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

Abigail Tea Room

Lakeside Heritage Trail

— Lakeside Chautauqua 150 Years 1873 - 2023 —

Abigail Tea Room Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

1. Abigail Tea Room Marker

Inscription. Before the show or after church, the Abigail was the place to dine. Please do not disturb current residents.

Erected 2023 by Lakeside Heritage Society. (Marker Number 20.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 41° 32.65′ N, 82° 44.955′ W. Marker is in Lakeside, Ohio, in Ottawa County. It is at the intersection of Central Avenue and West 3rd Street, on the right when traveling south on Central Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 Central Ave, Lakeside Marblehead OH 43440, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Lake Erie Shore

and in the Toledo Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Gill House (a few steps from this marker); Central/Hoover Auditorium (within shouting distance of this marker); Post Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Carrie Barge Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Administration Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Donald & Coralen Bettinger Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Orchestra Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Brick Store (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lakeside.

Also see . . .
1. Welcome to the Lakeside Heritage Trail

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. One hundred and fifty years ago, the founders of Lakeside stood on the shores of Lake Erie envisioning a place for the faithful to gather in community. Since then, millions of people have been beckoned to this beautiful, peaceful sanctuary to deepen their connection to Lakeside’s timeless mission…

To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values, and to nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth – spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically – while preserving Lakeside’s heritage.

With the new year, we welcome Lakeside’s 150th Anniversary – a time to honor the past, celebrate the present and look to the future. This exciting Sesquicentennial Celebration connects us to the mission through enriching religious life programs, educational lectures, cultural arts performances and recreational activities. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

2. 20. Abigail Tea Room. Then
The cherished Abigail Tea Room actually consisted of two joined cottages – one at 104 W. 3rd St. and other at 230 Central Ave. The original W. 3rd. cottage was one of the first nine cottages built by the Lakeside Company in 1873. In the early 1900’s, major renovations were made to the original cottage, including the addition of distinctive two-story wraparound porch. The 3rd St. side of the

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

2. Abigail Tea Room Marker

porch would later serve as the main entrance to the future Abigail.

The Central cottage was built by James Wallace in 1890. In contrast to the rather plain two-story rectangular-shaped W. 3rd cottage, the Wallace Cottage was an ornate Queen Ann style structure.

During 1922-1923, sisters Mary and Nora May purchased the two cottages, combined them and opened the new configuration as the Mayflower Inn. They offered home cooking, rooms with sleeping porches, electric lights and hot water. Unfortunately, they lost the inn to foreclosure in 1928. Operation continued under the Oberlin Savings Bank, with a series of people serving as manager. In 1933, Abigail Spaulding assumed management of the Mayflower Inn and changed its name to the Abigail Tea Room.

In 1937, Edith Martin took over the management for Oberlin Savings. This was the beginning of a 70 year family commitment to operating and later owning the Abigail Tea Room. For four generations, the Martin family was the collective heart and soul of the Abigail. Edith, her husband Nate, daughter Betty, son Bob and his wife Ruth greeted and cooked for guests each summer, six days a week (never on Monday!) for years. Through the years, other family members could be found waiting and setting tables, helping cooking and washing dishes.

As family members aged, operations were passed on to the next generations

Photographed by Craig Doda, July 24, 2025

3. Abigail Tea Room Marker

with Edith’s grandsons, Ladd and Shel taking ownership in 1987. The Abigail Tea Room’s long and treasured history came to an end when its doors were closed and the building was sold in 2007. During its life, hundreds of Lakesiders served as staff, while thousands of guests enjoyed a summer meal on Abigail’s vine covered porches. Many will remember Elva Thomas, hostess who greeted every guest for over 30 years.

Now
In 2010, David and Pamela Hottenroth purchased the Abigail building. David, an architect specializing in historical restoration and preservation, undertook an extensive renovation that again separated the two original cottages. Each was then meticulously rebuilt and restored to its Victorian appearance. Both were winterized for year-around use and furnished with modernized interior features. Today, they are private residences. (Submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 11, 2025, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.