Page 16 - Taverns Stands in Woodstock - for Flipbook_Neat

The Village Hotel (1796-1819)

Another wood framed hotel dominated the corner of Central and Elm Street. Elisha Taylor built this hotel in
1796. Taylor named it the “Village Hotel”. “When the house was ready to be opened, he announced the fact in
the following manner: --
VILLAGE HOTEL.
The subscriber hereby informs his friends and the public that he has erected a large and convenient House on
the east end of Woodstock Green, in the County of Windsor, for the purpose of keeping a
HOUSE OF ENTERTAINMENT,
by the name of VILLAGE HOTEL, at the Sign of the EAGLE, which will be open for the reception of Gentle-
th
men and Ladies of all denominations, on Monday, the 19 day of December instant: Where on account of the
largeness of his House, and the strictness of attention that will be paid to all denominations of people
(especially travelers) [he] flatters himself that he shall give general satisfaction--- for which Gentlemen and Ladies
please to call and see for yourselves. E. TAYLOR.
Woodstock, December 14, 1796”

Almost immediately after Taylor’s announcement appeared, it was answered by the following poetic effusion
assumed to have been penned by his competitor Captain Richardson.
Hark! On Woodstock Green
It might be seen-
Village Hotel has risen up,
With anxious hope to blast my crop;
To starve me out of house and home,
That I upon the town may come
For daily flood – or what is worse,
To be confin’d to Jon’than’s house
And make my flock, as erst was stated,
From mother’s womb regenerated.
But list my friends, my story hear -
I’ve rais’d a sign in open air,
Which represents nor less nor more
Then flower’d bowl on cupboard door.
I’ve hay and oats and stable room’
I wait on rich and poor that come;
I brush their boots – their horses card;
If they’ve no cash, I take their word;
And if in luckless hour I’m caught,
Without one drop to wet your throat,
I’ll snatch my Chunk and stop no more,
Till I’ve it fill’d at Darbe’s store.
You’ll find me quick and smooth as honey,
“Custom I want – t’s not your money”
If you will call at Farnam’s Hall,
And wish a little sport, Sir,
Pray come and see, and you shall be
As happy as the Court, Sir.
Woodstock Green, December 19, 1796

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