Capt. Ebenezer C. Wilder built a small dwelling on his property on The Lane. In 1834 he added a two-story house to the original structure. He and his wife Abigail (Ayer) then opened "Wilder's Hotel" which, according to the swinging sign, offered shelter and food to wayfarer's and weary beasts under the roofs of their houses and barn. In those days the drovers who travelled through the country with large herds of cattle "from the Kennebec," were lodgers at hostelries such as Wilders'. IN later years the hotel was operated by George W. Wilder, the youngest son of the family, who conducted the affairs so as to gain the favor of patrons of the house. Elijah A. Wilder succeeded his brother as proprietor a few years before the property was purchased in 1865 by John D. Allan. The building then became "Allan's Hotel" and continued to provide the public fine meal, clean, soft beds, and attentive service. On August 3, 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant was a guest at Allan's Hotel, accompanied by General Hastings of Washington and G.T. Granger of Calais. The surprising fact is there their bill, including the fee for the care of their two horse, was charged! Allan's Hotel also served as the site of the County Republican Conventions during the years when delegates arrived by horse and buggy. Mr. Allan conducted the business about twenty-five years, closing in 1890. In 1896 J.D. Allan tore down the original E.C. wilder house and removed the two-story section, which later became Howard Laughton's barber shop. He then had a handsome, two-story residence built by Nathan Foster, who also built the Pomeroy mansion and the Odd Fellows' Hall in Pembroke. The new livery stable provided ample room to accompany the increased number of horses which resulted from heavier traffic. Herbert H. Allan, son of John D. opened the fine home to the public, as "H.H. Allan's Hotel" in 1932, operating it until his death in 1942. Herbert Allan's widow, Eleanor (Sherrard) succeeded him, conducting the business until the property was purchased by Mr., and Mrs. Fred Johnson, Jr., who continued to offer the public service as "Dennys River Inn." Robert and Hyla Godfrey were the next proprietors of the Inn, operating it from 1952 until 1969, and becoming well known for their delicious corn fritters and fine braided rugs. Mrs. Blanche Reed, successor of the Godfreys, was the last to have the stately house opened to the public. After being vacant a number of years, it was sold in 1985 to the Estep family for a private house.

Dennys River Historic PhotographsPhotos for Map