Page 27 - Taverns Stands in Woodstock - for Flipbook_Neat

Burrtch’s Tavern (1788-unknown)

The old jail building on the Green (located next to the DAR House), constructed in 1788, served as Wood-
stock’s first jail. When built, it stood nearly in front of where the Fields-Gardner House now stands, and it
faced northeast. The stone that was used to build the “dungeon” portion was drawn from the “side hill just
above Mr. Woodward’s mills.” Initially, local entrepreneur John Strong occupied the building in the “double
capacity of jailer and inn-keeper.” Although the establishment was not very secure, it continued to house
prisoners until 1797, when the General Assembly decided to have a new jail built on what is now Central
Street. Benjamin Burtch took over the old jail building, which was known for many years as “Burtch’s Tav-
ern.” In 1806, Tille Parker (who built the DAR House next door) acquired the property. After fixing up the
house and stables, Parker described the tavern as follows: “where the weary traveler may recline on the bed of
down; where the hungry may gratify his appetite either with the common bounties of Providence or the luxu-
ries of life; where the thirsty may allay his thirst with the cooling stream or a little wine for the stomach’s
sake; and where the low in spirits may find help by applying a little of the juice of the cane.” About 1833,
General Lyman Mower moved this building to its present site and made it into a double tenement.

Slayton’s tavern -Fay’s tavern house (unknown-1838)

This tavern was in South Woodstock. “On the original spot, he erected a brick house which later became the
property of James Slayton, who conducted a tavern. He was succeeded by Mr. Fay.” The Rutland Herald (May
1, 1838) and the Vermont Mercury (April 27, 1838) report that this tavern and outbuildings burned. “Fire in
South Woodstock- Yesterday morning, about two o’clock, the tavern house in South Woodstock, owned by
Mr. Levi Fay, was consumed, together with the stables and the out buildings, belonging to the establishment,
Mr. Fay also lost a horse, two cows, and some swine, which perished in the flames. The furniture of the
house was mostly saved. The house had been recently fitted up in very good style. Insurance on the house
$1100, on the furniture $400. Mr. Fay is, however, a sufferer to a considerable amount.” Vermont Mercury.

Pearsons Tavern/Hotel (unknown-1840)

The Tavern Stand was located on the stage road in the South Village of Woodstock. It belonged to Ezekiel Pearsons and was put
up at auction by Galen Pearsons in April, 1840.

Taylor’s Tavern (1818-unknown)

Located on the site of the school in South Woodstock. Built by Elisha Perkins in 1802. Foster Taylor operat-
ed it as a tavern in 1818.

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