Built circa 1820 in typical Western Reserve Greek Revival style, this building was the first permanent structure in Peninsula and is one of the oldest buildings in the Western Reserve. This combination house and store faced the canal which explains why the “front door” is actually on the east side of the building. In 1863 Frederick Wood bought the building. It was Wood who added on to the north and west and built a one-story entry porch across the south that changed the orientation of the building to Main Street. Under the name of Fred Wood and Son, this store sold dry goods, groceries, drugs and medicines until the turn of the century.
This building has been a general store, a barbershop and a post office. By the early 1960s the building,was in total disrepair. It was nearly torn down to make a parking lot but for the combined efforts of Peninsula preservation hero, Lily Fleder and Robert Hunker. The story tells that Lily, armed with her two young children stood in front of the wrecking ball, stalling for time as Robert Hunker filed the paperwork to purchase the property, therefore saving this building from demolition. Fortunately the plan worked and this historic structure was saved and then restored by Robert Hunker.
Today the “Woods Store” is used as a popular Airbnb, giving visitors to Peninsula and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a unique historic experience while visiting the area. The lower level is home to River Light Gallery, which features the works of local and regional artists.
This property is also available to rent for longer stays and as part of our Artists in Residence program during the winter and early spring months. Call our office at 330-657-2528 for details.
Reserve the Woods Store Airbnb
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- Woods Store
