Background Information on Taverns

During the 17 hundreds, the tavern held a very prominent place in society, as it was the center of American life. A tavern, also called a public house or inn, was much more than a place to quench one's thirst, to satisfy one's appetite, or to spend the night. There were no office buildings, banks, or post offices and taverns served the functions that they would serve later on. It was in taverns that ships' cargoes were bought and sold, new companies were formed, auctions were held, and mail was distributed.

Colorful wooden signs Poor Family Tavern sign which were hung in front of taverns advertised "Entertainment". which was the term used for eating, drinking, and lodging.

The tavern served two groups of clientele, the local population and travelers. Taverns which served stagecoaches were located on major travel routes and played an important role in development of a colonial transportation network.

The Munroe Tavern, (occupied by the Munroe Family), was located on an old Indian path which extended from Concord to Boston, Massachusetts Avenue now. It server the drovers who brought their cattle to Boston. It served the local town men. During the Revolutionary War, it became a British hospital.

Sign from the Poor Family Tavern

Charlotte@PoorHouse.Lexington.MA.US