Tucked into a cozy corner of 1710 Tavern hangs a piece of early American history you might easily miss—but once you spot it, you’ll see it tells a whole story. Pictured here is a wall-hung candle box, a humble yet essential item found in homes and taverns from the 1700s through the early 1800s.

Unlike some candle boxes that featured lids or compartments, this one is crafted with a tall, flat back and an open-front box, allowing for quick access to the candles inside. It’s mounted on the wall—just as it would’ve been centuries ago—keeping candles safely stowed yet ready to grab when the sun dipped low and firelight was needed to guide the evening. The iron spoons and utensils hanging above it serve as a practical and decorative addition, reminiscent of how colonists made the most of every inch of space.

In colonial taverns, candles were a luxury item made from beeswax or tallow. Storing them properly was crucial—not just to protect them from dampness or pests, but because every candle was precious. The warm glow they offered lit up everything from nightly suppers to late-night storytelling and spirited debates among travelers.

Boxes like this one were typically hung near hearths or kitchen doors, where they were both useful and subtly decorative. Over time, they became a canvas for folk art, with simple yet graceful shapes and handcrafted iron hardware like the ones you see here. Though the candles are long gone, the oyster shells in our display add a regional flair and a nod to the Chesapeake’s culinary roots.

Next time you’re in the tavern, look for this piece on the wall and imagine a time when lighting a room meant more than flipping a switch—it meant striking a flame, setting the mood, and letting the evening unfold in flickering, golden light.