The Downtown Lowdown: The Exchange Hotel, The Hen House, and the Sequoia Fire Part Two

By Abbi Heckel

The history continues in Part Two of this special three-part episode of The Downtown Lowdown as Tasha Weaver and Greg Enslen continue their conversation with local historian Ron Ray.

This time, Ron takes us back to 135 East Main Street and the building’s fascinating history. Originally purchased by John Clark in 1839, the building began as a wood-frame structure with a grocery on the first floor and the Exchange Hotel upstairs. Over the years, it became known as the Hen House, housed a lunch counter, bar, tailor shop, barber shop, hotel rooms, and even a dance hall.

Ron also shares a hilarious story from his time as a police officer, including an unusual arrest involving a patrol car, a tire, and three pounds of air.

The conversation then turns to the devastating 1971 Sequoia fire. Ron shares firsthand memories of the blaze, while historic photographs and newspaper clippings help paint a picture of the fire that consumed the longtime downtown building. Fire departments from Tipp City and surrounding communities, including New Carlisle, Vandalia, Covington, and West Milton, were called in to help battle the flames and prevent the fire from spreading through downtown.

Along the way, the group explores historic photos of Main Street, long-gone businesses, the former Creamery, the buildings that once stood where downtown parking lots are today, and how Tipp City has changed while still retaining so much of its historic character.

There are plenty more stories still to come. Tune in for Part Two, and join us for the conclusion of this special three-part conversation with Ron Ray in Part Three!

The Downtown Lowdown is brought to you by the Downtown Tipp City Partnership and powered by the Tipp City Foundation, investing in what makes our community thrive.