You Know I'm Right: Planning for Granville's future
I just read an excellent article in the Oct. 25, 2022, Newark Advocate entitled "The front door to economic development" by Maria DeVito. It calls for the development of a "community improvement corporation" (CIC) in Granville combining the resources of the village, the township, and the Granville Area Chamber of Commerce to guide the anticipated growth of our little patch of heaven. This is a superb idea! What is missing is the elephant on the hill, Denison University.
Denison owns and operates two key properties in Granville: the Granville Inn and the Denison Golf Course. The University is, by all accounts, a world class educational institution. Students come from all over the United States judging by the variety of license plates in town on parent’s weekends and, in fact, students come from many countries outside the U.S. Sadly, the inn and the golf course are only county-class. I don’t mean this to be demeaning. I am proud to be a citizen of Licking County. There is much to boast about. Both of the aforementioned properties were rescued by the university when they fell on hard times and both are adequate at what they do. When I first visited Granville over 25 years ago, I stepped into the Oak Room at the inn and was welcomed by a roaring real wood fire, a friendly waiter, and an adult beverage. I told my loving wife of some 40 years (MLWOS40yrs), "This is where I want to spend my golden years." And I have.
Several years later, when Denison took over the property, the inn had become somewhat tired. It needed an overhaul and got one. The renovation was top notch. Denison fixed everything that needed fixing and it ended up being a lot. The project left alone the wonderful paneling and architectural features that make the inn so charming. And yet, this beautiful venue is not what it could be. I’m not really too fussy about what I eat but I think the food and service could use an upgrade to match the facility. The staff seem to be doing its best but maybe additional help or training are in order. I will leave that to the experts but I know it can be better.
I love old classic hotels, dining out, and challenging golf courses. I can’t afford much of any of that but I enjoy each when I can. Over the years I have stayed and dined at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, and the Palmer House in Chicago and most recently at the Greenbrier in West Virginia. There is really nothing in those places that couldn’t be replicated right here in Granville.
The Denison golf course is among the most beautiful in central Ohio and a challenging course for even the accomplished golfer as well as novice duffers such as myself. But there are no major tournaments here that could be a huge boost to the local economy. Don’t know what it would take to get it to that level but I’ll bet it could be done. And the club house? Huh?
What I suggest is that the inn and the golf course be integrated into the educational mission of the University. Why not have a hotel management major? Why not a golf management degree? Come on, this could be huge. Let’s do it! Denison University is really a big part of what makes Granville, Granville. It should join in with the proposed CIC and keep the momentum going and growing. Make my remaining golden years even more golden. I would appreciate it. You know I’m right.
Don R. Haven is a retired Naval Officer, retired high school teacher, part-time South Carolina resident, and full time American. He can be reached at donrichardhaven@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: You Know I'm Right: Planning for Granville's future
