The historic Appel Tavern at Osborne Corners traces its origins to the 1760s, when this part of present-day Guilderland lay within the West Manor of Rensselaerswyck. Historical sources differ slightly on the precise date of its earliest construction: the National Register of Historic Places identifies 1760 as a significant year for the property, while Town of Guilderland historical records date the original portion of the building to 1765. The building was enlarged and altered over succeeding generations, and the National Register identifies 1880 as another significant year in its architectural history. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the historic name Apple Tavern.

​

Historical accounts of the 1767 Bleecker map of the West Manor identify Hendrick Appel’s tavern along the old Schoharie Road. Surviving church records from that same year identify “Henderick Applie” and Eva Wagenaar, both of Rensselaerswyck, who married on October 6, 1767. Their names subsequently appear in historical records in several forms, including Henry and Eve Appel and Hendrick or Henry Apple.

​

On April 5, 1803, the first town meeting of the newly established Town of Guilderland was held at Henry Apple’s tavern. This important event in Guilderland’s history is commemorated by a New York State historical marker at the property.

​

In 1981, Laurie and Gerhard (“Gerd”) Beckmann purchased the historic property and began another chapter in its long tradition of hospitality. The Appel Inn operated for many years as both a bed-and-breakfast and a wedding venue, with weddings and celebrations held on the historic grounds. The first wedding under our family’s stewardship was held in November 1983. As the wedding business grew, the bed-and-breakfast operation was eventually discontinued, and The Appel Inn evolved into the dedicated wedding and private-event venue it is today.

​

The Gathering Space was later constructed in 1995, expanding the property’s ability to host year-round celebrations while continuing a tradition of gathering and hospitality that reaches back more than two and a half centuries.