Did you miss out on Hungry for History last year? If so, you don't want to miss it this year. Across Winchester and Frederick/Clarke County museums and historic sites in our community will offer a variety of programs and special events such as presentations, cooking demonstrations, hands-on activities, children’s activities, food tastings, special handouts and giveaways, displays of historic recipes, agriculture related programs and more. To kick off the Hungry for History week, Stewart Bell Jr. Archives is proud to invite Mike Robinson (author of Winchester Tales book series) to speak about local tavern history in the area.
Taverns were more than just places to consume alcohol. They offered lodging to the travelers coming through the area. They offered meals to their lodgers and citizens alike. They also were scenes of political discussions and locations for organizational meetings in the area. In short, they were an important component in colonial life.
For those in Winchester/Frederick County, there were multiple tavern options. There was "The Golden Buck" owned by Philip Bush, a German immigrant to colonial America who established a tavern off of Cameron Street which Washington lodged at (calling it in a letter, "by much the best house in Winchester"). There was "The Ship," owned by Thomas Edmondson that was marketed as an "elegant tavern" in the newspaper and was located across the street from Fort Loudoun. There was "The Red Lion," owned by Peter Lauck, a veteran of Daniel Morgan's Riflemen who was injured at the Battle of Quebec, whose building that housed the tavern still stands on South Loudoun Street.
And remember, the day is not solely for learning about taverns. Multiple representatives from local museums and historic sites will be on hand to showcase how their site will celebrate Hungry for History. Come and learn what each location will be doing and make a plan to visit them during the Hungry for History period.
So join us on Saturday, August 17 @ 11:00 am at the Robinson Auditorium (Handley Library) to begin this kick-off event for Hungry for History. For more information, please visit Hungry for History Kickoff Event - Local Tavern History with Mike Robinson | Handley Regional Library System.