History

Benham's Grove is situated on land that was originally part of a 50-acre farm owned by Aaron Nutt, one of the founding fathers of the City of Centerville, and transferred to his son in 1813. A later owner of the farm, Lawson Allen, sold the 10-acre tract that would become Benham's Grove in 1843.

In 1844, Joseph A. Benham, prominent Centerville merchant, acquired the property at an auction. Benham built the present farmhouse on the tract about 1885. In keeping with its rural setting, the house was built in a less ornate, more functional Victorian-era style that relies on subtly elegant details.

The property changed hands several times over the ensuing years, housing poultry farming operations and other activities typical of a small farm. In 1937, Edward Schmieding, a sales manager with NCR, purchased the farm. The Schmiedings and their heirs, the Gerbers, occupied the property for 54 years, making it their center for business entertaining and family gatherings.

The City of Centerville purchased the property in 1991. After renovations, the facility opened April 24, 1992 as a community gathering place.

Tour

The Gerber House

The star attraction of the Benham's Grove complex, the Gerber House, features eight elegantly decorated rooms on two floors, a working fireplace, handicapped accessible restrooms and a kitchen equipped with refrigerator, microwave oven, sink, and warming oven. A large brick and limestone terrace on the back of the house provides space for outdoor entertaining. Perfect for: open house entertaining, wedding receptions, holiday parties, luncheons, seminars.

The Cottage

A unique facility, the Cottage is a stand alone, one-room meeting place. A working fireplace, numerous windows, an enclosed patio room and a small terrace give the Cottage a sunroom or lodge atmosphere perfect for smaller gatherings. Rental of the Cottage includes access to the kitchenette and restrooms located in the nearby Barn. Perfect for: bridal and baby showers, club and business meetings, card parties, small luncheons and dinner parties.

The Barn

Events, where a more rustic setting is desired, will find the Barn ideal. The Barn offers 1,000 square feet of entertaining space on the first floor, plus a second story loft overlooking the ground floor. The fifty-four foot open-air brick Friends of Benham's Grove Plaza enhances the rear entrance to the barn. A heated/air conditioned addition on the back of the Barn includes a kitchenette (refrigerator, microwave oven, and sink) and handicapped-accessible restrooms. (Please note that with the exception of this addition, the Barn is heated only). Perfect for class and family reunions, picnics, casual events, informal corporate retreats, holiday parties and training sessions.

Brick Plaza and Tent

The newest addition to Benham's Grove is the beautiful 40x80 tent over the brick plaza. Located in the South Field just west of the Rotary Gazebo, the Tent Plaza is the perfect location for those who desire to hold most of their event under one roof. It will accommodate up to 200 people in addition to an area for dancing and dj/band. The tent is provided by Benham's Grove and can be used in combination with a Complex rental for an additional fee from April 16, through November 14.

The Gazebo

The Victorian open air Gazebo/Bandstand is surrounded by landscaped gardens, brick walkways and a back drop of the wooded pond area. This eight sided, 24 foot in diameter structure will seat 30 and is wheel chair accessible. It provides an ideal setting for small concerts, entertainment and a variety of ceremonies.

BENHAM'S GROVE

166 North Main Street | Centerville, OH 45459 | 937.433.1913
moc.evorgsmahneb@evorgsmahneb

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