The Doolittle Tavern, suffering from neglect, was razed in 1908 to make way for a new Township Hall. A barn on East Franklin, where today's MacDigger's bar is located, had served as the old Town Hall and was moved to the Weller farm. 

The new Town Hall served as a place for village and township government meetings, civic functions, social gatherings, graduations, and other community events. The village water tower and fire department were once located here.

In 1994, the township restored the Town Hall to its original style adding handicap accessibility.  It is presently being used for theater and programs.

                                                    
    
                                   Photo taken March 1975                              

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Photo taken July 2005

Enos Doolittle and the Doolittle Tavern

The story of Enos Doolittle and his tavern is one of success and tragedy.  According to Beers, History of Montgomery County, 1882, it was the most famous tavern in the township and was known as the best place to stop west of the Alleghenies.  Enos Doolittle, a Yankee peddler, arrived in Centerville in 1820.  We have no records that tell us when or where he was born or who his parents were.  He immediately rented a building and opened a dry goods store.  Two years later, he purchased Lot 14 and 18 on the south side of Cross Street (now Franklin Street) for $300.  In October of that year he married 16-year-old Bathsheba Robbins, the youngest daughter of Benjamin and Bathsheba Nutt Robbins, first settlers in Centerville.

In September 1823, Enos purchased Lot 26 for $400, erected a two-story stone building and opened a tavern.  The Doolittle Tavern was very successful and busy with guests from out of town, so Enos decided to expand.  He created an inn for travelers by using the upstairs of the tavern for sleeping quarters.  He built a stable in the back for the visitor's horses.  He added a one-story stone addition to the south and called it the Bar Room. It contained a large table for his guests to dine on.  And when the table was pushed aside, it was a good place to hold dances and other social events.  In front stood a large signpost with a picture of a rising sun and the words "The Sun Shines for All."

Gradually, however, his good life changed.  In May 1835, Enos and Bathsheba's daughter, Mary, died at age fifteen months.  In October 1840, their sixteen-month-old daughter, Roxanna, died.  In February 1841, Enos was appointed postmaster of Centerville, but shortly afterward he suffered a debilitating stroke.  However, he was still able to run the tavern and serve as postmaster.  in January 1845, a son William was born.  in February, one month later, his wife Bathsheba died at the age of thirty-nine, and in April of that same years, William died at three months of age.  Enos closed the tavern and he and a daughter moved to Columbus, Ohio.

In 1909, a letter written by Enos' daughter, Mrs. Bancroft of Columbus, was read at the new Town Hall dedication.

"Being a child in early teens when my home was broken up, I cannot remember much of the town's early history, yet I have with me the sweet memory of my good father's cordial welcome to all.  he was afflicted with paralysis. The unpretentious inn was known far and wide as a veritable traveler's rest.  Many celebrities among whom I remember William H. Harrison, Thomas Corwin and Henry Clay rested there.  Harrison spent the night of September 9, 1840 in our home.  Next morning was all bustle and excitement. It seemed everyone was going to the Whig Convention to be held in Dayton the next day.  In 1843, Henry Clay with a colored servant, a novelty in Centerville at that time, spent the night with us.... I felt quite honored because I had a hearty handshake of these famous men, and very likely gloated over it childlike, you know.  Before the days of the railroads, many people traveled in the private conveyances and found comfort in our simple home."

Enos and Bathsheba also had four "charming " daughters who lived - Amelia, Philena, Harriet, and Eugenia.  The Doolittles and their tavern affected many people.  The traveler appreciated a place for a rest and a good meal.  The townsfolk enjoyed a place to socialize and the excitement of out-of-town visitors.  They influenced both the people at the time and the history of Centerville and Washington Township.