Forgotten Taverns

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Massachusetts

Locke Tavern, a Master Class in Adaptation

Locke Tavern, a Master Class in Adaptation

James Locke stands out as one of the select few who successfully managed multiple taverns. His journey began in 1817 when he assumed proprietorship of the Mansion House, owned by the Phillips Academy Trustees. Subsequently, in 1825, he ventured into the Locke Tavern. Both establishments were expansive and versatile, featuring

The Growth of Whiskey and Temperance

The Growth of Whiskey and Temperance

A man who has had too much to drink is in “folly… a calf—in stupidity, an ass – in roaring, a mad bull – in quarrelling and fighting, a dog – in cruelty, a tiger – fetor, a skunk – in filthiness, a hog – in an obscenity, a he -goat", said Dr. Benjamin

Blunt Tavern: Colony to Young Nation

Blunt Tavern: Colony to Young Nation

In many ways, the Blunt Tavern met a fate like that of the Jenkins Post House when the railroad arrived in Andover, MA, in 1832. By 1833, Captain Isaac Blunt and his son, Major Samuel Phelps Blunt, found themselves grappling with debt stemming from mortgages, debts, and taxes on their

1800's Route 66

1800's Route 66

Explore the road system of the 1800's at Forgotten Taverns. Stagecoaches became obsolete with the growth of railroad as did the roads they traveled. #ForgottenTaverns

Street Art: Colonial Style

Street Art: Colonial Style

Tavern signs represent art, politics, and advertising of Colonial America. Explore the history, artists, construction and message of tavern signs as street art of the 18th century

Nurseries of Idleness

Nurseries of Idleness

“It is notorious, the Number of Taverns, Ale-houses, and Dram-shops, have encreased beyond all Measure or Necessity. They that are placed so near each other, that they ruin one another: and Two Thirds of them are not merely useless, but are become a Pest to Society.” … Many Bills have been

Disruptive Technologies change Taverns forever.

Disruptive Technologies change Taverns forever.

“Who, in these days when all things go by steam Recalls the stage-coach, with its four horse team? Its sturdy driver –who remembers him? Or the old landlord, saturnine and grim, Who left our hill-top for a new abode And reared his sign-post farther down the road?” In 1878, Oliver