Part 4 (1/2)
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.
It had been built in 1796 at a cost of $16,000, according to a newspaper of the day advertising it for sale: ”It is a handsome substantial brick building of three stories, fronting 60 ft. on the most public street in town (Bridge Street), and running back 63 ft. on a wide and commodious street (Was.h.i.+ngton). The house is admirably calculated for a tavern.”
The advertis.e.m.e.nt tells the number and size of the rooms, cellars, pa.s.sages and cross pa.s.sages, and ends thus: ”There are stables sufficient for the accommodation of 50 horses with commodious sheds for carriages ... and not twenty yards from the kitchen is a copious and never failing spring of most excellent running water.” The main building differed but little from others, but north of this and running north upon Was.h.i.+ngton Street to the next street, was a wing, one or two stories high, and one room deep, the doors opening into a covered corridor supported by brick arches, beyond which was a large courtyard paved with stone. The rooms along this corridor were occupied entirely by gentlemen, many being planters from the lower river counties of Virginia and Maryland. They came up on the old _Salem_, which made weekly trips and stopped at all the river landings. On the opposite side of the courtyard was a large building in which was a fine ballroom known as Pompean Hall. This room must have been used for the following event:
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 (Feb. 22, 1799), in honor of Lieutenant-General George Was.h.i.+ngton. At request of the Managers.
John Suter, Jr.
In addition to this very historic ball, the George Town a.s.semblies used to be held here. Mrs. William Thornton has recorded in her diary that on Monday, January 1st, 1810:
A very crowded a.s.sembly at the presidents. We staid about two hours.
President and Lady went to Georgetown a.s.sembly. Chariot broke at night.
These august guests at the a.s.sembly 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 s.h.i.+p. 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 surpa.s.sed 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.
Again, in 1802 this building changed hands, for in _The Was.h.i.+ngton Federalist_ is the announcement of reopening, and a.s.surance of best liquors, and begins: ”Anchor Tavern and Oyster House (late the Fountain Inn), George Pitt, Proprietor of former Eagle Tavern.”
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 (from him came the name of Tennally Town). Joseph Semmes's Tavern at the Sign of the Indian King, was very well known. It seems to have moved several times. In advertis.e.m.e.nts 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.
From _The Museum_, January 1, 1802:
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
_The Museum_, 28th of January, 1802:
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” (Mrs. White's Tavern) 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 (the house where Col. William Deakins has lived for many years past).
There are still, to this day, William Kings in business in Georgetown.
Mr. George Stevens also advertises:
Any gentleman wanting to buy Ginseng may by giving a few days notice find a supply from said Stevens from One to Five Thousand weight.