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300 Broadway Timeline

1806 -- The Beginning

The original structure was built by Charles Ellis. After five years, Ellis & his friend William Ogles, moved his hostelry business from Main Street into this building. This began the property's long history as a place where people could gather, socialize, & share a meal.

1811-1843 -- The Hostelry

William Ogles operated his hostelry and became part of the community's early hospitality tradition -- a tradition that continues today.

1843-1861 -- A Place of Learning

For nearly two decades, the building served the local Presbyterian Church as a school house.

1843-1849: A boys' school operated here.

1849-1861: The building became home to a girls' school.

1861-1865 -- The Civil War Era

During the Civil War, the building was used for civic purposes. Legend tells of William Quantrill, the Confederate guerrilla leader, hiding in the building during the war.

Whether every detail of the story can be proven or not, tales like this have become part of the folklore surrounding 300 Broadway.

1868-1888 -- The Turner Society

Entering another chapter, the Turner Society transformed the property into a Turnverein--a German-American gymnastics & athletic club. The Turners promoted physical fitness, social gatherings, and entertainment. The building became a place not only for exercise, but also for community celebrations & performances.

During this era, this building hosted some remarkable figures:

Cole Younger, an American Confederate guerrilla who later became an infamous outlaw, lectured about his 14 years as an outlaw.

Blind Boone, welcomed and celebrated American pianist and composer known for his ragtime music.

1881-1891 -- The Opera House & Masonic Lodge

The Masons purchased the building and renamed it the Opera House and Masonic Lodge.

The building continued its role as a center for entertainment, community events, & social gatherings. Eventually, it was sold to Captain John Schuchert and Arthur Harrison.

Early 1900s -- The Business on Broadway

By the beginning of the 20th century, 300 Broadway had become home to several different businesses.

1904: The Daily Republican newspaper operated in the building.

1906: A Chinese laundry mat operated in the lower level.

The building continued to evolve as Broadway itself grew and changed.

1912-1921 -- The Opera House & Beer Garden

Captain John Schuchert controlled the property during this period.

A beer garden located just north of the hall was part of the property, creating a unique entertainment space. The stage was designed so performances could either face the indoor hall during colder months or the outdoor garden during the warmer months.

Schuchert eventually renamed the building the Opera House and built his home in the adjoining garden.

1927-1945 -- The Eat Shop

In 1927, the building entered another chapter as a restaurant and gathering place.

1927-1930: Mrs. Cunningham and Dalia Kimmel operated The Eat Shop.

1930-1945: Mrs. Green continued operating The Eat Shop.

1950-1961 -- The Wagon Wheel & Fight to Save the Building

1950-1955: Mr. Jack operated The Wagon Wheel Bar & Grill.

1955-1961: Richard and Alene Barnhouse rented/leased the building.

Over the years, the property was known by several names including:

Mr. B's Bistro
Rich's N' Orleans Bistro
The Petit N' Orleans
The Royal N' Orleans

The name Petit N' Orleans remained a favorite among longtime customers. Even after the name changed, many continued calling the restaurant "The Petit" until its final day.

1961: Saved From Demolition. Mr. & Mrs. Barnhouse, purchased the building to prevent the location from being turned into a parking lot. They officially named the restaurant The Royal N' Orleans. Their decision helped preserve a piece of our local history.

1969-1983 -- The Barnhouse Years

After Mr. Barnhouse passed away in 1969, Mrs. Barnhouse continued operating the business on her own. She remained at the helm until her passing in 1983.

Her daughter, Judy Davis, and her husband, Jerry, then continued operating the restaurant.

1987 -- A New Owner

The 1987, Dennis Stockard, owner of DeJoys, Inc. (later DeStock, Inc.), purchased the Royal N' Orleans and continued operating under its given name.

March 8, 1990 -- The Fire

One of the darkest chapters in the building's history came on March 8, 1990.

A devastating fire destroyed the upper two floors of 300 Broadway. Water used to fight the fire also caused extensive damage to the restaurant and bar on the first floor. Many believed the historic building would be demolished.

But is wasn't.

Through determination and restoration efforts, Mr. Stockard was able to bring the restaurant and bar back to life.

February 1991 -- The Royal N' Orleans Returns

Less than a year after the fire, the Royal N' Orleans reopened. The restoration was so successful, many guests who returned, did not realize the building had been rebuilt and retired following the devastating fire.

The building had survived yet another chapter in its long history.

1995-2009 -- The Final Years of the Royal N' Orleans

Ownership changed several times between 1995 and 2009. Eventually, after more than a century of restaurants, bars, performances, businesses, and community gatherings, the Royal N' Orleans closed its doors in 2009.

2009-2014 -- Waiting for It's Next Chapter

Approximately 5 years, 300 Broadway sat empty.

The building that had once been filled with music, conversation, food, and celebration was waiting for someone to give it new life.

2014 & Beyond -- A New Chapter

In 2014, 300 Broadway began its next great chapter with the opening of Katy O'Ferrell's Publick House.

Today, the building once again serves the purpose it has fulfilled for more than 200 years:

Bringing people together.

From early hostelry to schools, from a gymnasium to an opera house, from restaurants and bars to the Royal N' Orleans, this building has continually reinvented itself without losing its place at the heart of the community.

Now, every pint raised, every meal shared, every story told, and every celebration held at Katy O'Ferrell's has become part of that history.

You're not just visiting a pub.

You're stepping into the story of 300 Broadway.

Welcome to Katy O'Ferrell's Publick House.

The Birth & Christening

As Proclaimed by Glyn Ferrell, March 15 2014

The O'Ferrell's came from Ireland. There in Ireland, they went by the name of O'Ferrell. The "O" was later dropped as they made their way across the ocean to Virgina, Kentucky, and Missouri.

The idea of Katy O' Ferrell's Irish Pub was shared with me approximately 8 years ago. The father of the idea was my nephew, Paul Dirnberger. Many here tonight know Paul. Paul shared with me a conversation "years ago" he had with my sister, his mother, Mary Jo. Paul conveyed to his mother his dream of having an Irish Place someday that would give tribute to Mary Jo's mother, Florence Katherine Ferrell, and also Mary Jo's mother and father's last name: Ferrell.

So with the Ferrell's Irish heritage in mind, Paul thought of a name. He substituted the "short Irish version" of Katy for Katherine and put the "O" back in the Ferrell name. Thus, the KATY O'FERRELL'S name was born, and began to take life.

Paul's conversation with his mother never went away. As time moved forward, he consulted with his three brothers: Steve, Mark, and John Dirnberger, along with Mark's son Christopher. Together the four brothers (Paul, Steve, Mark and John) and their nephew Christopher, came together to fulfill the dream and tribute that Paul wanted for his mother. Yes, Paul, Steve, Mark, and John, in ending... I have decided the "Ole Fashion Irish Toast" I give tonight will be a few short words...

"Y'all did it! And may we all never forget what is worth remembering!"

The History of 300 Broadway

More Than 200 Years of Stories