Helmer House Inn / Helmer House Inn

Erected in 1881-82 this two-and-a-half-story structure was built as a mission house and manse by Newberry’s Presbyterian church. It served as a mission station until 1888, when Gaylord Helmer—first postmaster and village deputy sheriff—purchased it for use as a general store and hotel. In 1894 the village of Helmer became a stagecoach mailstop and Gaylord Helmer added a second structure to accommodate more travelers. Charles and Jeanie Fyvie purchased the Helmer House Inn and store in 1904. The store housed the post office until 1920, when rural free delivery (RFD) was instituted. The Fyvie family continued to live here and operate the store and hotel until 1950. Following nearly three decades of disrepair and neglect, in 1981 the building received new windows, doors, porch, roof, and stone facing and was reopened as a hotel to commemorate its centennial.