Stone's Tavern was built when General Mad Anthony Wayne and his men widened an Indian trail north and west of Fort Wayne to make wagon travel possible.

Richard Stone built the present structure in 1839. Think of this building in the wilderness. It would stand out like the best motel of today. It was the center of activity from quilting bees, town meetings, post office, stagecoach stop, jury room, dance hall and rest for the weary traveler or drover.

The building was operated as a tavern from 1839 until about the time of the Civil war when it was sold. At the time of the sale, both Ligonier and Wolf Lake were growing towns and each had a new hotel. The value of the tavern was lost and it was determined to be used as a home and later as a shop or storage building.

Mr. Graydon Blue, a local druggist, had a vision.  For a number of years he had tried to acquire the tavern so it might be saved.  In 1965, he convinced Mrs. Mary Slagle that he could save the building.  Mrs. Slagle donated the tavern and three acres of land to the hurriedly organized society.

Provided with
support from
Arts United of
Greater Fort Wayne and

Noble County Community Foundation