The Worthington Inn

S.E. Corner of High St. and W. New England Ave.

Images: (1) Worthington Inn, (2) Hotel Central employees, c. 1910; (3) Hotel Central after 1901; (4) Snyder's Old Worthigton Inn, after 1952

The Worthington Inn is the only hotel property in town that can trace its heritage back to the early 19th century. A two-story, three-bay brick structure was built ca. 1835 as a residence for the Renesselaer W. and Laura (Kilbourn) Cowles family. R.W. Cowles was a prominent citizen who was a trustee of both the Worthington Medical College and the Female Seminary and the owner of a large general store where the businesses to the right stand today.

In 1854 William Bishop bought and enlarged the property for $5000. He added the section that includes the left hand door and window, both first and second floors. He was the first to operate it as a hotel with a livery stable in the rear. Early inns in Worthington were similar to boarding houses.

Subsequent owners changed the name. In addition to "The Bishop House," it has been known as "Union Hotel," "Central House," "New England Inn", and finally "The Worthington Inn." As the Central Hotel it entertained “tally-ho parties” and “coaching parties” from Columbus. The completion of the electric railway between Columbus and Worthington made the inn an attractive destination for summer boarders escaping the city.

After fire destroyed the roof and damaged the second floor, the owners, the Van Loons, added the third floor and Mansard roof creating a ballroom famous for oyster suppers and chicken dinners. After several owners, the Inn was sold to George Snyder in 1952 who named it 'Snyder's Old Worthington Inn". In 1983 the inn was restored to the Victorian period.