What we’re about
Welcome to the Bucks County and Lehigh Valley Historic Tavern Trail! Bucks and Lehigh (and neighboring) Counties in Pennsylvania are rich in history, dating back to colonial times. This group will explore that history through the bars, pubs, taverns and restaurants that have served these communities for hundreds of years and played a part in the history of our nation. Think McCoole's Red Lion Inn, Brick Tavern Inn, Spinnerstown Inn, Jamison Publick House, Bethlehem Hotel and many more.
So if you're interested in meeting new people, socializing, soaking in the historic atmosphere and learning something about the history of these establishments, this group is for you.
Meetups will be monthly to semi-monthly at a rotating location, and most events will feature a historic presentation of some kind. Just casual get-togethers where we have a chance to mix-and-mingle, enjoy some food and drink, make intelligent conversation and learn something about the history of the venue where we're meeting. No dues, fees or cover charges, this is a fun thing for me, not a side hustle.
See you on the trail!
Upcoming events
1
America250: Patriots, Spies and Traitors at the Plumsteadville Inn
Plumsteadville Inn, 5902 Easton Rd, Plumsteadville, PA, USWe're going to explore a bit deeper into Bucks County and its Revolutionary War history at this event as we visit the Plumsteadville Inn in Plumstead Township.
The Plumsteadville Inn dates to 1751 when it was opened as the Hart Tavern or James Hart's Tavern, by owner James Hart. James passed away in 1765. But his eldest two sons, Samuel Hart (who took ownership of the tavern after his father's death) and Col. William Hart, were members of the local Pennsylvania Associators militia, Second Battalion during the Revolutionary War. They were both involved in a 1783 confrontation with the infamous Doan Gang at the nearby Halsey Cabin that resulted in the shooting death of Moses Doan.
In fact, the Harts were rivals with the Doans from childhood, the Hart children growing up to be patriots during the Revolutionary War, while the Doans became traitors, spies and saboteurs who were loyal to the crown.
We'll delve a bit deeper into this colonial era family feud and look at how it was a microcosm for all of Bucks County, where loyalties were divided between patriots and loyalists and those who were just "disaffected" and didn't especially support the revolutionaries or the crown.
According to the Plumsteadville Tavern's website, these divisions were present within the Hart family and led to them selling their tavern during or shortly after the war and eventually leaving the area. Other sources say the Harts disposed of the tavern for strictly financial reasons.
Meet for lunch at 1 p.m. I plan to reserve one of the "original dining rooms" in the part of the building that dates to 1751. Optional pre-lunch drink at the bar at 12:30.
I know this will be a long drive for many of you, but if you can make it, see you there!25 attendees
Past events
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