The History of The Vernon Inn

The Vernon Inn has a long and distinguished history in Vernon Township.  It was first built c. 1833 by local tavern owner John Vandegriff and was known as the Vandegriff Hotel.  Later purchased by Thomas DeKay, the Vandegriff Hotel not only served as a hotel and tavern, but also as the public meeting house for assemblies, sheriff sales, etc.  The hotel was later renamed The Vernon House, and continued to operate as a hotel and tavern well into the 20^th Century. In 1936 The Vernon House suffered a devastating fire that ravaged the top floor of the building.  Apparently, a squirrel knocked over a kerosene lantern, setting the hotel ablaze, and it was extensively rebuilt and reopened for business.  In later years it became Gary’s Vernon Lodge, a popular local watering hole, until the owner passed away in 2002.  It was again purchased and went through another extensive remodeling, and in June 2003 opened its doors as The Vernon Inn

The Vandegriff Hotel c.1895                                                      The Vernon House Hotel c.1907