Griswold Inn

The Griswold Inn was the site of protests during the 1840's organized by the women of the "Temperance Movement". Several temperance banners remain from those protests, now hanging in the historic dining section of the Inn. For a time, The Griswold Inn itself became a "first class temperance hotel", although that doesn't seem to have lasted for very... long! Even as the nation was turning toward prohibition in the early 20th century, the "Gris" was known as a reliable source for spirits. Often raided, occasionally fined and always back in business, the Federal authorities seemed to have had their hands full trying to stop the flow of liquor up the Connecticut River by "rum runners" at all hours of the night. These fast boats would dock on one of the many secluded coves along the river, unload, and be gone before anyone could track them down. The "Feds" were no match for the independent Yankee seaman who grew up on these waters, not unlike their ancestors, the "privateers". The Great Depression, prohibition and the end of ship building all took its toll on Essex and the surrounding area. The economy sank and life slowed down but, despite these challenges, The Griswold Inn survived. It was the careful stewardship of the Ladd/Lovell family during this period that allowed the Inn to thrive again as Essex was discovered by a new force from the sea, the recreational yachtsman. By the 1940's, sailors were once again sailing into Essex harbor, yacht clubs were established, and the unique charm of The Griswold Inn rediscovered as a destination. By the 1960s, pleasure craft were in abundance, I-95 had been completed and lots of weekend travelers from New York City and further found their way to Essex. The dining rooms of the 'Gris' were expanded and the Lovell's purchased adjacent historic properties to offer additional lodging. This expansion continued when the "Gris" was sold to William Winterer in the 1970s with the addition of several buildings across Main Street. The Paul Family of Essex purchased the Griswold Inn in ...Read More