Est. Circa 1813
Our History
Over two centuries of legacy.
From Dayton's founding to your celebration.
A Property Steeped in American History
The Wright Van Cleve House is named after two distinguished residents of the Dayton area. William Van Cleve, the original founder of Dayton, Ohio — occurring on April 1, 1796 — and Elizabeth “Eliza” Wright, who was related to the Wright Brothers. The property has been reported as having been a stagecoach stop, part of the Underground Railroad, and even visited by Johnny Appleseed.
While none of these rumors have been confirmed at this time, they all add to the extraordinary charm of this property. What is confirmed is a documented lineage that connects this land to the very founding of Dayton, the Civil War, and the family that would give the world powered flight.
Through the Centuries
A Timeline of Legacy
1813
The Beginning
The property is recorded in Montgomery County, situated in what was then Wayne Township. William Van Cleve, a founding father of Dayton and Captain in the War of 1812 serving with the Dayton Riflemen, receives a land patent for this property signed by President James Madison in 1815 — a document that connects this property directly to the highest office in the young American republic.
A Legacy Endures
William Van Cleve passes away in the home on May 7, 1828. His third wife, Elizabeth “Eliza” Wright — great aunt to Orville and Wilbur Wright, her brother Dan being their grandfather — later moves to Bethel Township. The property passes to Beniah and Jane (Van Cleve) Tharp, continuing the family's stewardship of the land.
1828
1862
Civil War Era
Beniah W. Tharp, grandson of William Van Cleve, enlists in the Union Army at Camp Piqua with the 110th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He is wounded and captured at the Battle of Winchester, sent to the notorious Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, and later dies of his wounds in 1863. His sacrifice adds a solemn chapter to the property's story, connecting it to the defining conflict of the American nation.
The Huber Connection
Charles Weng sells the property to Jacob Huber and his wife Mary. Jacob is the grandfather of Charles Huber, the founder of Huber Heights — the very city in which the property stands today. The property is recorded as being in the Jacob Huber Plat, linking it directly to the origins of the surrounding community.
1919
1960s
The Country Squire Inn
Entrepreneur Sophia Klein purchases the property and transforms it into The Country Squire Inn, a beloved local restaurant that operates throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The inn becomes a well-known gathering place in the community, where generations of families celebrate milestones, share meals, and create memories within these walls. The property later serves as home to the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
A New Chapter
The current owners purchase the property with a dream of restoring it to its former glory. Years of dedicated renovation begin, carefully preserving the building's historic character — the original stone fireplace, the dark hardwood floors, the architectural details that tell the story of two centuries — while updating systems and amenities for modern events.
2005
2021
Grand Opening
After extensive renovation blending historical preservation with modern amenities, The Wright Van Cleve House opens its doors as a fully restored event center. Situated on 5.46 acres of manicured grounds with mature trees, the property is reborn as Huber Heights' premier event venue — ready to host a new generation of celebrations, weddings, corporate events, and community gatherings.
The Namesakes
The People Behind the Name
William Van Cleve
Founding Father of Dayton
William Van Cleve was one of the original founders of Dayton, Ohio in 1796. A Captain in the War of 1812 serving with the Dayton Riflemen, he received a land patent for this property signed by President James Madison. His brother Benjamin was also a founding father of Dayton, making the Van Cleve family central to the city's origins. William passed away in this home on May 7, 1828.
Elizabeth “Eliza” Wright
Connection to the Wright Brothers
Elizabeth “Eliza” Wright was William's third wife and the great aunt to Orville and Wilbur Wright — her brother Dan being their grandfather. This connection links the property directly to one of America's most celebrated families, the pioneers of powered flight who grew up just miles from this estate.
Beniah W. Tharp
Civil War Hero
Grandson of William Van Cleve, Beniah enlisted in the Union Army at Camp Piqua with the 110th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Wounded and captured at the Battle of Winchester, he was sent to the notorious Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia. He died of his wounds in 1863, adding a solemn chapter of sacrifice to the property's story.
Jacob Huber
Grandfather of the City's Founder
Jacob Huber purchased the property in 1919 with his wife Mary. He was the grandfather of Charles Huber, the founder of Huber Heights — the very city in which the property stands today. This connection means the estate is woven into the origins of the surrounding community itself.
The Venue Today
Beautifully Restored,
Ready for You
We are a family-owned small business delighted to host our unique and beautiful property full of history for your next event. After years of careful renovation, the Wright Van Cleve House stands as a testament to what's possible when passion meets preservation.
Whether you're planning a wedding, community event, business conference, graduation party, family reunion, or celebration of any kind, we offer the finest event center in Huber Heights — both in quality and presentation.
- ◆ 5.46 acres of manicured grounds
- ◆ Original stone fireplace & crystal chandeliers
- ◆ Dark hardwood floors throughout
- ◆ Capacity for up to 100 guests
- ◆ Bar & lounge area, bridal suite
Your Chapter Begins Here
Become Part of the Story
Over two centuries of history have unfolded within these walls.
Now it's your turn. Schedule a tour and discover why The Wright Van Cleve House is the perfect setting for your next celebration.