The Mentor House Hotel was a popular establishment located across from the railroad depot on Station Street. The establishment hosted well-wishers and office seekers visiting President Garfield at Lawnfield in 1880-1881 among many others over the years.
The hotel was completely destroyed by fire in April 1899 under controversial circumstances.
At the time of the fire, the hotel’s proprietor, H.F. Heintz, faced prosecution by the Ohio Anti-Saloon League under a law which restricted the sale of intoxicating liquor to alcoholics and enabled dependents, guardians, and employers to sue the person who provided the liquor, regardless of whether the sale was legal. It also enabled the property owner to be sued as well.
The fire that destroyed the hotel was officially attributed to a defective fireplace flue, but it sparked conflicting claims. Temperance advocates alleged that Heintz intentionally set the fire for insurance fraud, while opponents claimed that temperance activists were responsible.
The building, valued at approximately $2,000, was insured for $1,600. It was never rebuilt.
No records confirm the outcome of Heintz’s trial which was held before the mayor. News accounts did indicate that Heintz leased the “Avenue House” which was located just across the village line on Mentor Avenue a short time later.