OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT) — It’s a milestone not many businesses anywhere can claim.
The Log Inn in Haubstadt, Indiana is turning 200 years old. As the oldest restaurant in the state, it holds a lot of history while continuing to serve generations.
In the heart of Gibson County, history is served daily on a plate.
Built in 1825, The Log Inn has welcomed travelers locals and even President Abraham Lincoln himself in 1844.
Now solely a restaurant, it was originally a stagecoach stop. A stagecoach was essential for long distance travelers so they could take breaks and refresh their horses.
“My dad did all the research. [Lincoln] was campaigning for the Clay party, and this was the way he had to go to Vincennes and Terre Haute,” says Trish Epley, the owner of the Log Inn.
In the Lincoln room, a special celebration was held to commemorate 200 years of business.
“1965 is when it was actually a restaurant. As in log in. But this entire room in the Lincoln room has been in existence for 200 years,” says Cathy Holzmeyer, co-owner of the Log Inn and daughter of Epley.
A special plaque and certificate of appreciation was handed over to the Epleys.
City leaders and veteran customers joined in the celebration… some who have returned to the tables for over 65 years.
“I couldn’t be any happier for the owners because we know the owners. After coming here for 60 some years, you get to know them. They’re so sweet, and you want to come back. There chicken is so big and so juicy and flavorful. You know, it’s always the same. It’s always very consistent,” says Howard Woods, longtime customer of the Log Inn.
For the owner Trish Epley it was a full circle moment. At 7-years-old, this used to be the room she shared with her parents and sister.
She took ownership from her dad 47 years ago and remembers the night her family accidentally discovered the place was an original log cabin heavy with history.
“We had a storm, and it was on that side of the room that, some weatherboard blew off, and my dad discovered the logs, and that’s when we started and tore up all the plaster,” says Epley.
She and her daughters work double shifts to serve over 3 thousand stomachs a week — and remain the back drop to generations of family memories.
“I just think it’s special. I mean, it’s a historical site. It’s very unique to everything. I think it’s something that we should not ever get rid of,” says Holzmeyer.
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