Griswold Inn

South facade of the Griswold Inn with the Village Green in the foreground. The inn, extant until 1964, was built in 1811 on the north-east Village Green by Worthington founder Ezra Griswold. Its location near the intersection of Granville Road (Rt. 161) and High Street (Rt. 23) made it a popular stopping place for travelers.

Ezra Griswold was an archetype of the frontier businessman. He was the first settler to arrive in Worthington, covering the 650 mile walk with a team of oxen in 44 days. He ran the village tavern, selling whiskey to many local families and renting rooms to single laborers. He also was the volunteer clerk for the Episcopal Church, justice of the peace, landlord for tenants on his farm, provider of oxen and horses for rent, and baker for the community. He died at the age of 54 and is buried in St.John's churchyard.

The Inn featured a fireplace in every room and a large second floor ballroom. It was converted to bedrooms when the Inn became the private residence of the Griswold family. The building was razed in 1964, despite efforts of the community to save it.