Shellmont Inn is adorned with numerous carved wooden shells,on both the exterior and interior, the handiwork of Italian Woodcarvers. In the 1890′s, the shell symbolized “tranquility”. Our name was inspired by this abundance of “shells” and our location on “Piedmont”, hence the name “Shellmont”. You will notice in the photo a rather ominous, menacing creature on the left side of the newell post. During this era, visitors were restricted to the downstairs public spaces and the purpose of this mythical creature was to prevent upward passage of evil spirits to the private chambers. Similar to today’s burglar alarm systems but relying heavily on the visitors superstitious nature, don’t you think?
