Wickets

Jaime Rebhan
Jul 20, 2010
Originally built as a private summer home, the building now known as Wickets Inn became a hotel in the 1880s. BY JAIME REBHAN
Wickets Inn has had several different names in the past, including The Mermaid and The Onset Boat House. This 1908 photo shows the inn before the dining room, bar, and restaurant were added off the right side of the building. COURTESY WICKETS INN
Currently called the Gilmore Room, this dining room, along with a restaurant and bar, was added to the inn in 1910. The room, which recently underwent two years of renovations, was reopened July 1 with a brand new menu. BY JAIME REBHAN
Wickets Inn owner David Wolfram tried to keep as many time-period specific elements in the building's decor and design as possible after acquiring the property in 2009. The original wide-planked pine and zebra hardwood floors are throughout the building. The nails used may have been manufactured at Tremont Nail Factory, Wolfram said. BY JAIME REBHAN
A view of the staircase in the inn, which is original to the building. BY JAIME REBHAN
Recognize this building? It used to reside on the Wickets property. Now located at 219 Onset Ave., the building was moved to make way for a pub and tiki bar during the 1980s, Wolfram said. BY JAIME REBHAN
The tiki bar is located between the pub and inn buildings. BY JAIME REBHAN

Built in 1863 as a private summer retreat, the building that today is known as Wickets Inn is one of Onset's most iconic properties. Overlooking Onset Bay, the property consists of three buildings: the inn, a tiki bar, and a pub.

Current owner David Wolfram purchased the property in 2009, and along with manager Emily Gilmore, he continues to try to piece together the history of its buildings.

Originally called the Glen Cove House, the inn became a hotel in the 1880s and has since gone through several name changes and expansions.

In the 1800s, "the beach was the front yard," Gilmore said. Bath houses were in front of the building and offered bathing suit rentals. (Yes, rentals!) A boat house and docks remained until the 1930s, Wolfram said. Additionally, the inn may have been used as a speakeasy during Prohibition.

Check out the photo gallery to learn a bit more about the Onset Avenue landmark.

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