Husband and wife team Cecile and Hollis Grimshaw have combined their expertise and passion for historic restoration, real estate, interior decorating and hospitality to open Emily’s Event Venue in Robeson Township.
The business, which opened at the end of June, is in the former Beckersville Hotel, a historic landmark built in 1826, according to Cecile Grimshaw, who is planning a celebration next year to commemorate the anniversary.
Emily’s Event Venue, 3790 Morgantown Road, Robeson Township. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
Able to accommodate up to 100 people, the location is ideal for small weddings, corporate events, conferences, birthday parties and other special occasions, she said. Indoor and outdoor spaces provide versatility and can be refigured to meet the needs of guests.
While maintaining the historic look of the building, the Grimshaws have made extensive upgrades since purchasing it, including painting, repairs and decorating.
“Hollis is a restoration contractor so we’re able to do everything ourselves,” Grimshaw explained. “I’ve been working on decorating while he handles upgrades and improvements.”
Interior space is divided into distinctive areas, with a large space on the second floor designated as a suite where brides and bridal parties can prepare for a wedding. A heated, covered deck can accommodate up to 100 people.
The dining room at Emily’s Event Venue, 3790 Morgantown Road, Robeson Township. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
While offering lovely, versatile space, Emily’s Event Venue does not provide food or decorating services.
“It’s up to whoever is renting the space to decorate and arrange for food and drinks,” Grimshaw said. “They can either use our preferred vendors or whoever they choose.”
A Varied Past and Ghostly Presence
Prior to the event space, the building housed Emily’s Restaurant, which was owned and operated for 20 years by Carl DeGrazia before his retirement earlier this year.
Since its construction, the building, which once was a private residence, also has been known as Richards Hotel, Martha’s Vineyard, The Post Office Inn and Emily’s Pub.
A photograph of the venue’s namesake is displayed at Emily’s Event Venue, 3790 Morgantown Road, Robeson Township. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
The nod to Emily in the names of the last two establishments refers to a little girl who died while living in the building, Grimshaw explained. The child is said to haunt the building in a good way, manifesting primarily as lights and giggles.
“Her presence is very friendly,” said Grimshaw, who claims to have witnessed it herself.
An Evolving Business Model
While the venue has proved to be popular for parties and other events, the Grimshaw’s business model, with input from family members, continues to evolve.
The entranceway at Emily’s Event Venue, 3790 Morgantown Road, Robeson Township. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)
One of couple’s three daughters, Hollie Grimshaw-Williams, who operates a bridal business based in South Jersey, has held several pop-up sales events at Emily’s Events. She also handles social media for the business.
Another daughter handles the company’s website, while the third, who is an artist, painted murals on the walls enclosing the deck area.
“We want to demonstrate how a family can combine resources and talents to assure a business thrives” Grimshaw said. “Even the grandchildren get involved. We had an open house, and they turned out to be great hosts.”
Looking Forward
Looking ahead, the Grimshaws, who reside in Reading’s Centre Park Historic District, are planning to continue refurbishing the building with new carpeting throughout, a fresh coat of exterior paint, upgraded windows and extensive work on the deck area.
All the improvements, however, will honor the integrity and history of the old building.
“We’re marketing as a historic venue and we want to keep with that,” Grimshaw explained. “This venue has a lot of nostalgia, which we think is a good thing. Anyone who appreciates historic charm will love the place.”
Emily’s Event Venue, 3790 Morgantown Road, Robeson Township. (BILL UHRICH/MEDIANEWS GROUP)