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Read Ebook: A Portrait of Old George Town by Peter Grace Dunlop
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Ebook has 1769 lines and 87915 words, and 36 pages
According to Mr. O. W. Holmes of the National Archives who has recently written a fine article on the Colonial Taverns of Georgetown for the Columbia Historical Society, which he read before the Society on January 16, 1951, the earliest tavern of which there is record was kept by Joseph Belt who was granted a license by the newly created Frederick County Court in August, 1751 "to keep a Public House of Entertainment at the Mouth of Rock Creek."
Notice is hereby given that the Land appointed by Act of Assembly to be laid out into a town, by the name of Georgetown, adjacent to the warehouse at the Mouth of Rock Creek, in Frederick County, is accordingly laid out, and the lots will be sold the 4th Monday in March, being the 23 of the month at the House of Joseph Belt, living in the said Town in ten of the Clock before noon.
Per order of the Commissioner Alexander Beall, Cl.
Frederick County, Sept. 8, 1771
The Subscriber continues to keep a House of Entertainment in George Town, at the Kings Arms, and as he is provided with Good Entertainment, Stabling, and Provender for Horses, would be obliged to all Gentlemen travelling and others for their customs and they may depend on kind usage, by their Most Humble Servant,
JOSEPH BELT
So it is quite possible that it was still here and that General Braddock's soldiers attracted by the name and sign stopped to slake their thirst before continuing their long march to the West.
This Joseph Belt appears to have been the nephew of Col. Joseph Belt, the original patentee of Chevy Chase. He was a highly respectable man and well thought of.
Another tavern of that period was kept by John Orme who in his petition for a license promised as did others of that period "to keep Tavern in George Town, to keep good Rules and Orders and not suffer the loose and disorderly persons to Tipple, Game, or Commit other disorders or irregularities within his aforesaid House."
The same notice again in 1761. I wonder where the races took place. John Orme was the son of the Rev. John Orme, a Presbyterian minister who served as pastor at Upper Marlboro from 1720 until he died in 1758.
His tavern was apparently on the northeast corner of the present M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, where the Farmers and Mechanics Branch of Riggs Bank now stands.
After the death of John Orme in 1772 his widow inserted a notice in the paper--and added, "N. B. The Executrix will continue to keep Tavern for ready money only. Lucy Orme."
But they were not left in straightened circumstances, and the three Orme daughters married very well.
There is mention of a Cornelius Davies and also of John Wise keeping tavern for short periods. This may have been the same John Wise who later opened a tavern in Alexandria which became the well-known Gadsby's Tavern.
Also there was Christian Boncer, during the Revolution who like John Orme, before him, was likewise running a ferry over the Potomac.
And then in October, 1779, John Beall is referred to as occupying the home where Joseph Belt formerly kept tavern.
In November 1782, Mr. Beall announced that he was moving "into the large Stone House near the Square, the best calculated house in town for entertaining Gentlemen, Travellers, and Others."
And then Mr. Ignatius Simpson moved into the "House formerly occupied by Mr. John Beall," and the next year, 1783, the Commissioners record meeting at the "House of Mr. Ignatius Simpson." And in 1784 Mr. Simpson had no license issued and the Commissioners met "at the House of Mr. John Suter." It would seem that this same house had been a tavern ever since Joseph Belt built a house there.
From then on Suter's Tavern became the best-known meeting place in town and even the birthplace of the District of Columbia for there was signed the agreement with the proprietors of the land for the Federal City.
It was a rather small building, a story and a half high, according to an old print, and had a large Inn Yard at the side and back for the accommodation of the coaches, wagons and steeds of its patrons.
John Suter was a Scotsman who had been living out in Montgomery County but apparently from 1784 until his death in 1794 his tavern was a very busy place. Here it was that General Washington stayed when he was passing through.
This notice shows John Suter's standing in the community:
Georgetown, August 21, 1790
All persons having claims against the Estate of John Cornne, deceased, are desired to bring them in legally attested. Those indebted to make speedy payment to
John Suter, Administrator
Meeting at Mr. Suter's Tavern in George Town, 14 December, 1790, for erecting a New Warehouse contiguous to the Old Inspection on Col. Normand Bruce's property in George Town.
Edward Burgess Bernard O'Neill
December 11, 1790 Andrew Hamilton
Then there is this little item from the same paper:
The subscriber has for sale, by the Box, a small supply of fresh Lisbon LEMONS, imported in the Potomack Planter.
Capt. James Buchanan George Town Sept. 7, 1790 John Suter
Fresh fruit was evidently an event.
After Mr. John Suter's death, his son John Suter, Jr., took over the tavern and ran it until he moved to the Union Tavern.
Birthnight Ball. The Ladies and Gentlemen of George Town and its vicinity are informed that there will be a Ball at the Union Tavern on Friday the 22nd instant , in honor of Lieutenant-General George Washington. At request of the Managers. John Suter, Jr.
In addition to this very historic ball, the George Town Assemblies used to be held here. Mrs. William Thornton has recorded in her diary that on Monday, January 1st, 1810:
A very crowded assembly at the presidents. We staid about two hours. President and Lady went to Georgetown Assembly. Chariot broke at night.
These august guests at the assembly were, of course, James Madison and the charming Dolly.
When Mr. Suter opened the Union Tavern in March, 1799, Francis Kearns put this notice in the paper:
Sign of the Ship. The subscriber begs leave to inform his friends and the public that he has rented the tavern formerly occupied by Mr. Suter, called The Fountain Inn, where he has all kinds of liquors accounted necessary for travellers. Add to this a well of water not to be surpassed in Town. I am determined to spare no pains to render this situation agreeable and flatter myself from a desire to please that I shall meet with encouragement. I also will accomodate 6 or 8 gentlemen boarders on reasonable terms. A livery stable will be kept for a few horses.
June 31, 1800 Francis Kearns
Francis Kearns having taken over the Union Tavern from John Suter, Jr.
Then there was the City Tavern, kept by Charles McLaughlin. Benjamin Lacy rented two brick houses from Charles Beatty on Water Street and called his The Sailors' Tavern. John Tennally had a tavern . Joseph Semmes's Tavern at the Sign of the Indian King, was very well known. It seems to have moved several times. In advertisements for houses for rent or for sale, they seemed always to be next door to or across the street from Semmes's Tavern or Dr. Magruder's.
The Subscriber begs leave to inform his friends and the public that he has removed from his late dwelling in the main street to that large and commodious three story new BRICK BUILDING, Sign of the Indian King, adjoining the Bank of Columbia, which he has fitted up at considerable expense for the accomodation of travellers. He embraces this opportunity of returning his grateful thanks to those gentlemen who have heretofore favored him with their custom and hopes by a faithful discharge of his duty to merit the countenance and support of the public.
George Town, Joseph Semmes
To be sold at Union Tavern, The BRICK HOUSE formerly occupied as a Tavern by Mr. Semmes.
Philip Barton Key William Thornton
Do you suppose that Mr. Semmes had his tavern in this place for only one month?
Jane White advertises that she intends to continue her "house of entertainment" on a more enlarged plan, asks for settlement of debts. Nov. 27, 1790.
George Stevens announces he has removed to the place lately occupied by Mr. William King, Merchant, of this place .
There are still, to this day, William Kings in business in Georgetown.
Mr. George Stevens also advertises:
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