The building was erected in the 1780's by Aaron Melick, for his son, John, who was returning home from the Revolutionary War. Since that time, it has served as a pub, a polling place, a pool room, a package store, a political forum, a speakeasy, a hotel and a restaurant. In 1893 a man named Willie Howard came to Gladstone with Charles Pfizer (founder of Pfizer Pharmecuticals) and served as huntsme
n for the Essex Hunt. In 1898, upon his retirement, Willie and his wife, Bertha, purchased the Bedminster Hotel, as it was called, for $5,000. For 75 years, the Howard family hosted local events and visiting dignitaries, including the former Governor of New Jersey and the 28th President, Mr. Woodrow Wilson, who delivered a campaign speech from the porch steps during his bid for a second term as President. It is even noted that one of Pfizer’s favorite horses, named after his daughter, was buried behind the hotel. Although there have been several proprietors over the years since then, the place was renamed and formerly known as Willie's Tavern (after Mr. Willie Howard). Now called Delicious Heights today, we continure to carry on the establishment's tradition and spirit of hospitality and food.
