Picture this a rustic tavern nestled in the heart of Great Notch New Jersey. This isn’t just any bar it’s the Great Notch Inn a place steeped in history and brimming with stories.
The Great Notch Inn’s tale begins in 1798. Cornelius A Vreeland a visionary built a hotel and tavern on a one-lane dirt road. Wagon drivers hauling iron ore from New Jersey’s mines needed a place to rest. The Great Notch Inn filled that crucial need. It wasn’t just a stop for weary travelers though. The Inn also hosted the annual meetings of Acquackanonk Township. Imagine the lively debates the clinking of tankards the stories shared within its walls.
Ownership changed hands over the years. Simeon Brown acquired it in 1818. Henry Piaget took over in 1839 but his brief stint ended with a hefty $200 fine for the then-illegal act of selling liquor on a Sunday. The story continues through the Piagets eventually reaching George Skidmore in 1897. There’s a gap in the records after that a mystery adding to the Inn’s enigmatic charm.
Then comes 1924. Gregory and Florence DiLeo purchased the building for a mere dollar. They invested their heart and soul into transforming it into The Green Chateau a roadside store and during Prohibition a speakeasy. After Prohibition ended they secured liquor license number four. This makes the Great Notch Inn one of the oldest establishments selling alcohol in the state.
The Great Notch Inn faced a monumental challenge during a highway expansion project. The family fought to save their business. They almost lost a third of their land. They persevered though and the highway was built around the Great Notch Inn.
Today the Great Notch Inn is a beloved local landmark. It’s known for its live music its welcoming atmosphere and its unique history. Rich Hempel and Gail Sabbak grandchildren of Gregory and Florence DiLeo continue their family’s legacy. They’ve kept alive the spirit of this historic inn. The Great Notch Inn stands as a testament to resilience a true roadhouse where history music and community intertwine. It’s a place that continues to welcome all who pass through its doors. It invites you to step back in time and enjoy the charm of Great Notch.