Merwinsville Hotel Restoration Inc.

The Merwinsville Hotel is a national historic landmark located in the Gaylordsville section of New Milford. This totally volunteer nonprofit organization was founded in 1971 and for the past 55 years, our mission has been to continue the ongoing care, restoration, and preservation of one of the last standing track-side station hotels east of the Mississippi. 

A Little Background...

The hotel opened for business as a meal stop for passenger trains in 1843 – the same year that Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol.  Business boomed until the late 1870s when Pullman dining cars made stopping at the hotel for meals unnecessary. Years passed and although valiant efforts were made to try to keep the hotel going, it fell into terrible disrepair.

In 1971, townspeople committed to saving the now historic landmark. Through heroic volunteer and fundraising efforts, the Merwinsville Hotel was saved from further deterioration and razing. This grand building  with its two-story wrap around porch, period decorated rooms, and a one-of-a kind multi-level staircase continues to be a destination - no longer for meals, but for patrons of the arts and history.  The newly-restored third floor ballroom harkens to an era of history and elegance.

Events...

Yearly events held at Merwinsville Hotel include juried arts and fine crafts shows, summer tours, and "Reel" Readers, a movie/book club.

A community-wide glass orb scavenger hunt, beginning in July 2026, promises to be an extra special event to celebrate America's 250th anniversary . Please visit the website for further information on all events.

We Can Use Your Help!

Inadequate gutters on the building cannot keep up with all the runoff from the expansive roof. Replacing them with a six inch commercial grade gutter system is estimated to cost $8,100. The price includes all labor, fittings, downspouts, and a water drainage survey. All donations from "Give Local" are needed and greatly appreciated.  No donation is too small.

For further information, please visit www.merwinsvillehotel.org