In honor of Charley Creek Inn’s centennial, several festivities were planned including a First Friday Centennial Celebration and Miami Street Block party but due to the global coronavirus pandemic they have been postponed until the pandemic subsides.
“While we are honored to celebrate our centennial, our top priority is to maintain the health and safety of our staff, guests, and community members throughout this unprecedented global pandemic. Although it’s important to take a moment to think about our history, until such time authorities allow us to return to our normal operating schedule, we are postponing our 100th Anniversary festivities,” said general manager Howard Kaler.
The Georgian Revival gem opened its doors May 6, 1920, as Hotel Indiana. After falling into disrepair throughout many lively decades, the gracious hotel obtained a new lease on life in 2007, when local philanthropist and historic preservation aficionado Richard E. Ford, of the Ford Meter Box family, bought the building and renovated it to perfection.
Although festivities are delayed, in celebration of its 100th anniversary, Charley Creek Inn has released its French Onion Soup recipe and challenged the public to participate in a trivia contest.
French Onion Soup made its debut on Twenty Restaurant’s menu in 2010. While the dish is traditionally made with beef stock, Executive Chef Eric Wilson’s variation features veal stock, caramelized onions, croutons and Gruyère cheese. The full recipe is available at https://www.charleycreekinn.com/charley-creek-inn-100th-anniversary.
Originally planned as part of the First Friday Centennial Celebration, the 100th Anniversary trivia contest has been made digital. Wabash history buffs or those just looking for a competition are encouraged to enter the contest at https://marketing410320.typeform.com/to/vw4Fou. Those who answer all questions correctly will be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate. The winner will be contacted the week of May 18.
In honor of the milestone, the charming, boutique hotel is inviting travelers to enjoy Wabash’s original central landmark with a memorial Centennial Package once travel restrictions lift. Valid throughout 2020, the anniversary package includes an overnight stay, $50 resort credit, a commemorative 100th Anniversary collective wine gift box with two glasses and choice of "Centennial Cuvee" Dry Red Table Wine or "Centennial White Blend" Semi-Sweet White Table Wine. Charley Creek Inn has teamed up with the 2019 Indiana Winery of the Year, Country Heritage Winery of LaOtto, Indiana, to create these two signature wines that express the best characteristics of the Midwestern climate and soil where they are grown. These signature wines are also available for purchase by the glass and bottle from the Wine & Cheese Shoppe and Twenty Restaurant.
The Green Hat Lounge, uniting an exquisite blend of modernism with the Prohibition era, is celebrating the anniversary with a signature Centennial Cocktail: “Wabash Cannonball.” A spin on El Presidente, which was popular the same decade as Charley Creek Inn opened, it’s made from Bacardi Tangerine Rum, Captain Morgan Pineapple Rum, Luxardo Cherry Liqueur, Elderflower Liqueur, lemon juice, apple cider, bitters, and Crème de Menthe.
To mark the occasion, Charley Creek Inn is extending hospitality by giving away one free lunch a week to guests who enter their business card in a drawing. In addition, guests who spend at least $100 during a visit (excluding banquet, gift card or hotel room purchases) will be entered in a quarterly drawing for a more elaborate prize, including the opportunity for a private dinner for four in the Cloud Club, wine tasting for 12 in The Courtyard, birthday party in the Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe, or overnight stay in a deluxe suite with Executive Chef Eric Wilson preparing a private dinner in the room.
As another part of the celebration, four additional rooms are being named for outstanding citizens/organizations in the Wabash community. Waterworks industry manufacturer Ford Meter Box Company, American Christian author Colleen Coble, Miami Indian Nation/Frances Slocum, and White’s Residential & Family Services/basketball Olympic Gold Medalist Clyde Lovellette will be honored in a room naming ceremony at a later date.
More details about rescheduled 100th Anniversary events will be made available as soon re-opening guidelines are established. To stay up to date, visit https://www.charleycreekinn.com/charley-creek-inn-100th-anniversary.
