Empire House

The Empire House is a massive, 3 story Greek Revival Inn with a shallow hip roof, which simple framing, and are 6/6 lite, double-hung sash. The front (north) facade is 5 bay, either side, piercing the roof. A side entrance once opened: from the northernmost bay of the east facade, but is now a window. A probable summer kitchen is at the southeastern rear of the main but is de- rough hewn, natural limestone foundation is ½ the height of the entire building. A shed ed by rooms on either side, including a spring hung, 'floating floor' ballroom on the CONDITION DATE UNEXPOSED UNALTERED DETERIORATED FAIR porch area. XALTERED and appears to match the original design. Black aluminum shutters have been added to the exterior at each window.

windows (single sash,3/3 lites).First and second story windows are unadorned with stairs on the eastern facade.Rock faced cement block fills in and supports the screened reliefs reminiscent of the Adam Brothers' floral motifs. closely matches the width and color of the original boards.

A plain entablature at the roof line features a simple molded cornice, and a wide freize board with square attic CHECK ONE walls are white clapboard, which have been covered with white aluminum siding, which tached.It is also gable roofed, and features an overhanging second story covering a XEXCELLENT roofed addition is attached at the rear, and there is an elevated entrance with wooden _MOVED -GOOD double hung sash windows is attached to thesouthwestern rear portion of the main building, lights flank the doorway.The entablature and pilasters are also covered with aluminum. entablature mirrors the simplicity of the upper entablature.Pilasters and simple side- The foundation is natural hewn limestone.

mantles, and doors, which define this outstanding Wood County landmark. The Empire House, built in 1848-49 by John Elderkin on the old 'mud pike" rests prominently atop an ancient glacial ridge. The importance of the 'mud pike' to the 'pike' was begun in1825, and connected lower Sandusky (now Fremont, Ohio) with Perrysburg, Ohio. Along its 31 miles, toll gates, mile posts (now restored and reconstructed), and The Empire House is now the most recognizable remaining Inn along the 'pike'. It was located midway between the Woodville and Perrysburg toll gates, and boasted 'clean The 'Empire' was popular throughout the area, and hosted all types of visitors for many years, but recently (1950) became an antique store.

Although it continues ARCHEOLOGY-HISTORIC SCIENCE ENGINEERING X1800-1899 BUILDER/ARCHITECT PERIOD THEATER SIGNIFICANCE EDUCATION ARCHITECTURE ART AGRICULTURE PREHISTORIC RELIGION PHILOSOPHY POLITICS/GOVERNMENT SCULPTURE TRANSPORTATION MILITARY LITERATURE INDUSTRY MUSIC John Elderkin XEXPLORATION/SETTLEMENT former turnpike known as the Western Reserve Road, which connected Northwest Ohio with as evidenced by the refined Greek Revival architecture and beautiful interior, woodwork, overland transportation route through the great Black Swamp of Northwestern Ohio.The that use, the Empire House retains much of its original character and setting.

regional settlement patterns cannot be over estimated, because it served as the major and travelers, from local farm hands to conestoga wagon trains.It remained hostelry -1400-1499 floating floor.A summer kitchen was built.to the rear of the main building, but its -1600-1699 _SOCIAL/HUMANITARIAN 3l Inns greeted hoards of travelers. date is unknown.A large horse barn was destroyed by fire. -1700-1799 (Local History) -1900- -CONSERVATION -LAW ARCHEOLOGY-PREHISTORIC COMMUNITY PLANNING rooms', an 'excellent kitchen', a 'refreshing bar', and an 'immense' ballroom with a INVENTION the eastern United States.