Broad Street, was conveniently built one year after the opening of the railroad. Built by Jonathan Hunsberger in 1858, the hotel was first occupied by restaurant operator, Franklin Zepp. Zepp was granted a hotel license which, we believe today, permitted him to serve alcohol and to rent rooms to the public. Hotel Souderton was bought and sold several times prior to being purchased by William D. Hu
nsberger, who, in 1879, built a two-story brick stable and a hall on Broad Street to the rear of the hotel. (Front Street used to be considered the "front" of the hotel.) The public hall, located on the second floor of the brick stable, was called Liberty Hall. It is interesting to note that the Souderton Independent printing office was once located in a second floor room of the hall. The hall was also known as Fisher's Hall at one time. The entire property (hotel, stable and hall) was sold to William H. Freed in 1885 who then sold it to someone but, surprisingly, bought it back the very same year! In 1904, a third story was built onto the hall, which was also used for lodging purposes. The hotel became known as Freed's Hotel, with the hall, of course, referred to as Freed's Hall. Through the years and several other owners, the property was divided, with the hall being owned by one person and the hotel, another. The hotel building exterior was originally stucco over top of stone which later was brick faced. During repairs after a fire in 1979, it was discovered that the stone walls located underneath the brick facing were quite attractive. A decision was made to have the stucco removed, allowing the underlying surface to be exposed. The stone was then repointed, giving the building the appearance we know today. We are quite sure that many interior changes have taken place over the years but most of us can only speculate as to the original design. One pretty feature remaining today is the stained glass insets found in a few of the windows. Presently known as the "Olde Indian Valley Inn," fronting on E. Broad Street, this 136-year-old historic building continues to operate as a hotel. Owner and operator for the past 25 years, Gwen Greaser is quite satisfied with the establishment. "I enjoy the diversity involved in operating a hotel, not to mention the fact (as she chuckles), that I can be my own boss." "The people around here are great!" "After the fire in 1979, many of the local customers joined forces together to make the necessary repairs to the hotel."