The Emerson Hall is a one-of-a-kind dining and banquet facility located within the historic Union Lumber building in charming New Philadelphia, Ohio. The Emerson banquet venue until recently has been the home of The Berry Fit Company. Prior to that, it was Union Square Party Center for several years. The real history though began when the location was the Bartells & Brown Lumber Company from 1883-1903. Even prior to that, the location had been known as the New Philadelphia Planing Mill. However, in 1903 Union Lumber was incorporated. The first president of Union Lumber was Ralph Waldo Emerson from 1903-1928. Consequently, to capitalize on the rich history of the location, the name, The Emerson, was selected.