Fire destroys New Jersey's historic Sergeantsville Inn

DELAWARE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (WPVI) -- Residents are mourning the loss of a treasured New Jersey landmark after a fire broke out overnight.

Huge flames could be seen leaping through the roof of the historic Sergeantsville Inn around 2:00 a.m. Monday.

The four-alarm fire gutted the building.

"I think it's fair to say it's a total loss. There's a lot of damage, a lot of smoke damage, a lot of structural damage," Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony Kearns said.

It took two tanker task forces from Hunterdon County ferrying water from area hydrants to control the fire, along with draining 90% of a nearby water tank.

The Sergeantsville Inn, located on Rosemont-Ringoes Road, is an important gathering place at the crossroads of town.

"The Inn is the center of the world for us, center of the universe. Everything that happens at Delaware Township happens at the inn," Delaware Township Mayor Roger Locandro said.

"I had my bridal shower, my baby shower, one of my first date with my husband," employee Diane Dembeski said.

"It's really heartbreaking, more for the people and the patrons than the building," employee Heather Harrington said.

Owners Lisa and Joe Clyde declined comment as they surveyed the damage.

The inn was built in the early 1700s and over the years has served as a feed and grain store, a pelt trading center, and ice cream parlor. It's been a well-regarded restaurant since the 1980s. President George Washington is said to have visited the inn.

"You figure there's wood in there that was cut when George Washington was a little boy, it's tough to look at," employee Dylan Carew said.

"Once it ignited it was never going to stop because it was just so dry from being built in the 1700s. That's a long time ago," Delaware Township resident Dave Bond said.

Chris Chalupa had dinner at the inn just last night.

"I am freaked out. I'm in total shock and denial. I can't even believe it," Chalupa said.

Looking at the burned out shell of the old stone structure, a woman whose family once owned the building says she's heartbroken it's been gutted

"I remember the bedroom I slept in. It's sad. This is such an important part to the community," Rosement resident Heather Harrington said.

A firefighter suffered a minor injury.

The cause remains under investigation, but the prosecutor's office says at this point it does not look suspicious.

Locals have begun a Facebook page called 'Save the Inn' and Action News is hoping the owners are hoping to rebuild.