HOTELS-MOTELS

In its role as a transportation center, hotels assumed a major part in Weedsport economic and social life. William Stevens' Tavern in Macedonia is the first known hostelry in the community. It was in operation very soon after 1800 and was located at 8751 South Seneca Street at the Rude Street intersection. Before Hamilton Street was laid out traffic from Jordan to Bucksville (Port Byron) moved westward on Rude Street over the steep hill coming to Hamilton Road in front of 2476 Hamilton Road. The hill was difficult to ascend at very best. The steep, rutted and rather crooked track was a challenge to any good team drawing a lightly loaded wagon. But loaded wagons and wet weather demanded more power so local farmers made it a practice to stay around the Tavern to assist travelers over the hill and coincidentally pick up a few shillings. Construction of present Hamilton Street circumvented the hill and did much to facilitate East-West traffic.

The first known hotel within the bounds of present Weedsport was the Farmers Exchange Hotel. It was located on the site of the present Weedsport hotel, now operated by the Colvin Family. The building was constructed in 1820. It was purchased by Willard Sturge in 1867 and demolished to make way for the present structure in 1871. Mr. Sturge called the new hotel the Willard House and it was known by that name until after World War II.

The Eagle Hotel doubtless followed the Farmers Exchange very closely. It was built on the site of Whitman Hardware's Brutus Street outlet. The open area to the west in front of the Eagle, was used as a parade and drill ground by the local Militia. Bill Saroodis' Service Station now occupies the parade ground.

Prof. Hopkins relates that there were six hotels in the village in 1839. In addition to the Farmers Exchange and Eagle Hotels he lists the Striped Hotel on the towpath, the Rod Tavern and the Mansion House.

He also mentioned the Coffee House, kept by Robert Gault, as being "the largest and best bit of all !" The Eagle House probably burned and was replaced by Franklin Hall sometime before 1871. The Atwood House is also mentioned but its location has not been determined.

The Riverview Hotel, still in use, is located on the Brutus side of the Seneca River near the Weedsport-Cato Road Bridge.

The traditional hotel does not lend itself well to modern automobile travel and has very largely been replaced by Motels. In 1976 Weedsport boasts of two modern motels. The Port 40 Motel owned by Mr. and Mrs. Dwight A. Goodwin is located at the intersection of State Route 31 and 34 at the north edge of the village. port 40 was opened in 1961. The second motel, Marshall Manor, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Teodore Marshall, is located on Erie Drive, Route 31. It ws built in 1972 and boasts an excellent restaurant facility.