Page 29 - JM Book 9/2020

Wednesday, June 19, 1776
Jefferson met Benjamin Franklin on the sidewalk in front of City Tavern. They had been invited by John Adams to share supper. Adams was anxious to learn about Jefferson’s work on the declaration.
Daniel Smith, operator of City Tavern, met them as they entered. He led them to a small dining room where Adams was waiting.
Fifty-three prominent Philadelphians owned the five-level tavern, which opened in 1773. Smith leased City Tavern from the owners. This tavern included a bar room, two coffee rooms, three dining rooms, a ballroom, five rooms for lodgers, kitchen and servants quarters. Taverns, such as this one, were the political and social center of the community with dining rooms for meals, private rooms for meetings and parties, rooms for out-of-town guests, and a bar room for socializing.
Jefferson ate most of his meals at City Tavern which was three blocks from the Pennsylvania State House and six blocks from the Graff House.
City Tavern was a popular place for members of the Continental Congress to meet and eat. A group of eight members met there every day. It had also become a custom for some members to dine together every Saturday.
Adams stood and shook hands with his guests. “I am pleased you could join me,” he said. “I took the liberty of ordering coffee for each of you. It will be served shortly.”
A few minutes passed before the tavern keeper’s son, Ike, entered the room carrying a tray of steaming coffee mugs.
“Hello, Mr. Jefferson,” Ike said. “Hello sirs. Be c-c-c-careful, the coffee’s hot. My pa told me to b-b-bring this to ya. Abby will be here in a little bit to take your orders.”
“Ike, how are you doing with your reading?” Jefferson asked.
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