Category: Waynesville Happenings

The second Waynesville Merchants Association Queen for a Day contest winner is Carol Westra of Fairfield.

More than 20 participating Waynesville business owners joined in this fun event. The contest organizers were Debbie Tischler (Peddler House) and Patti Stone (Haberdashery).

Before, and through Mother’s Day, whenever someone shopped or dined at designated Waynesville businesses, a name was dropped in a jar for a prize drawing after Mother’s Day.

“I was quite shocked and surprised that I had won,” said Westra. “I could see that there was a lot of names in the jar at one of the shops I never gave it a second thought that I could possibly win.” She visits Waynesville two-three times a year for a relaxing shopping day. “I am most excited about another shopping day in Waynesville.”

The Queen’s Court winners were Debbie Day, Miamisburg; Anne Young, Washington Twp.; and Kim Pellington and Kristen Hall (town names not given). Queen’s Court won large tote bags full of gifts and gift certificate from the participating Waynesville shops.

Pam Bowman, owner of Hammel House Inn, gave four gift certificates for lunch to the Queen’s Court winners besides donating an overnight stay for two for the queen.

Then the queen will receive a shopping spree through the Waynesville businesses that joined in for the event. Westra will have her tiara and sash to identify her as she visits the shops where she will receive a gift or gift certificate at each stop.

Carol Westra said she and her husband, Tom, will stay at The Hammel House Inn. “I have eaten lunch several times there. Very cozy atmosphere. Interesting that it’s an old stage coach Inn. We enjoy staying at bed and breakfast places, but have never stayed there.”

The Hammel Inn, 121 S. Main St., is within walking distance of 70 antique and speciality shops. Waynesville has been featured in Prevention Magazine as Most Walkable City.

Pam Bowman, longtime resident and restauranteur, first leased the restaurant portion of the Hammel House. “My husband (Dale) joined me several months later. After he took over the kitchen, we were off and running. My husband was from a prominent food/restaurant family in the Dayton area. They owned Woody’s Market and Der Dutchler. Hammel House was supposed to be our slow-down-pre-retirement place.”

“After owning/operating an 800-seat facility, Der Duetchler, Hammel House was the perfect fit. However, the “slow-down” part has never really happened.” Her husband’s demise was almost six years ago.

Pam resides on a small acreage at the end of town. She shares her home with two of her children, cats, dogs, horses and Peanut, the rabbit.

Hammel House is pet friendly. “Bring your dog to lunch,” said Pam. “We welcome well-behaved K-9s on our expansive front porch!”

“Hammel House is a small-town treasure and the people here are gold. Miss Marilyn is the Front Line and you don’t get past without a big ‘Hello’ and ‘Are you ready for lunch?’ Miss Nancy is out senior server, and she’s a gem. After she gets to know you, you won’t have to ‘order’ unless you want to. She will remember just about everything you order from your previous visit.”

The food impresses visitors. “For example, our Inside Out Grilled Ham and Cheese was in inspiration from a trip to Paris,” said Pam. “Our Remoulade Sauce is the result of a reluctant chef who couldn’t resist my husband’s enthusiasm and charm and gave up his secret recipe. The Sweet Cream Sugar Biscuit Strawberry Shortcake was created after a tour of the South eating biscuits in 4 states.

This historic 1787 locale received its current name and popularity during the ownership of Enoch Hammel.

Historic records show the Hammel House was host to U.S. President Martin Van Buren and Vice President Richard Johnson between 1823-29.

Contact this contributing writer at shirl54bel@gmail.com.