our history

Beginning with the founding of Zenner Dry Goods in Athens by David Zenner and continuing with his son Henry’s aptitude for business and invention, the Zenner family played an integral role in the prosperity of Athens County in the early 20th century.

Considered one of the wealthiest men in Athens, Henry Zenner was persuaded by Charles Forest McBee to provide financial backing for a prototype intended to store freight bills; Zenner provided $10,000 to capitalize production. The McBee Binder Company was incorporated in June, 1906 with Zenner as President and McBee as Vice President and General Manager. The McBee Company quickly became a very successful and integral part of the Athens economy and remained so for nearly 100 years.

In 1927, Zenner House was designed by Pittsburgh architect Brandon Smith who specialized in the design of museums and libraries around the world. The construction of Zenner House was completed in 1929 using a local builder and many local tradespeople. Smith was known for his design of public buildings and was convinced to make an exception to design a home for David Roe (son of Henry and Lillian Mae) and Pauline Zenner. The Zenners lived here until their deaths in 1950 and 1952, respectively.

The home then passed through a series of owners until it was purchased by Jeff Chaddock and his husband, Mark Morrow in April of 2014. Chaddock and Morrow embarked on a ten-year restoration and renovation project to present the property as we see it today. The home is open to the community as a place to hold events ranging from weddings and fundraisers to cook-outs and award ceremonies. In 2016, Chaddock and Morrow announced their plan to leave 97% of their estate to charities that benefit Appalachian Ohio. As part of that promise, stewardship of Zenner House will pass to the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.