The Eagle Creek Inn business and building has an interesting history.
Dwight T. Parker constructed the original building in May of 1918. The building measures 80 x 109 feet and was built of stone, brick, tile, and steel with terrazzo floors in the hotel lobby, which still remain today! The property took up most of the block and was to be divided into four separate businesses – a café/restaurant, hotel lobby, theater, and storage space that was leased by Krogen's Grocery Store. On the second floor, there were 27 rooms.
On November 22, 1928, the theater opened. There was a new picture machine installed, a Reproducto pipe organ, modern stage setting and seating for 150 people. The theater closed in the late 1960's.
In May of 1929, the hotel, first known as Fenway Tavern, was opened. Then in February of 1970, the Fenway building was sold. The property became a very popular disco bar named “Tino's”. The club was in business until 1986.
In 1986, the building was sold to Stanley Christianson. Stanley renovated the whole building into the Niehaus Hall, Sourdough Café, The Fenway House Hotel, and the Silent Woman Restaurant. Stanley helped design and construct the building. The hotel was renovated and made to accommodate ten rooms (some with hot tubs) with Victorian décor.
Stanley passed away in April of 1995 and Greg and Cheryl Schopf bought the business. Greg and Cheryl added three more hotel rooms, to total thirteen and kept the building in wonderful condition.
In August of 2005, Mike and Jessica Helms and Tim Schopf purchased the business. Mike, Jessica, and Tim changed the name to Eagle Creek Inn in an effort to end the controversy of the “Silent Woman” name. They want everyone to feel welcome to dine and do not want anyone offended. The name was created from the local high school mascot, the Eagle, and the creek that runs through the restaurant. They continue to operate the restaurant, hotel, and Niehaus Hall banquet facility. They have also done remodeling to the lower level of the building, turning Pig's Eye Pizza into Pig's Eye Pub and Eatery, a sports bar with TV's, games, a pool table, and a dartboard. Business is doing very well and they welcome everyone to Eagle Creek Inn and to Fennimore, Wisconsin!
