Carol Fisher-Linn
One of Ellicottville’s most celebrated and well-loved businesses, the Gin Mill Restaurant, is for sale. Knowing this, there are surely unknown numbers of individuals who are hoping it remains “The Gin Mill,” and continues to maintain its historical charm and its vibrant and modern appeal. Memories too numerous to count have been made within the original walls of the old building on 20 Washington Street.
Before the original 20 Washington Street Gin Mill, that building first held the Hughes Liquor Store and Restaurant. Mike Weishan took it over in the 1960’s and one fond memory from Weishan’s is held by our local mayor, John Burrell, who had his first legal drink at 18 served to him by the owner. The building changed hands again and belonged to George and Frances Dahlke where George and Franny’s was a great place for the regulars to hang their hats and get a home-cooked style meal. Wishing to retire in 1976, the Dahlke’s turned over the keys to Jim and Janet Tekavec who renovated, revamped and renamed the restaurant The Gin Mill. In 1995 Ed and Jeanne Clarmo took over and in 2007, sold it to the Ricks. Ten years in, Ed and Maribeth Rick bought the building at the corner of Monroe Street at 26 Washington Street, began renovations in spring of 2018 and opened for business August 2019, not long before COVID hit in March, 2020! Somehow, as with so many businesses in Ellicottville, they just kept rolling and saw it through. Along with a complete upgrade on the downstairs business part of the building, they also tackled the renovation of the six apartments on the upper floor, calling them “Brickstone Suites.”
Old buildings filled with history are both daunting and exciting at the same time. This being one of the older buildings in Ellicottville, its history traces back at least into the 1860’s. Judging from the interior décor, the Ricks obviously respect the historical aspect of the building and its stories. Old Ellicottville records were lost in a fire so they had to rely on tax records, word of mouth and newer records beyond the time of the fire for clues about the building’s history. Over the years, the building served on and off, as a hotel, grocery stores, hardware stores, possibly even a livery or stable in the back.
In all of the memorabilia on the walls, most of which came from the original location, there is a photo of the building used as a general store in the 1890’s. A publication found online quotes Rick as saying he and his wife often referred back to that photo when they were in the restoration phase.
In a conversation with a now much older John Burrell, he recalls that the building housed the New York store up until the late 40’s. In the late 40s, the building was purchased by Joseph and Dorothy Whitmer and Whitmer’s Restaurant sat on the corner of Monroe and Washington until the mid-60’s. Joel and Mary Lou Carson were next in line, running Carson’s in that coffee shop with great big paintings of their boys adorning the walls. After a fire and rebuild, Carson’s moved along and Don Feldman ran DJ’s somewhere in the mid ‘80’s. On the other side of the coffee shop were Touch of Ellicottville and Bike and Bean.
Other occupants at different times were Cooley Restaurant, Jasons Restaurant, a shoe store, plumbing shop and laundromat. Finding barn doors during the renovation, they became aware that part of the building had been used as a barn which inspired them to come up with the name, The Carriage House at The Gin Mill.
From its original tin ceiling to the bars brought over from 20 Washington, the dusty animal heads, a framed portrait of President James Garfield, license plates, beer signs and other oddments the original Gin Mill seems almost not have been interrupted. The Gin Mill is open seven days a week from 11am to 10pm. For more information, call 716-699-2530, visit online at ellicottvilleginmill.com or visit The Gin Mill’s Facebook page.