![]() Thus it was up to the colonists to provide their own defense by a ‘volunteer’ militia. However, with problems of its own back on the continent, the powers in London were reluctant to station a standing army in the America’s. Threats to a frontier town came from a variety of places and protection was the key to survival. It was so successful they soon assigned the tavern yet another duty, one that helped assure the security of the region. The practical solution to bring government to outlying areas by a system known as “riding the circuit.” By using a tavern room they were able to hold court without encumbering the crown with great expense. Yet, it was essential for officials to conduct and maintain the observance of English law. There was only a small budget for public works, and government buildings were virtually non-existent. Influence of the local tavern reached far beyond the immediate village, it was the focal point of an entire region, and soon the authorities recognized its value. As a crude, but effective means of communication, it helped the settlement maintain contact with the mother country, and further assured a tavern’s position in the community. Inns were more than a bar, to traveling merchants they were a combination of the market, trade center, entertainment complex and hotel, everything a businessman needed to ply his trade.Īnother benefit was provided as visitors staying overnight brought news and information from throughout the colony. ![]() In 1633 the former Massachusetts home of Governor Winthrop was transformed into a meeting house that later became a tavern named the ‘Three Cranes.’ From those innocent beginnings the church and tavern in America embarked upon an uncomfortable relationship.įunctioning as an area’s social center was certainly an important role, but the inns and taverns also contributed to the local economy. This was the case in 1651 when Boston granted permission for a new tavern, provided the owner “…keepe it neare the new meeting house.” At times the association was more than adjacent. More often than not it was placed next to the local meeting hall. A good tavern was vital to the health and life of the town and as such it was worthy of a central location. With the start of any town’s construction, the location of the tavern was given consideration equal to any other aspect of the community. It was from that early position of perceived necessity that the local bar assured it’s survival. ![]() No village of the 1600’s dreamt of life without a tavern. Indeed, taverns and saloons, in their own way, contributed to the success of the country.Īs the first settlements appeared in the 1600’s, taverns were as important a part of any village’s plan as a fire, street, sanitation or police department is today. It painted a portrait of American growth as seen through a beer glass.įrom the earliest days of settling the New World, beer and taverns were inextricably woven into the attitudes, customs, and landscape that was the fabric of America. It was an American way of doing things, and why not, the story of taverns paralleled that of the country, all along the way providing an everyman’s view of the nation’s development. Taverns, saloons, and beer gardens were often the first friendly moments of socializing a new arrival spent in America. The story of Louis Menapace was not unique. On that note, his life as an American was about to begin. He thought about it all the way across the harbor and finally decided a beer might be just the thing he needed. Then, a few feet before he was to board the ferry to New York, a young boy had thrust a flier in his hand, it advertised a beer garden that welcomed immigrants. He was excited at the new life that lay before him, confusion over the way his name had just been Americanized, and slightly anxious about how long it would take to fit into this new country. Stepping through customs at Ellis Island presented Louis Menapace with a jumble of emotions.
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