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Island History -
This imposing home was built in
1876 by Erastus Huntington, when
he was well established as manager of the island's general store. known as "The Lodge", and one of its leading citizens.
He was born in
Cleveland in 1838, educated at Oberlin College, and moved to
Kelleys Island with his parents, George and Emeline Kelley
Huntington, in 1840. When he was sixteen, he began working as a clerk in his
uncle's store, "The Lodge", becoming his partner in 1866 and full
manager in 1871. He married Elzina Hamilton, daughter of James, in
1863.
A man of many facets and great vigor, Mr. Huntington not only ran
the only general store on the island but also maintained a
substantial farm and vineyards. In partnership with Captain Ort
Moore, he owned the Schooner "Gilmour" that
carried stone from the
island. He also served as treasurer of Kelleys Island and was its
Notary for 20 years and postmaster from 1872-1885. In addition, he
was a Deputy Surveyor, US
Express Agent, Secretary-Treasurer of Island Cable Company, and
organist for the Congregational Church.
In 1897, shortly before leaving Kelleys Island, Mr. Huntington sold his business to Titus Hamilton, his
brother-in-law. Under the
ownership of the Hamiltons, this house was operated as an
inn managed by Henry & Elizabeth Upp. Later it was rented by the
season to summer vacationers. Frank Hamilton, son of Titus and Fredrena
Kelley Hamilton, inherited the house in 1940.
Frank Hamilton, the only child born in the Addison Kelley Mansion, was born on Kelleys Island in 1892. He met his wife, Katherine
Shelby, when she was employed as a bookkeeper for the KIL&T Co.'s
North Office. For many years Frank Hamilton served as Captain of a
number of Great Lakes vessels, and became one of the foremost
chroniclers of Great Lakes Marine history. His collection of
archival material and ship models is on file at the Hayes
Presidential Center, Freemont, Ohio. He was also an authority on
the history of Kelleys Island, and his extensive photographic and
historic collection has been a major source of information for
this study.
It is Captain Hamilton's grand niece, Lori DeBord and her husband
Pat Hayes, who once again
are operating this historic home as an inn.
Source:
"The National Register Inventory
for Kelley Island" by Kevin and Betty Pape
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