Forgotten Taverns

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Revolution

Salem Poor: Slave to War Hero

Salem Poor: Slave to War Hero

Salem Poor, a heroic figure of the Revolutionary War, was commemorated on a US postage stamp. His remarkable journey included rising from the bonds of slavery, though he ultimately passed away in modest circumstances. Salem Poor's story begins when he was acquired by John and Rebecca Poor in

Rum and the Revolution

Rum and the Revolution

When I began delving into the history of the Molasses and Sugar Acts of the 1700s through the lens of taverns, I gained a newfound appreciation for the significance of molasses and rum in the events leading up to the Revolution. It's intriguing how our education primarily focused

17th Century Drunks

17th Century Drunks

Is everyone drunk in the 17th century? In 1658, Mr. Sergeant John Steven found himself facing charges of intoxication and was summoned to court. His servant, Lovejoy, testified against him, stating that he had observed Mr. Steven “reele [really] coming to me”. Lovejoy further explained that Stevens was so intoxicated

17th C Rum, Trade, and Infrastructure

17th C Rum, Trade, and Infrastructure

It's truly fascinating to think about the extent of international trade that occurred during the 17th century, even in a town like Andover. This frontier town rapidly emerged as a thriving hub of trade with the West Indies. However, along with this trade and growth, there was an