The Brewster Inn Added to New York State’s Historic Business Preservation Registry

"Local businesses are the backbone of villages, towns, and cities across the state and have helped to shape the history, heritage, and identity of the communities they serve." - Historic Business Preservation Registry

We could not agree more, and are honored to be included on New York State’s Historic Business Preservation Registry alongside many other historically significant businesses. The HBPR was established in 2020 and is administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation to highlight businesses that have contributed to their community’s history.

The Brewster Inn on The Shores of Cazenovia Lake

The previous owner of The Brewster Inn, Richard Alan Hubbard once mentioned that it was an honor to be entrusted as the caretaker to this piece of history. It was a gift that he could make his life's work a tribute to the rich history of the gilded-age and the American Industrial era.

Currently The Brewster Inn has four owners - Caitlin Gambee, Kirk Gibson, Jason Wright and Stephen Franks who are dilligently working to carry on that legecy. The Brewster Inn operates 7-days per week as a hotel, restaurant, market, gift shop and marina. Since day one The Brewster Inn has been commited to the highest level of services and has recieved many awards from DiRoNA to Wine Spectator.

We feel so honored that we were nominated by Assemblyman Al Stirpe for inclusion on this coveted list. All nominations to the HBPR must be sponsored by an elected state official, including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and members of the Senate or Assembly. As many of you may know, The Brewster Inn has a rich history as the home of Standard Oil Financier, Benjamin Brewster.

The Brewster Inn is named after Benjamin Brewster, an American industrialist, financier, and one of the original trustees of Standard Oil. Born in 1828, Brewster established himself as a businessman in San Francisco during the Gold Rush, opening a general store.

After returning east in 1874 with his amassed fortune, Brewster married the sister of William Rockefeller’s wife and became a partner in the Standard Oil Company. In 1890, Brewster built his summer home on the southern end of Cazenovia Lake. This expansive mansion to this day remains one of the largest homes in Cazenovia.

Today the Brewster Inn houses four dining rooms, a large kitchen, and nine guest rooms. It has been a restaurant and inn for over fifty years and is iconic in the community. If you have ever visited the NYS Lorenzo Historic site on route 20 you are probably familiar with the Brewster Inn as a fine country inn catering to discerning diners and travelers. For more information on Brewster and his time in Central New York, CLICK HERE.

At a time when many businesses face new and unique challenges, this registry allows us to recognize and honor historic businesses, while providing educational and promotional assistance to ensure their continued viability and success. To learn more about the Historic Business Preservation Registry, CLICK HERE.