A Large Oak Tree Grew
On the east bank of the Genesee River, just west of the present college campus, a large white oak tree grew. Its circumference measuring approximately 27 feet, the tree was famous for its huge trunk. Before it was known as Geneseo, the local Seneca Indians, led at that time by Chief Goondahgowah, called this area “Big Tree”.
In 1797, a treaty between the Seneca Nation and the United States government was signed under the great tree. Detailing the sale of Indian lands west of the Genesee River, this treaty was known as “The Treaty of the Big Tree”.
Time and erosion were factored against the roots of the great tree. In an 1857 flood, it toppled into the swollen river. The “Big Tree” had been an object of great interest in early days for authors and artists. At 165 years old, the Big Tree Inn is now one of the most familiar landmarks on Main Street in Geneseo.
Big Tree Lodge is Built in 1833
The original part of the inn was built in 1833 as the residence of Mr. Allen Ayrault and his wife, Mrs. Bethia Ayrault, who were leading citizens of Geneseo at the time. Mr. Ayrault was president of the Livingston County Bank (est. 1830). He owned vast tracts of real estate in Geneseo, including the original bank building next door to the Big Tree Inn. Originally known as the Big Tree Lodge, the selected site commanded an unobstructed view of the beautiful valley below it. Though the homestead and its surrounding gardens was considered a mansion in its day, it is now the central portion of the larger, present day Big Tree Inn. Having an intense interest in all aspects of Geneseo life motivated the Ayraults to avail their home to civic, cultural, and religious gatherings. The large double parlors of their homestead were the regular meeting rooms for such groups as the Ladies of the Missionary Society, promoters of the Genesee Valley Canal, and the Genesee Valley Railroad. Today, these rooms afford gracious hospitality to visitors of the Big Tree Inn. The cellar of the great house contained the kitchen and coal-heating fireplaces. There were also stables for horses and carriages as well as quarters for the cooks and stablemen.
Big Tree Inn Opens for Business in 1886
Following the death of Mr. Ayrault in 1861, Mrs. Ayrault and her household employees remained in the homestead. Bethia lived to be 92, passing away in 1885. Until her final days Mrs. Ayrault was ever the genial hostess, sharing the pleasures of her lovely home and elaborate gardens with her many friends in Geneseo. As the Ayraults had no children, when Mrs. Ayrault died the Big Tree Lodge was put up for sale and its exquisite furnishings sold at a four-day auction. Auctioneer Joseph D. Lewis was complimented for completing the liquidation in such a brief time. The Big Tree Lodge and bank property were put up for sale for $7000, however no bids were received at the auction. In the spring of 1886, the Hon. James W. Wadsworth, Sr., purchased both properties for $6500. Mr. Wadsworth planned to enlarge the Big Tree into an “attractive and commodious hotel”, which he felt was needed in Geneseo. The only other existing lodging, the American Hotel on the corner of Main Street and Ward Place, had burned down in March of 1885.
During the summer of 1886, Mr. Wadsworth secured the services of William C. Nash to operate the Lodge. Mr. Nash was well known in the area and had gained his experience at the local Osborne House and Powers Hotel in Rochester. Mr. Nash oversaw renovations and additions to the building. Modifications to the inn included enlarging the north side with a two-story brick addition, extending the Federal design with the use of stone and brick. Cut-stone arches over stone pilasters brought rich effect to the brick façade. On September 9, 1886, a large sign bearing the words “Big Tree Inn”, in red letters, was erected in front of the imposing mansion, thus giving it the name it still carries. The inn was officially opened for business on September 13, 1886.
Two months later Mr. Nash purchased the building from Mr. Wadsworth. The bank building was not included in this sale. Records in the office of the Livingston County Clerk show that Mr. Nash continued as the owner of the Big Tree Inn for over fifteen years. In 1895, Mr. Nash added the third story for sleeping quarters and in 1896 built a wide porch across the front. In 1899, at the age of 60, Mr. Nash died due to complications from acute bronchitis.
Mrs. Nash later sold the inn to Charles Baeder in 1902. A large window was installed at the west end of the dining room, and the front porch was widened. A doorway was added to connect the porch and dining room. The kitchen was moved from the basement to a new addition in the rear of the inn. Mr. Baeder operated the inn until 1923, when he sold it to Ms. Ida M. Stewart, Ms. Margaret Hoag, and Mr. Henry Powers. After a brief stay in the Midwest, Mr. Baeder returned to Geneseo and repurchased the Big Tree in 1929. He operated the inn until his death in August of 1945.
The inn was then sold to Frank Sherwood, a nephew of Mr. Baeder. One of the first events held there was the funeral of the late Mr. Baeder on August 14, 1945. Soon after, Mr. Sherwood sold the inn to Albert Hodges and John J. O’Neil. In 1955, John P. Gaiter purchased the inn. The inn was again sold to a group of 35-40 investors led by Bob Houston, in 1962. It was brought to great prominence between 1964 and 1969 while under the operation of Cora and Peter Pizzuteli.
The Historic Inn is Restored in 1974
The Big Tree closed its doors in 1972 for two years. In 1974, the inn was threatened with demolition. The Association for the Preservation of Geneseo (APOG) was formed in an attempt to save the historic structure.
Later that year, the inn was purchased by Ted Bartlett and operated by Carol and Fred Robinson. Bartlett and the Robinsons restored the rooms, removed the front porch and painted the third story brown so as to make it as inconspicuous as possible.
1991 brought yet more change when the inn changed in proprietorship to David Wayne in October. The inn closed her doors for six months in 1994 before being purchased by Barbara and Al Wagner in 1995. The Wagners operated the inn for two years and again closed the doors in December of 1997. While the inn lay dormant for three months, foreclosure finally grasped hold. The inn was availed to public auction on the courthouse steps.
Renovation and the Inn Reopens in 1999
Campus Auxiliary Services (CAS), a contracted business to the State University of NY, supplied the winning bid for the inn. Renovation began in late April of 1998, lasting until January of the following year. The building underwent a complete interior and exterior renovation. All electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling services and gas lines were replaced. Insulation was added to all rooms. New ceilings, moldings, and carpets were added. Also added were new computers, a new kitchen, gas fireplaces, a deck and landscaping, with new paint and wallpaper rounding out the renovations. The inn was reopened on January 11, 1999.
Throughout the years, in the true spirit of Allen and Bethia Ayrault, the doors of the Big Tree Inn have opened to business gatherings as well as social functions. Many of the thriving clubs and organizations from Geneseo and her neighboring communities are the result of planning meetings from within the walls of the Big Tree Inn. Her guest roles boast names of noted persons from near and far. This Livingston County landmark has been the stop-off place for Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and President Roosevelt. Jean Harlow once stopped for lunch with a group of four on a sunny day in 1936. Arthur Brisbane regularly made it his headquarters during fox hunting season each year.
With a tradition of over 160 years of hospitality and elegance, the Big Tree Inn welcomes you to experience a taste of the Genesee Valley in a National Historic Landmark town.
*Written in great part from Geneseo historical documents and the writings of Margaret E. Gilmore, Town Historian, circa 1958.
