The History Of Ligonier Tavern

Ligonier, PA, a historic town, can trace its origins to 1758. During the French & Indian War, General John Forbes built a log fort here naming it Fort Ligonier. Forbes rested his troops here before proceeding to capture Fort Duquesne from the French. At that time, General Forbes was responsible for all British forts from here to the Eastern seaboard. Lord Ligonier, a close friend of the general, never once stepped foot inside the fort named after him nor did he ever visit the colonies. By 1895, Ligonier had become a thriving town, owing its livelihood in part to many Pittsburghers seeking refuge from the hustle and grime of the city. At that time, Mr. William J. Potts, the town's first mayor, built for his family a fine Victorian residence on this site. This was the first home in Ligonier with indoor plumbing. In 1927, Mr. And Mrs. James Calderelli, Sr. purchased the house from the Potts' youngest child, Odie, and refurbished the building to incorporate a restaurant, bar and lodgings for weekend visitors. The establishment was known as the Lincoln Hotel and Restaurant and survived numerous renovations through two generations of Calderellis. In1976, Wally and Rita Krieger along with their six children, Heidi, Rob, Eric, Kurt, Kary, and Kris, purchased the Italian landmark from Bunjo and Esther Calderelli. The Kriegers added the screened in porch for summer dining pleasure and Rita increased the size of the menu to accommodate her passion for cooking. After their marriage in 1982, Heidi and Peter McKay purchased the Tavern from her family. They have extensively remodeled the building adding a solarium, 2nd and 3rd floor banquet rooms, and new kitchens. With the addition of theme banquet rooms, they are able to host rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, company dinner meetings, or a gathering of friends and family for special celebrations.