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On the Massachusetts North Shore

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Tag: tavern

Drunkards, Liars, a Hog, a Dog, a Witch, Disorderly Persons and the Innkeeper

October 19, 2024November 14, 2025 Gordon Harris7 Comments

As the young boys who arrived with the first settlers of Ipswich approached adulthood, they developed a fondness for hard liquor and rowdiness, which frequently landed them in court.

Posted in People, StoriesTagged 1640, Court, fixed, Ipswich, Puritans, tavern

The Ross Tavern

September 24, 2024July 26, 2026 Gordon Harris1 Comment

A small dwelling was moved in 1735 to the southeast side of the Choate Bridge where it was greatly expanded and became known as the Ross Tavern. The building was moved again in 1940 to the former Wendel Estate on Jeffreys Neck Road.

Posted in ArchitectureTagged First Period, Ross, tavern

Rowdy Nights at Quartermaster Perkins’ Tavern

December 10, 2023January 25, 2025 Gordon Harris3 Comments

The Quartermaster's house became the scene more than once of violent disorder. The company's behavior was so scandalous that the whole lot were summoned to Ipswich Court on May 1, 1672.

Posted in Legends, StoriesTagged Court, Ipswich, Mark Quilter, Perkins, Quartermaster, tavern

Strong Drink

November 10, 2023January 7, 2025 Gordon HarrisLeave a comment

Colonial liquor licenses were granted to Ipswich men of highest esteem. They were bound “not to sell by retail to any but men of family, and of good repute, nor sell any after sunset; and that they shall be ready to give account of what liquors they sell by retail, the quantity, time and to whom.”

Posted in StoriesTagged 1637, Books, Court, ordinaries, rum, tavern

Two Taverns for Two Susannas

October 11, 2023January 5, 2025 Gordon Harris5 Comments

In the 1700s two of the finer inns in town were run by a mother and daughter both named Susanna. Although the two houses are both on corners of County Street, they were separated by the river.

Posted in StoriesTagged 1725, First Period, tavern, women
Ipswich MA historic photos by William Varrel

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Early Inhabitants of Ipswich, Massachusetts by Abraham Hammatt
Ipswich Massachusetts Revisited by William Varrel

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