The History of Webb's Resort

The history of Webb’s World wouldn’t be complete without sharing the storybook romance of Paul Webb and Nadine Henderson. Paul and Nadine’s “old-world love story” is a timeless tale of love, devotion and dedication to a dream – which lives on today, through the Webb family, four generations later…

Paul and Nadine were childhood sweethearts – indeed, they met in first grade! Paul Webb knew Nadine was the one for him, and the childhood sweethearts exchanged marriage vows in 1942, when Paul was just nineteen. Devoted to each other and dedicated to their dream, Paul and Nadine together built the business that became Webb’s Year Round Resort…

On May 1, 1942, Paul Webb purchased their first business, the Fountainette in Mayville, New York, a small restaurant and ice cream shop. After only one month of marriage, Paul was unexpectedly drafted by the United States Army, and served under the famous and colorful General George Patton in the 3rd Army anti-aircraft artillery unit in France and Germany, in World War II. While Paul served three years in the army, Nadine and Paul’s mother Blanche – both industrious, hard-working ladies – with decided determination ran the business. When Paul returned from the war, he discovered the business was already a success! In 1946, a barn behind the Fountainette was purchased, and the Webb’s ventured into the endeavor of candy making – and what an endeavor it was – becoming one of Webb’s defining hallmarks, today. In just a three week time frame, Paul turned his attention to candy making and quickly mastered the art. The business became an instant, overnight success… Lollipops, thousands of large lollipops, now known as “all-day suckers,” were in production for a booming business – sometimes making 5,000 lollipops a day!

Webb’s Captain’s Table Restaurant

During the 1950’s, Paul and Nadine becoming seasoned entrepreneurs, opened a series of small restaurants in Hartfield, Westfield, and Dunkirk, NY. In 1959, they purchased the Mooring Bit Restaurant in Mayville. This property eventually became the Webb’s Captain’s Table Restaurant, constructed in 1965. A bowling alley was also added to the existing property.

Webb’s Candies

Business was expanding, and in a short time the couple decided upon another addition to the premises, providing space to offer visitors their delectable candies and Chautauqua souvenirs. Webb’s candies and fine chocolates are still made by hand – “the old-fashioned way” and simmered in classic copper kettles, for the finest specialty candies available. The gift shop now features a wide variety of and unique Chautauqua souvenirs, and memorable gifts for all occasions.

As the success of Webb’s Candies and Restaurants continued to thrive, so did the expansion of the Webb’s family business. In 1968, Webb’s Resort was built followed by Webb’s Citrus Candies in Davenport, Florida four years later and Webb’s Coppertop Restaurant in Lake Wales, Florida in 1976. The Coppertop Restaurant was operated for several years by Paul and Nadine, and then sold in 1985. The youngest of their children, John Webb, is now the owner and operator of Webb’s Citrus Candies.

The Webb’s Resort business continued to flourish and prosper, when in 1992, a fire destroyed the bowling alley and a section of the Captain’s Table Restaurant. At the time of rebuilding, the couple decided not to restore the bowling alley but to transform the area – into a handsome furniture and antique store – The Cottage Collection, offering a distinctive selection of home décor items, bed and bath products, and gifts for the sportsman or the connoisseur. The Cottage Collection’s specialty shopping is noted for fine quality artisan treasures. To retain its charm, the superbly preserved wood bowling lanes, remain as a tribute to Webb’s history…

The Captain’s Table Restaurant is now owned and operated by Jim and Sally Webb, which include five dining rooms, banquet and conference rooms, and an open air upper deck, complete with a spectacular, panoramic view of Lake Chautauqua for seasonal dining alfresco… Webb’s Captain’s Table offers distinctive fine dining, consistently winning Triple AAA’s Diamond Award, year after year…

In 1994, twenty six new rooms were added to the existing lodge, which is now Webb’s Year Round Resort. It is currently a 52 Unit Resort lodging offers four levels of superbly appointed rooms – some available with luxury features such as adjoining rooms, fireplaces, private balconies, and Jacuzzis. The room accommodations are immaculate and elegant, which feature mahogany furnishings and luxurious linens. The stylish Crawford Room is a celebrity favorite because of its traditional warm, sophistication… The construction of a miniature golf course in 2003 was incorporated to Webb’s World Resort, with the idea of providing additional family enjoyment. Darel and Janel Webb, grandchildren of Paul and Nadine, are the dedicated to the family traditions, and manage the resort today…

Although Paul and Nadine Webb have passed, they imparted a rich heritage of family tradition, values and standards that are evident in every area of Webb’s Year Round Resort. Still family owned and operated, four generations later, Webb’s Year Round Resort is still growing and prospering, and this is why Webb’s World has become the destination in Western New York, a local, icon nestled on the banks of Lake Chautauqua.

Year after year, maintaining a stellar reputation by consistently providing outstanding guest services and benchmark standards of excellence in accommodations, fine dining, delectable candies and specialty shopping. Webb’s World Resort is a world class, year round resort – still family owned and operated – with the same dedication that Paul and Nadine Webb were famous for…