This eatery is one of the oldest continuously operating Inn’s serving food in Pennsylvania. The cornerstone on the front upper floor reads, “Built by Jos. & Ann Bowman 1859 A.D”. In the early years, the Inn was named Ye Olde Golden Key Hotel. In the early 1900s, it was owned by George S. Trafford.

George was born in Jonestown and worked as an Ironworker in his younger years. He was also a master marksman. He lived in Lebanon on South Eighth Street and passed away at the age of 69. Blanche Molly was the owner of the Inn during Prohibition. The Inn was called Molly’s Tea Room during Prohibition and was just one of the many Tea Room’s or illegal speak-easies that operated at that time.

Tip Karinch, the originator of Karinchville, bought the Inn in the 1930s and changed the name to the Blue Bird Tea Room and eventually the Blue Bird Inn. He owned the establishment until 1996. During this period Frank Karinch, his brother, operated the Inn for 42 years until 1989. During that time, Joe Arnick was a popular bartender.

In 1996, we purchased the Inn and began renovations which included the addition of a deck that was again updated in 2015. In 2009, in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the building, a new section was added off the south side of the building. The new section was designed to provide a unique dining experience unlike any in the area.