Sharon,
There are two substantive reports about tavern sites in Delaware that
come to mind that may be very useful for a comparative study.  The Blue
Ball Tavern by Thunderbird Archaeological Associates and the Tweeds
Tavern Site by Hunter Research were sponsored by DelDOT.  You can
contact Kevin Cunningham at  [[log in to unmask]] for more
information.

I think Ned is correct in pointing out that roadside taverns functioned
more as a "Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge" than a modern microbrew pub.
Both of these reports document the rise and decline of the roadside
taverns along with the turnpike movement.  Perhaps the roadside tavern
or "Tavrinn" can be more sharply defined.  Some of the roadside taverns
feature a large porch and well in the front of the structure that
engages the traveling public who pass by on the turnpike.  In the
probate records, some of the tavern keepers were part time farmers as
well.  Perhaps they were producing the food they would serve to the
guests? 

Craig Lukezic
DE SHPO

-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
sharon buford
Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2004 9:47 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: taverns - historical

I use the word tavern in the historical sense.
This particular site has 4 "guest rooms" which are in
an ell off the rear of the main building and have a
very high level of finish.
According to local history sources "elite farmers"
from Lexington would stop here while in route to Cin,
OH.

I have almost come to the conclusion that I should
make up a new word for the place.

It was a tavern, in the sense that there is evidence
that they sold "spirits", it was also an "inn" as the
travlers were given a "room or bed" for the evening.

Perhaps the word "tavrinn" would work :)
Sharon
--- Edward Heite <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Over and over,  I see the word "tavern" equated with
> the modern
> licensing term of the same spelling.  Look carefully
> and you may find
> that a "tavern" in historical reference is not the
> same kind of
> establishment as we know today.
>
> Under pre-prohibition laws, a tavern was a place
> licensed to feed and
> shelter travellers' horses, provide limited sleeping
> facilities for
> people, and cold meat.  It was not a place where the
> locals went
> nightly to quaff port.  Look at tavern petitions,
> sales lists of
> tavernkeepers estates, and most of all travelers
> accounts, and you will
> understand the inventories of archaeological tavern
> diggings.  Over and
> over, people remark of the paucity of glass, the
> large number of horse
> accoutrements, and the non-drinking merchandise.  In
> one "tavern" site
> the lime kiln was the most important asset, and
> there was only one
> bedstead.
>
> So, after the hard day's digging, please don't
> recess to a "tavern,"
> even a licensed premises with facilities for your
> horse.
>
>
>
>
>
> HEITE CONSULTING
> Camden, DE
> [log in to unmask]
> www.heite.org
> 302-697-1789
>




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