Areas

Need a place to relax and gather yourself? Whether or not you have reserved one of our dedicated work spaces, we welcome everyone to relax in The Living Room for complementary coffee, tea, water and special treats – free of fees, with no subscription or reservation needed. Located in the original historic Stonebraker and Harbaugh Mercantile established ca. 1830, the Living Room space has welcomed generations to Middletown for almost 190 years. Even Jubal Early and his troops took advantage of free goodies in this very room before ransoming Middletown in September of 1864!

Our largest meeting space is one of the most historic spaces in Middletown. Along with most sizable spaces in Middletown, it was used to treat the soldiers wounded in the Battle of South Mountain, which took place in September of 1864. The space was turned into an entertainment hall known as Rudy’s Hall after the war, hosting plays, musicals, dramatic readings, as well as serving as a de facto City Hall until the turn of the 20th Century.

The Hall is now again available to be reserved for meetings, seminars, lectures, receptions and is also equipped with flexible lighting to accommodate art showings.

When Samuel Harbaugh built his “substantial brick edifice” containing his home at the intersection of the National Road and the road to Trapp (now Jefferson), he made sure that the entrance of his home would exemplify Middletown hospitality in a grand manner. The original stair hall rising just steps from Main Street all the way to the third floor can now again greet visitors for receptions, seminars, meetings, or other gatherings. The Entrance Gallery can be reserved alone, or in conjunction with several of the main meeting areas, including direct access to the Veranda outdoors, and the Garden.

Just off The Entrance Gallery, the Board Room overlooking the intersection of West Main and South Jefferson Streets is one of our more formal spaces. Suitable for meetings, seminars and receptions, it can be reserved alone, with the immediately adjacent Ante Room, or as a suite of three rooms including the Ante Room and Elva’s Parlor just beyond.

Suitable as a private meeting space, or a reception area for the adjacent Board Room and Elva’s Parlor, The Ante Room also contains a Powder Room en suite.

Miss Elva Shafer was born in this house and lived here until her death. One of several sisters, she lived to be over 100 years old, owned (and drove) one of the first automobiles in Middletown, and was renowned as a gracious Middletown hostess, entertaining the whole town in her raised garden overlooking South Jefferson and Washington Streets. The bay window in her Parlor was added to the building ca. 1890 and afforded her an excellent view of Middletown’s Square Corner.

One of our largest and most versatile offerings is The Executive Office. This space overlooks Middletown’s Square Corner as well as the new Heritage Park. The space can be outfitted to accommodate several work areas, seminar seating, table seating, or nothing at all for Receptions. It is easily accessible from Rudy’s Hall just across The Landing

The Library is just off The Landing and is adjacent to as well as accessible from The Executive Office. It is also one of our largest and most versatile offerings. Outfitted with comfortable seating as well as tables and bookcases, it is a perfect space for book clubs, small gatherings, and more intimate and informal meetings.

Art classes, cooking demonstrations, gardening and horticultural lectures – these are all possible in the Kitchen Lab being made available with a sink, appliances, and an adjacent Bath for easy clean-up. The Kitchen Lab is adjacent to The Library to be able to accommodate larger groups and has direct access to the Upper Porch.

The Nest, located just off the Upper Porch and adjacent to The Studio Lab is an ideal reservation when a small quiet private space is needed.

Overlooking the Courtyard, and the Lawn beyond to Washington Street, The Veranda offers a cool shaded respite, and is accessible from both Miss Elva’s Parlor, The Entrance Gallery, and The Work Center

A covered breezy space, ideal for taking in the air between meetings, or simply enjoying the Raised Garden below.

Planted with Crepe Myrtles, Boxwood, perennial beds, and home to one of the most beautifully trained Dogwoods in Middletown, The Courtyard can be used as an extension of the Living Room when not reserved for private gatherings. It is directly accessible from The Veranda as well as The Pantry.

Middletown and its surrounds are renowned for its accomplished artists and craftspeople influenced and inspired by the place once described as “one of the most beautiful prospects in America” – Middletown Valley. Stop by the Long Gallery to experience a never-ending kaleidoscope of local talent.

“What’s cooking?” Come and see – free coffee and tea!

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