Becoming the "Black Squirrel"

After serving as a private home since its construction, the 1870's Victorian was turned into the Black Squirrel Inn in 1997 by Ed Shrader and Dan Rider.

 

The restoration process made all of the necessary updates while maintaining much of the lovely interior woodwork and exterior details along the porch and eaves of the Inn. The house still features an original Gothic gingerbread side porch, a double bracket roofline, 10-foot ceilings, pocket doors, and handsome fireplaces in both sitting rooms.

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"So much to look at..."

As owners of local antique stores, Ed and Dan outfitted the Black Squirrel with furniture and decorations from times gone by.  Although updates have been made over the years, guests will still find many treats and treasures throughout the Inn.

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A (new) warm welcome

In 2006, Ed and Dan turned the keys over to Fong Wong, who served as Innkeeper for 12 wonderful years.  Then, in 2018, Fong passed on the role of caring for the Inn and it’s guests to her friend and colleague, Jessica Eikleberry. 

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Jessica is a Wooster native who loves showing off what her hometown has to offer.  She and her partner, Adam, manage the Inn. Adam, originally from Columbus, brings years of experience in hospitality as well as a green thumb! They live offsite with their kiddos, cats, and chickens.

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Why the "Black Squirrel"?

Because they are everywhere!  Wooster is known for it's large Black Squirrel population.  Guests are sure to see them happily running (and munching) at the Inn and around town.