Tavern Facts

The word ' tavern' meant something completely different to people living in colonial times than it does today. In those days, the tavern was a place for both local and townsfolk and travelers alike to apply for lodging, meals, recreation and dancing.

Contrary to popular opinions, the importance of the tavern to its local neighbors was far greater than to travelers. The tavern was a place to dine and to exchange ideas, news, opinions and for incidental sociability. 

Manners were expected by all visitors at the colonial taverns, although that did not always happen. There was also no putting on of airs, no exclusiveness. Ass travelers sat at the same table and many of the rooms had two beds in them. Consequently, complete strangers slept in each other's company.

The landlord of the colonial tavern may not have been the greatest man in the village, but he was definitely the most well-known. Travelers did not fail to note him and his virtues in their accounts of their journey. 

Tavern food was noted for being 'filling' and 'most delightful to the taste.'

The taverns of the day varied as to what services were offered. Each tavern owner would do his best to accommodate all weary travelers; overnight stays extended when available. Meals were always there for those who could afford to pay.

Taverns also provided free entertainment when possible and even held dances on occasion. They also served as courtrooms and even as jails in some townships for housing prisoners and for feeding the jury their breakfasts and dinners.

Muster Day, held twice yearly, was usually profitable to the tavern owner. Very often he was the captain of the local militia company. Musters were almost always held on Saturdays.

From the middle of the eighteenth century, most taverns had recognizable names and displayed them painted on wooden signs, along with a unique design that would be recognizable to all who could not read. Taverns were, in the end, "lodging and means for man and beast."

- By George Rice, Homestead Publications