The
land on which the Bridge Inn is located is part of the 461 acres the immigrant
Johannes Yoder acquired from William Penn on March 25, 1714.
Isaac Yoder and his wife Lydia acquired part of this land on November 9, 1827 from Isaac’s father, John. The Inn was built prior to 1848. Isaac built the Inn and operated it until December 9, 1851 at which time he was forced to sell
some of his holdings to satisfy his creditors. Two
Weidner brothers bought the Inn situated on a 74 acre, 70 perch
tract. The Yoder family continues to hold
reunions and gatherings at the Inn to this day.
The Bridge Inn at Pleasantville was one of
five situated along the Oley Turnpike at the time the toll road opened to the public, and
is the only one remaining in operation. The
present appearance is quite different from the original brick structure that greeted
customers in 1948. The Inn operated as a speak-easy during
prohibition.
After numerous owners and several
changes in appearance, it was purchased by the parents of the present owner in 1979. Teofiel and Emma Stepsie dreamt of creating a warm
and hospitable inn, a dream their daughter, Marsha Moser, and friendly staff have
continued to pursue with much success.
We dedicate our future to the
memory of Teofiel and Emma Stepsie and faithful staff member Wilbur “Bud” Kling,
who did so much to make the Bridge Inn what it is today.
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