A Brief History
The Inn at Moselem Springs has a rich and defined history. Rarely does a
property reflect the hallmarks of our nation’s history through time
and circumstance. The Inn was purchased from the Commonwealth in 1748. The
deed changed hands four times before the hotel was erected in 1852. A reputation
for fine food and hospitality was established at the very outset, and it
was not unusual to see a dozen or more Conestoga wagons parked at the Inn
at dusk.
During the days of frontier growth and expansion the Delaware River became an important trade route for Philadelphia merchants shipping their goods from the Easton riverport west to the settlements. Route 222, then the Easton to Philadelphia Inland Road, was a busy artery connecting points of trade. The “Moselem Springs Hotel”, as it was then called, became a favorite stop over. The name “Mo-sel-lem” (Moselem) means “trout stream” in the tongue of the Leni-Lenape Indians who inhabited the area. The tiny hamlet was so named because of the fresh water springs and the many trout streams nearby.
It is interesting to note that the Inn was owned and operated by the Leibensperger
family for nearly 70 years. In 1872 a blacksmith shop was erected on the
Inn property and in 1894 a creamery was built. Today, the Inn at Moselem
Springs offers its guests all of the charm and reputation for fine food
as it has held for over a century.
Travelers passing through are still welcome to enjoy “Dinner at the Springs” with many local guests who come to dine amid the Inn’s historic atmosphere.
We are sure you will find this landmark of hospitality and good food a most
enjoyable dining experience.
A Time Line- Inn at Moselem Springs
We invite you to take part in placing the pieces together side by side throughout
history to createthe big picture.
Click on the links below to discover elements of a time line representing
the pieces still intact. Newspaper articles dating back to 1917, all the
way to the present, will help you fill in the gaps of the timeline.
Each article, brochure, or script of interest is typed out on the corresponding link of the timeline for your reading enjoyment.
Click on the images for full text.
1917 Reading Eagle Newspaper Article
"Berks Hotel Stand was Once State Property"
-Hostelry at Moselem Springs in Hands of Leibensperger Family since 1847.
Names of Men Who Have Conducted Tavern and Store at that Place-
1929 Reading Eagle Newspaper
Article
"FIRE DESTROYS HISTORIC HOTEL EARLY TODAY"
-Occupants Flee In Night Clothes When Moselem Springs Property Burns-
1929 - 1960--This is a gray area of the timeline--
From an 1989 article we can gather only this:
"Eventually the Leibensperger family sells the property to the Bowerses
of Chester,
and the business within passes through many hands and managers.
Walter and Madeline Stoudt, who buy the business in 1962, are responsible
for
its transformation from a rustic, country hotel to a more comfortable, sophisticated
restaurant.
Circa 1960's Newspaper Article
"How Do You Spell Moselem Springs?"
by Elaine Tait
-M-A-R-V-E-L-O-U-S-
1987 Newspaper Article
"MOSELEM SPRINGS INN OFFERS VARIETY"
by J. A. Rollman
1989 Reading Eagle Newspaper
Article
"Berks inn continues 137-year-old tradition"
1993 The Patriot Newspaper Article
"Smoked meats one of the special touches at Moselem Springs Inn"
by Sandra Martin
2001 Reading Eagle Newspaper Article
"Moselem Springs restaurant opens"
by Karen L. Miller
