Island House Hotel

Built in 1886, the Island House has a long and colorful history. The present structure at the intersection of Perry and Madison Streets was commissioned by Conrad Gernhard, Sheriff of Ottawa County, to replace the Old Island House Hotel which had burnt down in 1882. The total cost of construction and furnishings was $25,000.00 and was financed by the Sheriff's collection of interest and penalties on delinquent taxes. Although there was only one bathroom for the 50-room inn, a local paper reported that "the House was equipped with every modern convenience pertaining to the traveling public." Gernhard also established a popular restaurant and saloon on the site. The Island House became a popular hunting and fishing lodge and Presidents Hayes and Garfield, both avid sportsmen, stayed at the Island House Inn.http://port-clinton-ohio-hotel.com/about.html