Yankee, Thomas W. Brown came to Appleton in 1854 and opened a pump manufacturing business in 1863. The exact date of this house is not known, but may be 1856, the year Brown is credited with erecting the city's first brick dwelling. His second wife Ophelia taught at and was a trustee of Lawrence University. In 1891 John Hart Whorton purchased the home for his daughter Liza Powell and her husband. They began renting rooms in the 1920's, a tradition which continued until 1998. As new owners, Gordon Schmiedl and his wife Carole LeRoy bought the home in 1991 for a live-in rental unit as well.

As time went on Carole and Gordie had the idea to convert this large house to a Bed & Breakfast. This would allow many more people to see and enjoy the home. In 1999, Carole, an avid quilter, started hosting quilting retreats with her friends. Soon there were requests from others to stay the night and quilt. After obtaining a Bed and Breakfast license, Carole and Gordon decided it was time to start new careers and The Appleton Inn was born. After years of working an RN, Carole has applied her talents in art, gardening, quilting and decorating to make this Inn one of "Wisconsin's Finest". Many visitors have enjoyed the home through the years, coming from other countries and well as from many states in the U.S. Quilters also still come to "The Quilt N Be" for retreats and fun. All visitors are welcome to come and enjoy.
We hope to see you soon, at "The Appleton Inn" Bed & Breakfast.