About
About
Originally established in 1793, the Columbus Public House is rich in local history.
Records indicate that Col. Thomas Converse was the first settler in this area in 1791 and in 1793, he built the first tavern in this historic town.
In over two hundred years, the Columbus Public House has been known by a variety of names - Brownell’s Log Tavern, Blackman’s Hall and the Columbus Hotel. Many of the names reflecting that of the owner or renter of the time.
A Dance Hall was built on the second floor and was used for dances, talent shows, town meetings and even trials before the Justice of the Peace. It has not yet been renovated. One wall of the Dance Hall is a blue fresco with an eagle with the words, Union Forever, below its wings. This fresco is possibly dated back to the Civil War era. However, the fresco has suffered from water damage as well as countless years of abandonment. Options for preservation are being investigated with local conservators and Colgate University Art Historians.
Many changes have taken place since its beginnings as a Stagecoach stop between Cortland and Cooperstown. In 2011, Edsall Hodges purchased the building and since that time has continued working full time, continued his catering business and has enlisted his family in the restoration of the Columbus Hotel to become the Columbus Public House.