Saturday       12-11 

 

Welcome hungry traveler to Victoria House! Since 1997, we've been offering up some of the most unique regional fare in the Susquehanna Valley. In the long tradition of excellence in Northeastern American cuisine, we use fresh, locally grown herbs, meats and produce. Whatever the season, whatever your palette, Victoria House is here to remind you of the delectable bounties of Central Pennsylvania and the remarkable ways in which we accent the international flavor of fine cuisine.

 

In May of 1829, Conrad Grief obtained the property now known as Victoria House by "Orphan's Court" decree from the Reverend Thomas Hood. Local legend holds that Pennsylvania's state founder, William Penn, set the property aside to provide for orphans of the Susquehanna community.

 

A fellow named John Hartman next acquired the property in September of 1842 and kept it until 1859. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Mr. Hartman enlisted with many other fine sons of the Commonwealth. He joined the Slifer Guards, a unit named for local entrepreneur and Congressman Eli Slifer. His regiment defended the states in the battle of Gettysburg from their post on Big Round Top.

 

Later owners, either Isaac High or Elias Frederick, built the foundation for the current Victoria House in the 1860s. High owned the property from 1859 until 1865 when Frederick assumed ownership. He lived out his remaining years in the slow, quiet period of Reconstruction, watching Lewisburg grow with the arrival of the railroad and the ensuing population boom.

 

Brothers Charles and John McCall acquired the property on April 9, 1919 and were there to witness Bucknell's first football game take the community by storm. The McCalls were loggers and amassed a considerable fortune in their business dealings. McCall's Dam in the western part of Union County was named for the family.

 

The Victoria House property once again transferred to new owners Robert and Ruth Parker, who lived there from 1937 to 1972. Robert Parker became president of the Lewisburg Chair Company, leading the business out of a period of collapse. The Chair Company became Pennsylvania House, a furniture business that continued to thrive for decades.

 

The latter decades of the 20th century saw several owners of Victoria House including Hollis Ross, Jimmy Walker and Arlene Belles. In July 1986, Donna Ward purchased the property and opened an antique shop and small tearoom on the site. Fannie Mast was the chef at the time and still remains a vital part of our team today. Ownership passed to Dr. Don Byerly and his wife Mary leading to the opening of the Victoria House on December 22, 1997. The Byerly family also owns Byerly Brothers' Meats of Milton and Lewisburg.  In 2006, Victoria House expanded and Vic's Pub, the cozy English style pub opened its doors.  Daughter Mary Byerly Gajda is our House Manager, the friendly woman who will probably be stopping by your table to say hello. Her husband, Philip Gajda, is our Executive Chef and he will be happy to be your tasteful acquaintance as well.