The Unionville Tavern Preservation Society
Our Mission...
The purpose of The Unionville Tavern Preservation Society is to preserve and
protect The Old Tavern, in Unionville, Ohio, through community education, fund-raising
efforts, and restoration projects aimed at re-establishing the Tavern, and its grounds,
as a destination in our community and to ensure its existence for future generations.
protect The Old Tavern, in Unionville, Ohio, through community education, fund-raising
efforts, and restoration projects aimed at re-establishing the Tavern, and its grounds,
as a destination in our community and to ensure its existence for future generations.
Who we are...
The Unionville Tavern Preservation Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded and incorporated, in 2011, to educate the community about the history of the Tavern, raise awareness of its condition, network with other supportive organizations on behalf of the Tavern, and facilitate the preservation of the Unionville Tavern. In early 2014, the Society adopted the policy of pursuing ownership of the property. In August, we acquired the Unionville Tavern!
We are growing, dedicated group of volunteers who believe The Old Tavern, and all it stands for, is worth fighting to save. To aid us in our effort, we have fostered professional relationships with community and preservation organizations both local and statewide.
We believe that the history and legacy of the Tavern belong to our community and we should do what is necessary to preserve and protect this historic treasure. Our efforts have been recognized by several organizations, including the Madison Township Trustees and the Lake County Commissioners. (to view these documents, please visit our Resources page). Over the last several years, we have worked closely with historical and preservation groups, such as Preservation Ohio, The Friends of Freedom Society, the Madison Historical Society, and the Ohio History Connection. In addition, we have worked closely with our partners at the Madison Community Improvement Corporation (MCIC) to achieve our initial goals. We will continue these valuable relationships and foster new efforts, as we move forward with the business of protecting and restoring the historic landmark.
The Unionville Tavern Preservation Society continues to give a voice to the Tavern to ensure its existence for the future generations of our community.
We are growing, dedicated group of volunteers who believe The Old Tavern, and all it stands for, is worth fighting to save. To aid us in our effort, we have fostered professional relationships with community and preservation organizations both local and statewide.
We believe that the history and legacy of the Tavern belong to our community and we should do what is necessary to preserve and protect this historic treasure. Our efforts have been recognized by several organizations, including the Madison Township Trustees and the Lake County Commissioners. (to view these documents, please visit our Resources page). Over the last several years, we have worked closely with historical and preservation groups, such as Preservation Ohio, The Friends of Freedom Society, the Madison Historical Society, and the Ohio History Connection. In addition, we have worked closely with our partners at the Madison Community Improvement Corporation (MCIC) to achieve our initial goals. We will continue these valuable relationships and foster new efforts, as we move forward with the business of protecting and restoring the historic landmark.
The Unionville Tavern Preservation Society continues to give a voice to the Tavern to ensure its existence for the future generations of our community.
2017 Volunteer Appreciation & Social
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Unionville Tavern Preservation Society?
We are a 501(c)3 non-profit volunteer lead organization with the goal to preserve and protect The Old Tavern in Unionville, Lake County, Ohio. We incorporated in the State of Ohio in 2011.
Who owns the Old Tavern in Unionville, OHIO?
The Unionville Tavern Preservation Society purchased the building on August 5th, 2014 and remains the proprietor of the building and grounds.
What will the tavern look like and be when it's done?
The Era of Restoration has been determined to be 1914, the beginning of the road side era, based on photographic evidence and the fact that the building foot print has changed little since that time. This is also the time The Old Tavern underwent a major restoration.
Furthermore, we envision a revitalized Tavern that functions as an income producing, self-sustaining, non-profit venture that honors the legacy of the Tavern and encourages heritage tourism. The Tavern will be open to the public and include space for education/history, community meetings, Society sponsored programming, and private events.
Furthermore, we envision a revitalized Tavern that functions as an income producing, self-sustaining, non-profit venture that honors the legacy of the Tavern and encourages heritage tourism. The Tavern will be open to the public and include space for education/history, community meetings, Society sponsored programming, and private events.
Will it be a restaurant again?
Many people remember the Tavern as a restaurant and drool over the memory of the famous corn fritters. While the future Tavern does include a fully functioning kitchen that can be utilized for programs, events, and even special occasion dining, bringing back the full service restaurant is an option that requires more careful consideration. That said, the Society is committed to a developing a business plan that make sense for the Tavern and it's future sustainability.
How Can I "Save The Tavern!"?
The Society has a growing group of dedicated volunteers who help move the project forward! VOLUNTEER opportunities include helping the Garden Team bring back the historic garden and maintain the property, clean out the interior of the building, organize fundraising activities, and provide other skills and experience to the Society.
Donations and Memberships are also helpful to sustain the organization and building projects aimed at restoring the Tavern to its former glory. More information HERE.
Donations and Memberships are also helpful to sustain the organization and building projects aimed at restoring the Tavern to its former glory. More information HERE.
Do the Underground railroad tunnels still exist?
The Old Tavern is a documented site on the Underground Railroad. According to tradition, runaway slaves were able to enter the tavern through a system of tunnels that began in the cemetery across the street from the Tavern. They would take shelter in the Tavern until it was safe to travel on to the docks in Madison to then cross Lake Erie into Canada. Though most of the tunnels have collapsed over time, the entrance leading from the Tavern still exists today.
Is the Tavern open for business or tours?
The Tavern is closed to the public during construction. However, we are exploring opportunities to make the Tavern more accessible while under construction.
The Society does open the grounds throughout the year to provide opportunity for the public to visit the grounds, talk to our board and volunteers about the project, and encourage new life at the Tavern through music and other programming. Visit our EVENTS page for more information.
The Society does open the grounds throughout the year to provide opportunity for the public to visit the grounds, talk to our board and volunteers about the project, and encourage new life at the Tavern through music and other programming. Visit our EVENTS page for more information.
