For those who have joined us at our bar and taken a moment to look around, you may have noticed a unique feature on the wall to your right as you enter. This distinctive touch is crafted from window and door trims that were part of the Tavern and its property when restoration began. By reusing these trims, we created a unique lower decorative wall that adds perfect character to our bar. If only these walls could talk!

If you’ve had the chance to closely inspect the wall, you might have noticed 13 decorative blocks arranged in a shape resembling the number eight. These blocks are rosettes, symbolizing the 13 original colonies, reflecting the significance of symbolism during that era. These rosettes, also found on the property, can be seen on some of our trims. Although they are not original to the Tavern (as indicated by the absence of rosettes on the bar window), they were added later to enhance the aesthetic.

The origin of these beautiful accents dates back to ancient Egypt, where the rosette design symbolized Ishtar, the Mesopotamian goddess of beauty, love, justice, and war. Over time, rosettes became a decorative element in Ancient Greece, Renaissance, and Romanesque architecture, spreading to Central Asia and India. Historically, rosettes were an artistic symbol that transitioned into interior design. During the Victorian era (1837-1901), interior door trim rosettes gained popularity and are still commonly found in Victorian homes today. However, like their historical counterparts, interior rosettes have also been incorporated into colonial and modern designs.

The purpose of decorative rosette trim is twofold: aesthetic and functional. Aesthetically, rosettes provide a pleasing look to a home, creating a decorative border that draws the eye and enhances a room’s design. Functionally, rosette blocks eliminate the need for complicated miter cuts in casings, making it much easier to install door and window trim. The casings fit snugly against the rosette block at a 90-degree angle, simplifying the process.

That’s all for today’s Tavern History Tuesday. We hope you enjoyed learning more about the beloved history of our Tavern. Next time you stop by, be sure to check out these unique touches in our stunning bar for yourself!