After 209 Years, The Gill House Poised For A Revival In 2022
There’s not too many places that can brag about being around over 200 years. When researching the history of the Gill House in Henderson Harbor, the first mentioning in local newspapers didn’t occur until 1891. That’s because it was previously called the Frontier House, which was established 209 years ago in 1813. It has also been previously known as the Charter House Inn and the Yankee Barbecue over the course of its history as well and its latest change will merely join the two words together for The GillHouse.
With that in hand, per the book History of Jefferson County, by Samuel W. Durant, published in 1878–
Captain Warner’s son, Capt. John S. Warner, began sailing in 1817, and led the life of a sailor until 1861, a period of forty-four years. Since then he has resided in the harbor. In 1850 he purchased the “Frontier House,” then a private dwelling, and in 1861 repaired it thoroughly and opened it as a hotel, with the present name. He carried it on until 1876, when he rented to Capt. Edward White, the present landlord.
The Frontier House was first mentioned in the newspapers in 1868 as the place where several men gathered for dinner to discuss a Syracuse and Watertown railroad.
In May of 1870, the first advertisement for the Frontier House was posted in the Watertown Daily Times, announcing—
Summer Resort – Frontier House – Henderson Harbor, Jeff.
Capt. John S. Warner, Prop’r. (Formerly of Str. Niagara.)
This house, located on the shore of the most beautiful Bay of Lake Ontario, has recently been fitted up for the especial accommodation of Fishing Parties and Excursionists.
One of Francis’ metallic life boats, capable of carrying thirty persons, has been procured expressly for the safety and accommodation of pleasure parties. Boats always in readiness, with experienced and careful oarsmen. Sail boats always in attendance. Charges reasonable.
In 1883, the rent for a room at the Frontier House was $5/week. Around 1889, the property was purchased by Hugh H. Gill and renamed the Gill House, first appearing in Angler Magazine. It was advertised to be conducted as a first-class family boarding house, with boats, oarsmen, bait, and fishing tackle always on hand, and the Steamer Hazel would meet every train at Sackets Harbor and go to all points of the bay.
Sadly, all did not end well for Hugh: he had been despondent for some time before taking his life at the age of 55 in July 1917. The Watertown Daily Times reported–
Hugh H. Gill, aged about 55 years, proprietor of the Gill House at Henderson Harbor, died shortly after 9 this morning at the City Hospital as the result of wounds self-inflicted with suicidal intent. [graphic part edited out] He was taken to the City Hospital in an automobile where he passed away within 20 minutes after arriving at the institution.
Mr. Gill had been despondent for about six weeks, it is said. He had been troubled by periodic periods of despondency at various times for several years, and he attempted to end his life about 12 years ago by committing suicide.
Mr. Gill had conducted the Gill House for about 20 years. Besides his widow (Minnie E. Conlin Gill), he is survived by one daughter, Bessie (who found him), who is a trained nurse in Syracuse. Miss Gill was spending the summer at her home.
Mr. Gill was a successful summer hotel proprietor. He had established a very attractive place on the short of Henderson Harbor and it was widely patronized. Years ago, his place was little more than a lake-side tavern.
That was at the time when Henderson Harbor was considered an inaccessible spot by the ordinary individual seeking a summer resort. It was a rendezvous for fishermen, and a number of families were accustomed to come there year after year, driving over from Adams railroad station by train.
The place did not come into its own, however, until the automobile established itself as a means of conveyance. Then the hotel sprang into popularity. Hundreds of auto parties made it a stopping place and Sunday afternoons the yards and roadside sometimes for a quarter of mile from the hotel were parked with cars.
Although it’s been closed in recent years since 2012, The Gill House Restaurant and Inn was recently (2020) purchased by a seasonal resident with ties to the area having attended Syracuse University. The Watertown Daily Times reported in January of 2021 that Steven E. Vollmer, a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, and a landscape architect, purchased the Inn with “a full redevelopment plan” with plans to reopen in 2022 as The GillHouse.
The property has been completely renovated. A website shows what the final makeover will look like and also includes a menu specializing in seafood, Italian, and American classics. A recent update on the project was aired on WWNY-TV7 News before Christmas and can be viewed on their website.
1 Reviews on “Gill House Restaurant and Inn (1813 – Present)”
I worked at The Gill House for Bessie Gill in 1951 & 1952. I was 16/17.
Made $10 a week & lived in a little house down by the water!!