This land was first deeded to Jeremiah McKibben in 1791 and passed through several owners until 1846, when Thompson Galbraith and Thomas Paxton sold land containing a 2-story brick tavern to Peter A. Ahl. Because of its proximity to the railroad, the business prospered. In 1860, when Captain Samuel Speese was the hotel keeper, a 3rd floor was added and the basement was dug out. In September 1862, Captain Speese enlisted in the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry but resigned his commission 10 1/2 months later due to the press of business. In its meeting rooms, the Big Spring Turnpike was planned, the Harrisburg and Potomac Railroad was organized, and the Newville High School Alumni Association was later organized. After Ahl’s bankruptcy in 1893, the hotel was sold for $4000 to S.D. Mowery, who also went bankrupt, and George Dock Frey purchased it in 1916 for $3,420. From 1920 until 1923, the building was leased to the Pennsylvania State Police Training School. Afterwards it was turned into apartments and was finally demolished in the late 1950s.