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> History of the Inn
History of the Inn
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A Bit of Yankee Pedlar Inn History
In the Beginning
The Yankee Pedlar Inn was originally the home of Judge John Hildreth, who left England in 1871 to settle in Holyoke. The home was itself completed in 1875, and the Hildreth family resided there until Judge Hildreth's death in 1942. Purchased in 1946 by Eugene and Catherine Tamburi, the Hildreth home's main building was converted into a colonial inn, the first of its kind in Holyoke. They considered the Inn's location ideal, due to its position at the junction of Rt.5 and Rt.202. This area was also quite historic, for it was a favorite stopping point on an old stagecoach route. The Tamburi's invested a great deal of time and money renovating the original house, and the Yankee Pedlar Inn opened for business June 7,1947.
At the time of its opening, the restaurant area of the building accommodated only 25 guests. With the ever-growing popularity of the restaurant over the last 60 years, the Pedlar, Holyoke, Garden and Tavern Rooms hold well over 200 guests!
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Horse & Buggy
In 1953, the Tamburis purchased a stuffed horse "Dobbin" which was displayed in front of the Inn. The original cart was purchased in New York and had been used by a pedlar covering the Mohawk Trail. This horse and carriage remain one of the area's most recognizable landmarks, contributing to the atmosphere and charm of the Yankee Pedlar Inn.
The Opera House
One of the biggest renovations the Tamburis undertook was the addition of the "Opera House" in 1973. In the past 32 years, it has housed theatrical performances, charity events, and countless spectacular weddings. It remains the Tamburis' legacy to the Yankee Pedlar Inn. Much like the rest of the Inn, the Opera House contains many beautiful pieces that were obtained from other locations. Most notable is the chandelier hanging in the Opera House today, which is from the former New York Metropolitan Opera House, which was torn down in 1963. |
The Banks Era
In 1977, the Pedlar was purchased by Frank and Claire Banks. The Banks family's largest contributions to the Inn were the additions of the Garden Room, the Herb Terrace and Simone's. Inspired by a trip to Europe, they opened "Simone's" a small French bistro restaurant named after the long time French Canadian employee, Simone Patenaude.
60 Years and Counting
In 1995, the Yankee Pedlar Inn was purchased by the Clayton Family. With three generations in Holyoke, the Claytons were very familiar with the Yankee Pedlar Inn.
In 1996, they expanded and remodeled the former sandwich & pub area known as the "Oyster Bar." This new space, now known as the "Tavern Bar & Grill" was unveiled on June 13, 1996, as the Inn entered it's 50th year. As the Inn enters it's 60th year, it currently accommodates our lunch and dinner guests. |
| Thank you for reading our history. We look forward to serving you. |
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