Welcome back to yet another captivating installment of Tavern History Tuesday! We are delighted to continue our journey through the rich and storied past of our beloved Tavern, shedding light on the intricate details of its restoration—a topic that has piqued the curiosity of so many of you. Today, we delve deeper into the fascinating renovation tales, with a focus on a lesser-known but intriguing aspect of the Tavern's history: its upper quarters and the mysterious staircase.
As many of you are aware, the Tavern's upper level once served as a haven for weary travelers seeking rest during their journeys. A frequent subject of inquiry is whether the three renowned rooms that once housed these travelers remain intact, and if so, how one might access them. We are pleased to assure you that these historic chambers are indeed still present, tucked away as they were in days gone by. The secret to accessing them lies behind the fireplace—specifically, through the door to the left, often seen in use by our staff. Interestingly, while the staircase is now somewhat hidden, it was originally a prominent feature of the Tavern.
In its original form, the staircase was not hidden away but prominently positioned in what is now our bar area. This open placement is evident in the historical photographs we proudly display. The area that once housed the staircase was, in fact, our bar, separated from the dining room by a now-removed wall. This wall, along with the staircase and adjoining door, was once a defining feature of the space. The door you observe in the photos served as a portal from the dining room into the bar—a bar that, at the time, was eight inches lower than its current level. This elevation difference explains the step down you see under the doorway in the photos.
The removal of this wall, along with the relocation of the staircase, was part of a broader effort to create a more unified and spacious bar area. In addition to these changes, new flooring was installed, flush with the dining room, resulting in the bar’s flooring being a more recent addition compared to the original, historic planks that grace our dining room.
Next time you visit, take a moment to look up as you enter the bar. You may notice subtle differences in the ceiling—traces of where the staircase once ascended to the rooms above. These small remnants of the past are a testament to the extensive and thoughtful restoration that has returned the Tavern to its former glory, while also adapting it to the needs of today’s patrons.
That concludes this week’s exploration of Tavern History Tuesday. We eagerly anticipate sharing more of our cherished history with you next week. Until then, we invite you to stop by, immerse yourself in the atmosphere, and imagine the Tavern as it once was—a place where history and hospitality have always gone hand in hand.