After William’s death in 1883, Marguerite and her niece, Marguerite  McCullough, resided in the home until 1922 when it was sold to Eliza  Patterson Willard and her niece and nephew, Mr. & Mrs. Will Judah.  Mrs. Willard and the Judahs paid $11,000 for the original building and spent a great deal more constructing the hotel around the brick house and remodeling the interior. From that time on it was known as The Willard Hotel. Ironically, both Mrs. Willard and Mrs. Judah were active in the Prohibition Movement. 

After sitting idle for several years, The Willard was purchased and refurbished by John Limp and John Wright of Franklin, as a pub and eatery, specializing in pizza, hot wings and the friendly environment so many people enjoy today. The main theme in the restoration of The Willard was restoring the building without detracting from the antique fixtures and the historical charm. The curved staircase in the foyer and the marble fireplace mantle in the main dining area are part of the original McCaslin home.

In 1990, The Willard was sold to Bob Schofield and the late Don Henry. Bob and his wife Alexa have maintained the historic landmark establishment ever since. In 2015, Bob and Alexa sold The Willard to their son, Tony Priola, and his wife Emily, who are proudly committed to preserving the good food, good drinks and the place “where friends meet.”

Revised January 202