If you’ve ever found yourself at the bar and glanced around wondering what stories these old walls could tell—you’re not alone. And believe it or not, there was a time when the bar didn’t even exist! Originally, our Tavern consisted only of what is now the dining room. The bar area was added later, sometime between 1718 and 1758, during a period of expansion when buildings like ours evolved to accommodate the needs of growing communities and weary travelers.

But the most fascinating part? You can still see evidence of that addition today.

Take a look at the photo and you’ll notice a clearly visible wooden tab jutting from the corner beam and two rounded holes left behind. These aren’t just random imperfections—they’re remnants of a traditional colonial timber frame corner brace, a hallmark of early American construction.

In colonial times, buildings were crafted using the post-and-beam method, relying heavily on mortise-and-tenon joints, wooden pegs, and precise carpentry. Corner braces were diagonal pieces of timber that connected the vertical posts to horizontal beams, forming a triangle—the strongest shape in structural design. This clever geometry added essential stability to the frame, helping to resist shifting over time and giving the building the strength to stand for centuries.

The brace that once filled that corner helped support the original Tavern before the bar was even a thought. Builders would have carefully carved the joints by hand, aligning each tab and hole so the brace could slide into place and be secured without a single nail. These methods allowed structures to flex and settle naturally, which is one reason why so many colonial timber frame buildings still stand today.

So the next time you're enjoying a drink at the bar, take a moment to glance over at that exposed corner. That bold tab and those old holes aren’t flaws—they’re a direct connection to the 1700s, to the builders who shaped this place with care and craftsmanship, and to the stories that have unfolded here ever since.

From cozy fireside evenings to spirited gatherings, that old timber has seen it all. And now, so have you.