Check out
two goats brew pub in Hector on the East side of Seneca Lake. Enjoy
beautiful views in a rustic barn like setting while you enjoy a hand
crafted brew.
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About
Us
 The
Showboat Motel opened in 1958 starting first with the creekside
building. The building was constructed to resemble a early 20th century
Showboat. The idea to build a motel that was reminscint of a Showboat
came from Norma Broome. Norma and Harold Broome met in New York City
where Norma worked as a Rockette. Listed on her resume was her
performance in the Broadway production titled "Showboat". Norma and
Harold were originally residents of Webster NY, a suburb East of
Rochester. Having seen the beautiful, tranquil serenity of the Finger
Lakes area, it was only a matter of time until Harold and Norma left
the big city.
In late 1957, the wheels were set in motion for Harold and Norma to
move back closer to their roots. Shortly after their marriage, they
purchased a plot of land in Himrod NY, on plum point rd. The couple
left the city headed for the Finger Lakes, but didn't leave everything
behind. Norma's days on Broadway in the Showboat were a fond memory.
Those Broadway memories inspired Norma and together the couple turned
it into the first of 4 motel buildings in 1958. The creekside building
was the first construction with 12 rooms and exterior theme of a river
Showboat. The poolside, dockside and lakeside building followed in two
year intervals respectively in 1960, 1962 and finally 1964.
Norma and Harold focused on developing the business during the latter
half of the 1960's and early 1970's. There was a time when people
thought Ithaca would be the Hollywood of today. Actors and thesbians
spent their down time in the region and often looked for places to get
away. The Showboat was a favorite of the likes of Captain Kangaroo and
Michael Landon who rented the entire property for a week of solitude.
During that time Rod Serling from the twilight Zone was a regular
visitor arriving by Yacht from Sheldrake Point on Cayuga Lake. As the
years passed the Showboat became known as a family atmosphere.
Fishermen would stop in regularly.
Circa 1972 Postcard of the Showboat
Several rather successful years later, the then proud parents, Norma
and Harold, handed the business over to their son Raymond 1974.
Raymond met his demise in a tragic snowmobile accident in January of
1976. His wife Karen assumed ownership subsequent to Raymond's death.
In 1981, Karen decided to move on and sold the business to Jack Brown.
Under the direction of Jack Brown, the Showboat developed a superb
reputation centered around the restaurant. Jack decided in 1986 to move
on and sold the business to Sue and Bob Halladay. Economic down turn
took a toll on the property and the restaurant was closed. In 1993, a
group of 4 entrepreneurs entered into a purchase agreement to take over
and restore the property. The restaurant was reopened immediately after
purchase completion and is currently open full time on weekends
starting in May and ending in October, and all day between the first
day of summer until Labor day. The motel is open starting in late April
until October. Of the original 4 partners, only 2 remain. Present
owners Larry Jenkins and John Socha have taken on numerous projects to
develop the business and continue to make the Showboat a more enjoyable
place.
The Showbaot has become known as a perfect place for reunions, partys
and special events. Since the mid 1990s, the Showboat has been home to
the powerboat poker runs. Off-shore powerboaters enjoy 2 weekends a
year where they can show off their boats, cruise the lake and enjoy a
fun weekend at the Showboat. The event has developed over the years and
attracts powerboat club members, locals and others looking to enjoy in
the event.
The Showboat restaurant is the only over the water dining on Seneca
Lake. We have been famously serving bird balls for almost 18 years. Our
dining patio is located on our recently expanded dock which now
accommodates up to 40 boats. We have developed a reputation as a fun
atmosphere and host numerous events throughout the season each year
expanding every year. Our 4th of July Independence Day celebration
always ends with a fireworks show that provides great entertainment for
guests and attracts the public from the local townships.
We encourage you to visit the Showboat to relax, enjoy a meal, stay a
weekend, and have a good time helping develop and take part in the ever
expanding history that is the Showboat.
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