates business increase which would be more than notable even in the boom times of 1928.” The newspaper goes on to say, “Internal and external improvement of the hotel has kept pace with changing times and increased business since the Penn Wells initial year in 1926. Since that time two major improvements have been made in the addition of a fourth story in 1927, and the recent eighteen room, two dining room, and lounge addition of this past summer. Yearly decorating, constant improving of service and equipment and constant efficiency of management have been the factors making for slight depreciation and saving of costs in the Wellsboro owned hostelry. Manager and Mrs. Paul E. Hilbert have not restricted their duties to those of hosts and managers, but have initiated and personally supervised every phase of Penn Wells improvement.”

Some of the events going on in Wellsboro this weekend for Winter Celebration and Jazz Fest!

Celebrate your romance with some great food and drink at the Penn Wells Hotel this Valentine's Day. Our special menu includes a 6 oz. Aged Black Angus Filet Mignon topped with blue cheese herb butter, Bone in Pork Chop with apple and sage stuffing and a spiced run apple glaze, and our popular Bruschetta pasta. Reservation times are available starting at 5 p.m. in the main dining room and can be made by calling 570-724-2111.

Shortly after the death of Leonard Harrison on January 13, 1929, his only son, George A. Harrison, was chosen by the Wellsboro Hotel Company to fill his father's vacancy on its board of directors. He also soon became an official of the Tioga Lumber Company located in Wellsboro, as well as diversified himself in coal mine investments. The following article appeared in the February 19, 1941, Wellsboro Agitator: G. A. HARRISON KILLED IN W. VA. Esteemed Wellsboro Man Victim Of Train Wreck Wednesday Morning. George A. Harrison, aged 53 years, of Wellsboro, Pa., and O. C. Fitzwater, 50, locomotive engineer for the Birch Valley Railroad Company at Tioga, W. Va., were instantly killed about 9:30 Wednesday, February 12, when a rail broke on the Birch Valley Railroad Company railroad on top of Muddlety mountain about four and one-half miles south of Tioga and caused the train locomotive to turn over on its side and crush and scald them. Leon Cox, 32, locomotive fireman, and Moody McCoy, 40, brakeman, both of Tioga, W. Va., were riding in the cab with Harrison and Fitzwater, were so severely injured with scalds and burns that Cox died at 4:15 and McCoy died at 4:30 Wednesday afternoon in a Richwood hospital. Mr. Harrison was an official of the Tioga Lumber Company, of Wellsboro, Pa. This company owns the coal lands upon which some coal development was started a few months ago by the Tioga Coal Corporation near Tioga, W. Va. It was assumed by R. M. Campbell, joint owner of the Birch Valley Railroad Company, which was formerly owned by the Tioga Lumber Company, that Mr. Harrison arrived at the Tioga mine office from Wellsboro early Wednesday morning and that he was riding the train from there to a proposed new mine. Also riding on the train which was composed of the locomotive and several log cars, was “Banty” Hinkle, Birch Valley Lumber Company trainmaster. Mr. Hinkle was riding on a car several cars behind the locomotive and was uninjured. Fireman Leon Cox walked about three miles back to the office of the Tioga Coal Corporation to report the wreck. As he struggled along the mountain track with all consideration of himself forgotten in his concern for his co-workers, he met trainmaster Hinkle returning from the coal corporation office. As the trainmaster was riding behind it when it turned over and his vision of the locomotive and the condition of those who had been riding in it so obstructed by clouds of steam and smoke from the boiler that he realized it would be some time before he would be able to approach the scene. In the meantime he decided to hasten back to the office and report the accident. As it required some time for Cox to extricate himself from the debris from the wreck, he, of course, had no way of knowing that the trainmaster had gone on ahead of him to the office to make the report. So he, too, made his way down the mountain to the mine office. – Nicholas Republican, Richwood, W. Va. George A. Harrison was the only son of the late Leonard and Mary Green Harrison, and was born in Wellsboro in 1888. Funeral services were held at the home on West avenue, Rev. O. G. Cocks, D. D., pastor of the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Harrison was a member, officiating; burial in the Wellsboro cemetery. Pall bearers were members of the Rotary Club and the Presbyterian church. Survivors include one sister, Catherine, at home; six cousins, Mrs. Frank Dowgin, of South Orange, N. J.; Mark Harrison, of Altoona, Pa.; Howard Green, of Riverside; Mr. Leonard Green, of Fairfax, Va.; Wilbur Harrison, of Wellsboro, and Albert Harrison, of Ridgefield, Conn. Mr. Harrison attended the Wellsboro Schools and was graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy, N. Y.

Don't miss the Penn Wells Wedding Open House this Saturday from 10-2. If you are thinking about planning a wedding, come explore the local resources available in the Wellsboro area. Free to attend, but please RSVP to [email protected].

The Historic Penn Wells Hotel & Lodge invites you to come to Wellsboro for the annual Endless Mountain Music Festival’s Jazz Fest Weekend, February 15th through the 17th! Entertainment includes the Jazz Fest Concert Saturday night featuring Kansas City, Missouri’s incomparable swing Jazz pianist Bram Wijnands! Lodging is available at both the Penn Wells Hotel and Penn Wells Lodge and includes two night’s lodging, Friday night dinner for two in the Mary Wells Dining Room, a very special Jazz Dinner for two Saturday evening, the Jazz concert performance, and then a delightful Jazz Brunch for two Sunday morning. Call 570-724-2111 or 570-724-3463 for more information. The Endless Mountain Music Festival’s annual Jazz Fest Weekend in beautiful downtown Wellsboro Pa, February 15th, 16th and 17th!

Small but notable events are often what give any building a character and life of its’ own. The Historic Penn Wells Hotel’s lobby has seen its share of instances occur over the last 150 years that have given the building notability. As an example, during the last week of January 1899, “the Justices of the Supreme Court and members of the Masonic Grand Lodge arrived.” They were met at the train depot on Charleston Street by local Masons and “were taken to the Coles House”, one of the former names of the Penn Wells, “which had been engaged for their accommodation.” Located behind the original hotel structure near the corner of Waln and Water Streets from 1869 to 1924 was the hotel’s horse stables and barn, used for the storage of guest’s horses and carriages. Prior to the beginning of the 1900’s it was local resident Job Hart’s responsibility to water, feed and groom the guest’s horses as well as check and repair their horseshoes. At the end of 1898 Mr. Hart received notice he had been granted a position as coachman at Pennsylvania’s State capitol “with a salary of $800 a year,” and in January 1899 he left Wellsboro to “report for duty” in Harrisburg. In late January of 1939 the first olive-green colored mail “collection” box was installed in the lobby of the Penn Wells. It was later replaced by the well-known red, white and blue wall-hanging mailbox now on display at the front desk.

With this look back on our history, The Historic Penn Wells Hotel reflects on its financial roots. In 1925, a group of sixty-six local investors created the Wellsboro Hotel Company. They had the foresight to realize that Wellsboro was the perfect location to have an exemplary hotel. The only two concrete-paved roads in the northeast at that time were the Susquehanna Trail, which went from Buffalo to Philadelphia, and the Roosevelt Highway, which went from New York to Cleveland. Both intersected just outside Mansfield at an area known as Richard’s Bridge, and the Roosevelt Highway came right through Wellsboro. All four cities were only a days’ drive away. They realized that with a little planning Wellsboro could become THE destination of the northeast. They decided to create a hotel as nice as, if not finer than, any hotel in those four cities. One way of generating the financial resources necessary for such a venture was the creation of the Penn Wells Bonds, using the Penn Wells Hotel as security “together with all furnishings and equipment,” that guaranteed a minimum return of 6% on the investment, “payable semi-annually October 1 and April 1.” Through this plan, as well as other grants from local people, the Wellsboro Hotel Company raised $100,000 for renovations of the building “at the corner of Waln street and Main street, known as the Wellsboro Inn” and created a spectacular showplace hotel! An article in the Wellsboro Agitator on January 25, 1928, says, ”The fourth Story of the Penn-Wells Hotel, which now has 83 rooms, is practically completed and the furniture, which was purchased some time ago, has been shipped.” A year later, on the same date, January 25, 1929, these sixty-six investors got together for their annual stockholder’s meeting. Then manager Paul E. Hilbert and his wife created a sensational dinner. The menu included “Cream of Oysters, Celery, Olives, Roast Prime Ribs of Beef, Potatoes on Half Shell, Cauliflower au Gratin, Asparagus a la Vinaigrette, Ice Cream with Fruit Sauce, Assorted Cakes, Coffee, Mints and Salted Almonds.” These investors learned that “repeatedly the hotel has been filled to capacity; nearly 20,000 guests were registered for lodging in 1928, about double the number accommodated the previous year.” Among the notable features presented during this meeting was the ability of the hotel in paying its investors and the “reducing of the indebtedness by $16,000.” Three speakers, including Claude E. Bennett, local banker and president of the Wellsboro Hotel Company, retired U. S. Congressman Horace B. Packer, and PA State Senator G. Mason Owlett, all Wellsboro natives, “gave their highest praise to manager and Mrs. Hilbert, who have been the agents who have kept the hotel on its present high standard. Their courteous treatment of travelers, their thought of every comfort, and the efficiency with which all details of management have been carried out shows results in the nation wide publicity given by satisfied guests.”

As previously announced, the Hotel is closed for Brunch today, but stop by the Cafe for a hot Starbucks drink and sticky bun to warm up from your shoveling.

Through the end of June, we have a midweek special on rooms. Stay one midweek day at regular price and get the next midweek night for 50% off. The weather in Wellsboro, PA is currently perfect for getting outside to golf, hike, cycle, fish, or whatever activity you find most relaxing in the summertime. This is a great time of year for a Wellsboro getaway, and our midweek deal makes it more affordable to stay an extra day. You can check rates and availability at pennwells.com or call us at 570-724-2111.

Scenic and Affordable. Our Wellsboro, PA golf packages are a just a short drive away. Midweek stays offer most favorable rates. Call us to learn more at 570-724-2111 or visit pennwells.com/golf.

The Easter Bunny had a hoppin' good time at the Penn Wells Easter Buffet yesterday!

An overnight package at the Penn Wells is the perfect way to treat your sweetheart to a wonderful Valentine's Day this weekend!

Have you made your New Year's Eve plans yet? Join us at the Penn Wells Hotel for our annual New Year's Eve party in the dining room! Overnight packages include a grand New Year's buffet, a party with the Michael Tester Jazz Band, a champagne toast at midnight, and convenient lodging at the Penn Wells Lodge. Call today to make your dinner and lodging reservations! 570-724-2111