Tavern History
The friendly atmosphere of your tavern is a long standing American tradition. In the 1800's and early 1900's American taverns were a gathering place, serving as the neighborhood social and civic center. Many types of people congregated at taverns: they were the local hotels and news centers before the widespread use of newspapers and mass communication systems. The locals mixed with the farmers, the travelers with the preachers, the wagoners with the loafers.
In the 1850's taverns began to cater to particular groups or classes. However the tavern had already established itself as a place where freedom was observed. Townsmen needed to communicate with each other and the tavern was the place people could express their opinions openly and exchange the local news. They could discuss business, make friends, escape from tension. They could reveal all the scandals and have fun. No wonder taverns became the popular place they are today.
The tavern keeper himself has always been the most important factor in the creation of a successful tavern. It is no accident that inns or taverns have been known by the name of their owner. The American tavern was and still is expected to be a host like a householder entertaining private guests. He mingled with his patrons and his friendly personality drew them to his establishment. The tavern keeper provided a sympathizing ear and encouragement to pioneers heading west or beginning homesteads in the area. He made it his business to get to know his guests personally, was a source of information to travelers, and nursed those with illnesses. The most popular traits a tavern keeper possessed was the ability to give good advice, provide fellowship, and to see to the comfort of his visitors.
Since the tavern was a small, competitive business which didn't require much experience or capitol, it was often a family undertaking. The Tavern was patronized by locals for three major reasons: relaxation, and socialization collecting bits of information useful to business and making personal contacts.
Towns were often begun by the owner of a tavern. He would choose a location on a well traveled road near railroads or stage line. The afddition of a blacksmith shop, small variety store with post office, wagon shops, and two or three dozen settlers would complete the town. The tavern keeper thereby promoted town growth and became a community leader. His tavern functioned as an unofficial village center. It was a natural setting for informal news and gossip. The taverner knew what was happening in the town. He showed independence of spirit; he was not a servant like his equals in England, but a friend and companion to those who frequented his establishment.
Keeping a tavern filled to capacity was as important to the tavern keeper of the past as it is today. The tavern used many devices to drum up his trade, many of which are still in use.
Tavern signs had a big impact. They were likely to show a large picture (a wolf for the wolf tavern in Chicago, or a tankard of ale) prior to the time when most Americans could read newspapers, advertising also became important as Americans became better educated.
But whatever the function of the tavern has been, it has always been known as the friendliest place in town. The place of good cheer, cozy comfort, comradeship, jovial conversation, and release from normal restraints. The tavern keeper is the one who makes the tavern what it is today; it was and still is his personality that creates the atmosphere that keeps the crown coming in!