Athens in Athens County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

"The Berry"

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 22, 2018

1. “The Berry” Marker

Inscription. The Berry Hotel, one of America’s premier hotels, stood here from 1892 to 1974. Athenian Edward Cornelius Berry, a free black who had been educated at the Albany Enterprise Academy, and his modest wife, Martha Jane (Mattie) Berry, built, owned and operated the establishment until 1923. Mr. Berry is acknowledged as the first hotelier to place bibles in the hotel room. The rooms also included sewing kits, cologne, fruit baskets, and individual closets. The hotel was also outfitted with electric bells and gaslights at a time when these items were revolutionary. The Berry maintained its reputation of superior service and atmosphere, entertaining many dignitaries well into the twentieth century. After undergoing several transformations, including one as an Ohio University dormitory (Berry Hall), sadly, it was demolished in 1974.

Erected 2004 by the Multicultural Genealogical Center, Chesterhill, OH and Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, on May 23rd.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 39° 19.792′ N, 82° 6.062′ W. Marker is in Athens, Ohio, in Athens County. Marker is on North Court Street north of Washington Street, on the right

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when traveling north. It is in front of the Court Street Diner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Athens OH 45701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); First Settlers in Athens County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Athens First Settlement - 1797 (about 300 feet away); Athens County Vietnam War Memorial (about 300 feet away); Athens County Revolutionary Soldiers Memorial (about 300 feet away); Ohio University (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ohio University 1915 Alumni Gateway (approx. 0.2 miles away); Athens National Guard Armory (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

The Berry Hotel image. Click for full size.

Close up of photo reproduced on marker

2. The Berry Hotel

Edward Berry (1854–1931) image. Click for full size.

Close up of photo reproduced on marker

3. Edward Berry (1854–1931)

Martha Berry (1855–1941) image. Click for full size.

Close up of photo reproduced on marker, August 22, 2018

4. Martha Berry (1855–1941)

Location of the Berry Hotel image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, August 22, 2018

5. Location of the Berry Hotel

Lot now holds the Court Street Diner and its parking lot. Marker is behind the light post.

Photographed By Craig Doda, December 24, 2021

6. “The Berry” Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 489 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 26, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 6. submitted on January 5, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.