The Washington House Hotel

The Washington House: 312 – 314 West Main Street, Kutztown

The Washington House was built in 1811 by George W. Fister who purchased lots 17, 18, and part of 10 from Jacob and Maria Humbert.  It was a station for the arrival and departure of the stagecoach and changing of horses.  The stage yard, stables, and shedding were on the opposite side of Main Street.

In 1837 the Fisters were succeeded by Charles Fauber as managers of the hotel; however, it wasn’t until 1853 that Fister sold the hotel to Jacob Reichart.  It was called Fauber’s Hotel during this period.  In 1865 Ulrich Miller bought the property from John Haak and operated it for a short period.

Early in 1902 William Yoder purchased the old hotel and operated it as The Washington House.  This hotel served the travelers along “The Easton Road” until about 1920 when the building was purchased by the Schlenker Brothers and change into a garage and service station.  In 1963 it was purchased by Marcus G. Held and it became Held’s Appliances.  It has hosted several businesses since then.

 Shirley Herman Zimmerman wrote about her memories of The Washington House in the early 20th century (her grandfather was owner William Yoder).

 “While Mother was going to Normal School, she lived in the hotel.  Mother’s mother (Annie Barto Yoder) died when Mother was 17.  Mother had to raise her brothers and sisters.  Besides taking charge of the kids and the hotel, Mother had to do all the chores.  That meant getting up at 3 am to bake cakes, pies, bread, and buns.”
“At the same time, she did the wash.  The brothers had to take turns at the handle that moved the agitators.  There was no running water, only a sink pump and an outside pump.  The rooms had to be cleaned each day, plus the mending, ironing, and cooking for boarders.”

“The boys and Aunt Ida (William Yoder’s sister) helped with many of these jobs and so did Sally Fegley, Mama’s helper, and Pas the stable man.  Grandfather Yoder took care for the bar room and Charles Fegley was the bartender.  On Saturday nights the families were invited to free lunch which was like a buffet with hot and cold dishes.  The beer was cheaper, too.  It brought a lot of extra business and extra work.”

“The back room was especially for the ladies.  Refined ladies didn’t go into the bar.  Sometimes Mama played the piano and later a nickelodeon was used for dance music.  The whole family came and had fun.”

From  “Along the Saucony,” Vol.8, No.1, February 1985