Location of this building
“Hotel Souderton was built before farms began to give way to a village. The Hunsberger family saw an opportunity with the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s and established the area’s first restaurant and hotel. Many of its patrons were in the area for business. One example: the cattle auctions that were held nearby.”
Early view of the hotel
In 1858, amid an economic depression and just one year after the first steam locomotive passed through Franconia, Jonathan Hunsberger – cousin to Henry Souder’s wife, Hannah – constructed a restaurant at the corner of North Front and Broad Streets. By 1860, proprietor Frank Zepp had obtained a license to operate what became known as Hotel Souderton.
c9126 view
Ownership of the hotel changed hands frequently, often returning to former proprietors after short intervals. Among the longest-serving and best-known owners were members of the Hunsberger, Slifer, and Freed families. In 1918, William H. Freed leased the business to his son Asher. When Prohibition laws came along in 1920, it forced the hotel bar to close. But, in 1927, Asher Freed was arrested for illegally selling alcohol. Things ceased for a bit, but soon returned to normal business as a bar, restaurant, and lodging.
Known as Hotel Souderton through much of its lifetime, the hotel frequently advertised in the Souderton Independent telling everyone of its fine wines and spirits, as well as the continual improvements to the building. Several outbuildings stood behind the hotel, including the large structure known as the Broad Street Grind (2026; see “Liberty Hall” for more).
A more modern view.
The historical markers were made possible by generous donations from Souderton Connects, Univest Corp, and the Souderton-Telford Historical Society. We hope you enjoy them.