The Nathaniel Morris Inn was built in 1882 by William Longstreet and subsequently occupied by Gilbert Marcellus in 1890. Both men are considered among the Town’s Founders. The Nathaniel Morris Inn is featured on Manasquan’s Historical Register and was recognized in 1986 by the Manasquan Historical Society as one of the ‘Centennial Homes’ of Manasquan.

Our Inn has a varied and colorful history. In the 1930s, the Inn was known as the "Spruce House" Restaurant and Tea Room’. Rooms were available by the night, and the Spruce House became a favorite stopover and lodging place for soldiers, sailors and travelers during both of the great wars. It has also been the summer ‘cottage’ of a wealthy Philadelphia family, a dress factory, a milliner’s shop, a private residence.