Memorable history
Best man Andrew Dudik makes a toast Dec. 30, 2011, at the wedding reception of his brother, Matthew Dudik, and Jessica Huggins Dudik at the historic Century Inn in Scenery Hill.
Jessica Dudik tosses her bouquet from the entryway steps of the Century Inn in Scenery Hill during her wedding reception on Dec. 30, 2011.
Ina Finn visited the Century Inn in Scenery Hill on Nov. 5, 2010.
A few of the antiques at the Century Inn on Nov. 5, 2010
A jam session at the Century Inn on Feb. 21, 2009
Dave Olson performs during a jam session at the Century Inn on Feb. 21, 2009.
When Observer-Reporter online editor Nick Kratsas posted a request on Facebook asking people to share their memories of the Century Inn, there was no shortage of responses.
The 227-year-old inn in Scenery Hill, one of Washington County’s most recognized and cherished landmarks, was destroyed by a fast-moving fire late last Monday that was sparked by an electrical malfunction in a first-floor utility room.
Clay Kilgore, executive director of the Washington County Historical Society, told the O-R that upon hearing the news, “It felt ike somebody in my family had died.”
Those on social media also mourned the loss of the historical structure and offered their memories – and photos – of visits and special occasions they have celebrated at the Century Inn.
The following is a sample of those heartfelt responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity:
So sad to hear this awful news! Tom and I were there in June for lunch. Such a beautiful old inn! We celebrated my mother’s 75th birthday there; had hoped to celebrate her 95th there next May!!
- Janet Mundell DeVault
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The wonderful memories are too numerous to count. I participated in the art shows, the summer music festivals and winter folk music jam sessions and many late nights talking with Megin and her loyal patrons, who are also her dear friends, at the bar. The loss is heartbreaking, but we are so very thankful that Megin and Chip got out in time.
- Hugh Watkins
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My husband and I had our wedding reception at the Century Inn on Dec. 30, 2011. We celebrated with about 120 of our closest family and friends. The inn was always filled with beautiful Christmas decor every year that gave the place a truly unique and irreplaceable atmosphere. Every year since, we have returned to the inn on our anniversary with family to celebrate.
- Jessica Dudik
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On Nov. 19, 1995, my husband proposed to me at the Century Inn. We go back regularly for our anniversary and will miss the nostalgia and memories associated with the inn.
- Bob and Denielle Gower
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Lovely old dwelling. The inn was my inspiration for my purchase of a house built in 1860 – my restoration project.
- Robert Hughes
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What a tragedy for the entire area. I have many fond memories of weddings and just stopping in for an exquisite lunch. One fond memory was going out back and picking my own sprig of mint for my iced tea. Something so simple, but yet so memorable. And the waitresses dressed in the charming dresses was so perfect and added to the experience. God bless!
- Georgana Collins
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The Woodburn Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution held our five-year anniversary at the inn. We enjoyed our visit, the food and the fellowship that the inn encouraged. It was my first and only visit there. There were so many beautiful things. I am glad that I have pictures taken there. I am really saddened that I will never be able to return there. It was a beautiful experience.
- Carol Mills
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We had just started a family tradition of getting our family together for an early Christmas dinner. It was a great atmosphere rich in history. What little time we had with our new tradition will forever be a memory in my family’s heart.
- Garett Selestow
Deemston Boro
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My father, Fred, greatly enjoyed saying that the men probably had more fun in the front room of the inn than the women did in the main room during the beautiful wedding shower we held there for my cousin, Sandra. Also, I will always remember that it was at the inn that my mother, Sharlene, and I shared our last family meal out with my dad a couple of weeks before he unexpectedly passed away. Finally, my wonderful baby shower was held at the inn. I keep a lovely Sulkowski print of the inn on my shelf to commemorate these and many other moments my family have enjoyed at the Century Inn.
- Stephanie Kubik
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I’m honored to say I’ve had the opportunity to work at the Century Inn this past year. Mrs. Harrington and the staff made you feel right at home right away.
There are no words to describe how wonderful the inn was. She had the most amazing, historical and unique antiques and art pieces throughout the entire residence. The inn was more than just a business to her: It was her home, her life, her heart and soul.
Customers from around the world who visited could see how much pride, passion and love she had for the place, and that made the customers’ experience there that much more special.
Even though Mrs. Harrington and her family are dealing with such a devastating loss, they also have the thought of knowing how many people’s lives they’ve touched and how many wonderful memories were made by customers and even family and friends throughout the years because of them. That will make the inn the place that no one could ever forget!
My 6-year-old son loved being there also. He loves to learn and explore, and for him to have had the opportunity to do some of that there is truly a blessing and something he will never forget. So I send out a special thank you to Megin and her family for everything. God bless you all!
- Katrena Stein
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I spent a lot of my childhood in Scenery Hill. When we went to the Century Inn, I was amazed at how old it was and how beautiful it looked. I am sad this day, too.
My dad grew up and was raised in Scenery Hill on a dairy farm. My mother grew up and was raised in Richeyville. My dad’s family lives in Scenery Hill. I was able to visit my aunts, uncles and cousins every couple of years. One cousin worked with Megin at the Century Inn.
- Laura Harvey
Post Falls, Idaho
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I cried when my husband told me about the fire. I have so many happy memories of the inn. My late mother, Betty Linder of West Alexander, and I would go there for Mother’s Day and Easter almost yearly for 20 years. The wait staff knew us back then.
Also, my late uncle, Andrew Struzka Jr., had his wedding reception there in 1969. I have dined there with my best friend, Patti Greider, who used to live in Scenery Hill, and also with my husband. That area is part of my heritage. It was such a lovely place. I have dined in every room there. I will miss it, but I will carry the memories in my heart.
My late mother ate there as a young girl, probably in the 1930s, with her parents and other relatives, and I remember it was the first time she had baked Alaska as a dessert! We loved eating there. I remember their peanut soup, chilled gelatin salad and stuffed pork chops, etc.
- Betsy Golden
Burgettstown
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My parents stayed there this same week in 1988. They were celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary and my mother’s birthday while visiting us for our daughter’s birthday. It was the only time I saw the rooms. They were so impressed by the historic nature of the place! I also remember the first Olde-Fashioned Christmas that Community Action Southwest held there – elbow-room-only crowd! My husband and I have had a few anniversary dinners in the restaurant, too! While I don’t get back there much, I will miss it! It was a wonderful attraction to Scenery Hill – an always lovely village along Route 40. Sad.
- Bettie Banks Stammer
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I cried when I heard the the news. My family and I spent many Thanksgivings at the inn. We always felt like we were home. It was beautiful. We lost a treasure!
- Jayne Palumbo
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I moved to Washington in 1973. Friends turned me on to the inn, and I have always considered it a special place. The history and ambience were stunning, but mostly I could feel Megin’s love in every part of the inn.
- Carol Kyrimes
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I am so shocked and sad to hear about the fire at the Century Inn. Many good times can be remembered there – times I spent with family and friends. I was just there a couple of weeks ago with a special friend. It was nice to sit in the bar and talk over a glass of wine. It offered a quiet and intimate setting for special talks and conversation.
I would welcome another great restaurant of its caliber on the same spot. Scenery Hill is perfect for such a quiet get-away place. Good luck to you all and thank you for keeping the historical integrity of the inn for all those years!
- Ginger Andredas
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We lived next door, across the red-dog road in 1941, when I was 8 to 11 years old. I did some minor work for Dr. Harrington, including yard mowing and shoveling coal into the basement coal bin. My granddaughter, Lyndsay Buckingham, was married there in 2010.
I have a lot of memories of those great days, and I loved the old place. I still have a picture of it on our dinning room wall today. I hope Megin Harrington and family can rebuild her. Terrible loss.
- Paul Reynolds
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We have so many! We have been going there for over 20 years, and often! We claimed that as “our spot.” We had “our” table in the far corner of the bar area that we sat at every time because we felt it was the most romantic spot. We made friends with the wait staff, and we never had to tell them what we wanted to drink because they already knew – the best food, staff and the most quaint, elegant and romantic place. We feel like we lost a part of us because we loved it so much and had future plans that involved this place that are now shattered. We hope Megin will rebuild! Heartbroken!
- Matt and Jodie Povich