Northwest corner of Lake Shore Road and Division Street

In about 1837, Datus and Irad Kelley built a general merchandise store on this location. For its first thirteen years, it was run by their nephew, Addison. In about 1850, it was enlarged and included what is now the Island Market (though the building later was separated into the two sections as it is today).*

From its very early days it became a meeting and "loafing" center for the Islanders and, in the mid-1850's (c. 1862) came to be known as "The Lodge." Over the years the store was operated by a number of different owners, though, in 1927, it was purchased by Joseph Matso and operated by his family for sixty-five years, until 1992.

For a number of years, it continues as a general store, though Mr. Matso expanded its offerings to include home furnishings, an ice cream parlor, and a real estate office. With the repeal of the 18th Amendment, in 1933, he initiated the restaurant and bar business, on which bases it has operated ever since. Built of hand-hewn timbers, it is one of the two oldest  surviving buildings on the island.

*An earlier store had been built on the dock by the Kelleys.

  From Kelleys Island, A Tour Guide