A Photo Essay of the Inn

So, you're planning your trip to visit us and wondering just what is all the buzz about our Inn? Well, here is a little summary in pictures of what you will see ....

This is our parlour, and the newer part of the house. This addition came into existence in 1801. This room also served as a hospital during the Civil War.

Going through the parlour you will enter the "Eisenhower Room" where, you guessed it! Mamie and Ike would often escape here, to one of their favorite spots in the area, to have a delicious meal.

From the Eisenhower Room you step down into the Main Dining Room which seats about 80 comfortably... 

A prototype of a plaque made to be displayed on the Battlefield and one of the many artifacts you will enjoy seeing here.

This room is the oldest part of the house, built by Squire Miller in 1757.  Boasting a gorgeous working fireplace , this room is still enjoyed for special occasions when guests want a more private and intimate setting.  (It can seat up to 12.) 

In this room, you will see the door which boasts an original lock from the days of Squire Miller.  This is said to be the best lock in the entire house!

Our Tavern has a full bar and also the oldest liquor license in Gettysburg. This room is a wonderful setting to enjoy a nice meal with yet another huge working fireplace which is used through out the year. 

Going upstairs, we have several well appointed rooms, each one very unique.  This is the J.E.B. Stuart Room which the General occupied on the Confederate Retreat. This view is coming through the door

This is a view of the queen size bed:

And the spacious modern bathroom....

This is the Patrick Henry room, where Mr. Henry actually stayed.  (He was the nephew of the lady of the house.)

A beautiful view of the popular clawfoot tub in the bathroom....There is a separate neo-angle shower unit, too.

This is the Grumble Jones Room, named after a Confederate General who fought in the Battle of Fairfield, behind our Inn.  This battle occurred at the same time as the Battle of Gettysburg. This is a view from the door entering the room.  There is a lovely, modern bath in this room with a jetted tub.

If you love history, this is the room to stay in.  It is the 1757 suite, above the 1757 room shown previously.  This is where the family spent their nights.  It is also where Ghost Lab stayed and supposedly captured lots of activity via their cameras and microphones....

This is the mirror where they saw a "shadow person". Notice the spectacular stone chimney which rises up from the room beneath.

Moving to the third floor, this is the Three Colonels Room, named after three men who thought they were mortally wounded during the Battle of Fairfield.  They retired to this room in 1863, thinking this is where they would see their final days. 

The good news is they all survived their injuries.  This is how the suite looks today... 

Here is the lovely soaking tub, perfect for relaxing after a tour of the battlefield, perhaps?

(Our 6th and last room on our journey is The Major Starr guest room which was being occupied at the time this was written.  Stay tuned for a picture just as soon as it is free.  (But the Inn is constantly busy, so we're not sure when that will be!)

We hope you've enjoyed the photo tour and we invite you all to come for a visit just as soon as you can.  You've heard the phrase "Things are so much better in person."  Well,they are!  The pictures just can't do this beautiful landmark the justice that it deserves.  Not to mention our wonderful staff who will bend over backwards to ensure you have the best stay possible.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day! 

Valentine's Day At The Inn....

Perhaps Squire Miller presented his wife with an embellished adornment of Cupid or a bouquet of flowers, some hearts, a few love birds; closely resembling the forthcoming Valentines of the upcoming 19th Century. (Germans who were settling in the United States at this time introduced this particular form of greeting with its Baroque ornamental style ultimately spreading to other parts of the country, thus paving the way for our modern Valentines).

On this amorous day of note, bring your significant other to Our Mansion House Restaurant for a special prix fixe menu for two which includes Traditional Surf & Turf, Juicy Fried Oysters, Beef Crostini, Sweetheart Salad, Chef's Seafood Chowder and a Gooey Hot Fudge Sundae. Call for Reservations (717) 642-5410

The Superbowl and The Civil War

How did those poor boys ever survive without one of America's favorite pastimes, the Super Bowl? Look out, Eli and Tom; a little digging uncovered that during the civil war, soldiers would often pass the time (especially during the winter months) reading, partaking in musical "jam" sessions, enjoying a game of cards,dominos,chess or the occasional game of baseball.

One might take a moment and ponder if there had been a Super Bowl back then, Robert E. Lee or George Meade asking for a pause in the battle while they checked the score on the game. Oh, how things have changed so drastically over the years.....While it is a great way for Americans today to kick back and relax and enjoy an event like this , let's take a minute to remember those who came before us and sacrificed so much so we can enjoy everything that is so great about this wonderful country we live in. Those men and women of yesteryear had much simpler pleasures and lifestyles.

Soldiers enjoying a game of chess

Coincidence?

January seems to symbolize the start of new things, fresh approaches and change.  Each year we choose a project to complete; last year the Main Dining Room got a "makeover".

This year the Parlour was on the top of  list for a new coat of paint, and preparations were made; the holiday decorations were packed away, the furniture was moved and the staff set to work on the transformation.  The undertaking was completed in about a week, and finally, we were able to step back and appreciate all the hard work that had been done. 

Someone made a comment about the red paint and how fantastic it looked. Together with the white and blue trim, it looked patriotic. "What color red is that?" someone asked.

The owner, Joan, replied "To Die For Red." She admits she hadn't even paid attention to the name until later on, when she had to order more when she was running low.

Everyone agreed that this seemed very fitting for the Parlour, as it had once served a role as a Civil War Hospital.

A Place of Honor

-painting by Stan P.

We receive many wonderful praises from our guests, mostly in the form of a nice note or a review on Trip Advisor.  However, this past week, we couldn't believe the very special gift bestowed upon us by Stan P. from Virginia.  He and his lovely wife previously stayed with us for a weekend in October and to our pleasure and surprise, made plans to return with his sons,daughters and their spouses, for a holiday celebration weekend in December. 

Imagine our surprise when Stan presented us on his arrival with this fantastic painting of the Historic Fairfield Inn, complete with all the details that make her so special.  We are truly honored by this very special portrait which must have taken hours of work. 

We are eagerly discussing places of honor where we can proudly display this.  We hope when you come to visit, you will enjoy admiring this beautiful piece as much as we do.  Again, thank you Stan for sharing your talent with us.  We appreciate it more than words can ever say.

Epiphany

Friday, January 06, 2012
Time: 7:00pm
Culinary Event

Join us on the 'twelfth night of Christmas' as we bless the Inn by marking the eves in the dining room and tavern with the Chalk Blessing inscription 20+C+M+B+12 - the 20 and 12 signifies the new year, the four crosses stand for the four seasons, the letters C, M & B stand for the three wise men, Caspar, Melchior & Balthazar. There will be a special toast and everyone will receive chalk & the blessing. Reservations required.

The History of Epiphany

January 6 is known in the Christian calendar as Epiphany. It is sometimes called the “Twelfth Night” being the 12th Day of Christmas. It signifies the event of the Magi, or Wise Men visiting the baby Jesus. So, the 12 days of Christmas don’t end at Christmas, Advent does. Instead, the 12 days start with Christmas, and end with Epiphany, and these 12 days are also sometimes called Christmastide. Epiphany is a Greek word that means manifestation, appearance, or showing forth. Historically, Epiphany began in the eastern Church as the celebration of the nativity of Jesus Christ. As the celebration of Christmas spread eastward, Epiphany changed to its present meaning.  January 5th is Paramony, the Eve of the Feast of Epiphany.
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Thinking of Those Before Us

In a letter to his sister Anna Simpson, Tally Simpson wrote:

"December 25th, 1862

My dear sister,

This is Christmas Day. The sun shines feeble through a thin cloud, the air is mild and pleasant, a gentle breeze is making music through the leaves of the lofty pines that stand near our bivouac. All is quiet and still and that very stillness recalls some sad and painful thoughts. The day, one year ago, how many thousand families, gay and joyous, celebrating Merry Christmas, drinking health to absent members of their family and sending upon the wings of love and affection long, deep, and sincere wishes for their safe return to the loving ones at home, but today are clad in the deepest mourning in memory to some lost and loved member of their circle..."

"When will this war end? Will another Christmas roll around and find us all wintering in camp? Oh! That peace may soon be restored to our young but dearly beloved country and that we may all meet again in happiness."

When everyone takes time to celebrate this joyous season, let us remember all of those before us who sacrificed so much for the good of our country.