History of Blind Hartman's Tavern
"Blind Hartman's Tavern," which was sold at the Union House on Saturday afternoon for $9,420, is one of the best known among the many old hotels in the country. The new owners are Adam Rothenberger and Adam Gass, both of Alsace.
The place is located along Pricetown Road above Spring Valley. It was established by Jacob Hartman in 1823. Mr. Hartman became blind when an infant. He and his brother were playing with a shoemaker's awl when one eye was accidentally pierced; consequently, he lost the sight of both eyes.
When he had grown to manhood, Mr. Hartman became married. He purchased two acres of land soon after, upon which he erected a two-story log house. He then opened a hotel, which he conducted for many years. He was possibly the only blind man who was ever the landlord of a hotel in this county. Owing to his affliction, the place naturally assumed the name of "Blind Hartman's Tavern." It still bears the title to this day.
Mr. Hartman is said to have been an exceptionally good business man, and his hotel bore an excellent reputation. He was a carver in wood and some specimens of his handiwork are still in possession of his descendants. He was the father of ten children and reared his family, as well as his neighbors who had the advantage of sight.
Mr. Hartman's jovial disposition and kindly demeanor won him the esteem of his patrons and his was one of the most popular road houses in the county.
In 1865 he sold the property to John Rothaupt for $2,200. The latter tore down the old log hotel some thirty years ago and erected the present brick structure. Then he purchased some additional ground and increased the tract to 22 acres. In 1874 he disposed of it to Albert Mortz for $14,500. The latter disposed of it in 1882 to David M. Weidner for $6,000. Sixteen years ago it became the possession of Jonathan M. Moyer, the present proprietor, who bought it at a sheriff's sale for $5,600.
Among the landlords who conducted the hotel were the following: Jacob Hartman, John Gehret, Daniel Rothenberger, Henry Beidler, Jacob Koch, Fred Rothenberger, Ex-Sheriff Frank Schmeck, Albert Mertz, John Rothaupt, David Weidner, John Krum and Jonathan M. Moyer. Each of these owners did good business, but it was "Blind Hartman" who established the location and reputation.
