Summit Inn- Farmington, PA
The Summit Inn, or the Summit Hotel as it was known at times, is one of those charming family run historic hotels that retains much of its original character. It may lack the polish of a corporate run historic hotel, but its view and sense of history make up for that in droves. It is one of the last remaining “great porch” hotels of the past, and a hold over from when the Lincoln Highway was a heavily traveled cross country route. It absolutely is not to be missed.
Today’s inn can trace its roots back to the early 1800s, when Thomas Jefferson’s Secretary of Treasury suggested a National Road, connecting the East with the West. Construction on the National Road started in 1813, and for the next 50 years remained the primary way to travel between coasts. To serve the needs of weary road travelers, a network of inns and taverns emerged. One such tavern was created atop Summit Mountain, across the street from the current Summit Inn.
By the early 20th century both the tavern and the road were worse for the wear. The State of Pennsylvania stepped in, made improvements to the road, and sparked the interest of the local landed gentry. The coal industry had made several local men millionaires, and a group of such fellows got together and decided to build a mountain resort of “exceptional quality and durability.” The result was the Summit Hotel, which opened it doors in 1907.
Designed in the Mission Style by notable Pittsburgh architect J. Edward Keirn, the three story stone hotel, complete with a parapeted gable and two four story square towers was an immediate success. The lobby boasted dark cypress woodwork, stained glass windows, and a massive stone fireplace, made from boulders quarried onsite. Gustave Stickley Mission Style furniture graced the lobby, as well as a massive Steinway grand piano. Both still do.
The luxurious accommodations and outstanding views from 2550 feet above the valley below drew the elite of the day to the Summit like moths to a flame. This list includes Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone and Thomas Edison, who sought refuge at the inn after their car broke down en route to one of their famous camping expeditions. In 1924 the world’s first all steel Olympic outdoor steel pool was added, which shockingly remained until 2014. Originally the pool had a high dive that was graced by no other than Olympic gold medalist and Tarzan actor, Johnny Weissmuller, who was known to make publicity appearances around the country. Modern people however can’t be trusted to use high dives, so that also has been lost to time. A new pool, sans diving boards, however sits in its place, and offers wonderful views of the mountains.
In 1930, a German named Leo Heyn purchased the hotel, and added many whimsical touches that are still around today, including the Baron Munchausen Room, which served as a pub on the lower level. He heavily marketed the hotel, which survived through the depression, when many other grand old hotels were shuttered. The hotel however did not emerge unscathed; a drop in both road traffic and tourism during this period severely impacted business, causing Heyn to sell the Summit for $400,000 in 1946.
The hotel then suffered at the hands of an absentee owner, and begin showing signs of neglect. The coal millionaires left the area, and business declined further. Help was sought from Donald Shoemaker, a manager from the nearby Bedford Springs hotel, who would eventually purchase the hotel in 1963. The Shoemaker family has owned the hotel ever since, and works tirelessly to maintain and update the grand old gal.
The rooms today are by no means luxurious; the furniture is a bit dated and the wood floors are carpeted. However, the rooms are clean, and the bathrooms have been recently renovated. If you get a room facing the front of the hotel, the views will more than make up for the room itself. Additionally, the hotel boasts some great common areas which will keep you out of your room, including a large front porch, comfortable lobby, kitchy lounge, and of course the picturesque pool. There is even a historic 9 hole golf course, where Pete Dye’s father first played in 1923. All around it is a fun step back in time, and worth a stop when traveling along the Lincoln Highway.
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