The Ketcham Inn: Jefferson and Madison slept here

On May 18, guests at The Ketcham Inn tavern enjoyed a lively evening of entertainment and authentic period food and drink, courtesy of innkeepers Bert Seides and Diane Schwindt and publican Rob, who were quick to remind visitors that in the 18th century, when Long Island was part of Connecticut and Connecticut was one of the British colonies, this tavern was the most public room in the Moriches. And it played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.

Eighteenth-century Britain had a population of about 8 million people to the approximately 2.5 million in its colonies.  As the Enlightenment took hold, many in Britain congregated in coffee houses to socialize, hear news, and discuss issues of the day.  The colonies’ taverns, also known as Publick Houses, served a similar function. Centuries before the internet, radio or television, taverns were the social media platform of their time.

But since colonists lived mostly in agricultural regions on farms or within small villages, taverns served additional needs as well.

At a time when the trip from Huntington to Mastic might take two to three days—an average horse could travel only 30 miles each day—overnight stays at taverns were the norm. Located every 5 to 6 miles along stage routes, they provided lodging to travelers seeking shelter for 1 to 2 shillings (about 20 to 40 cents) per night in shared bed accommodations and a meal prepared from seasonal ingredients, served family style.

While there, they might encounter other local patrons who came for a meal at the end of a workday—merchants, farmers, laborers. These local residents also came to the tavern to receive mail, collect wages, vote (white men only), enjoy a drink, and engage in gossip or political debate.

It is this latter feature that also plays a pivotal part in the rising opposition to British rule over the colonies.

Issues of taxation—then as now—were a source of contention, as were feelings of resentment over a lack of representation in Parliament.  Men like Jefferson and Madison often traveled between colonies, on business, or as they did in 1718, to explore the Hudson River and the Connecticut coast and visit William Floyd, staying at the Ketcham Inn.  While here, they studied the Hessian fly, a pest known to destroy crops; the language of indigenous Poospatuck people (Jefferson); and courted young Kitty Floyd (Madison, who was refused and later married Dolley).

Travelers like Jefferson and Madison brought with them news of events and opinions, circulating them throughout the colonies, helping to inform, and later unite, men with a growing feeling of rebellion.

All three men would later go on to participate in the move to promote an extrication from Britain and establish a democratic system of government, free of kings.

Floyd was heavily involved with promoting independence and led a local militia once the war started. As the British army advanced across Long Island, Floyd was forced to evacuate his family to Connecticut when the redcoats took over the area and occupied his house.

Ketcham Inn publican Benjamin Havens stayed on, however, serving British soldiers, keeping their glasses full of warm ale and rum, and listening to their stories.  He also drove a stagecoach between Moriches and Brooklyn. According to a story in Rivington’s New-York Gazette, those trips to Brooklyn helped supply valuable information about British activity to Washington’s forces.  The inn’s publican was a spy. And, according to a fascinating story in the Journal of the American Revolution, “James Rivington: King’s Printer and Patriot Spy?,” there is considerable evidence that Rivington was as well.

This is only one of many fascinating stories told at tavern nights at The Ketcham Inn.  As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, Bert Seides and historic cook Diane Schwindt continue to offer rich opportunities to learn more about life in our town and connect with details of our community’s history.

Upcoming events include a delicious Fathers’ Day Breakfast at 9:30 a.m. on June 14, prepared in a 1693 open-hearth kitchen using authentic period utensils; a Juneteenth celebration from 12:30  to  1:30 p.m. on June 22, including a tour of the Mary E. Bell House on Railroad Avenue; a July 5 event where you can help make and enjoy ice cream using George Washington’s favorite recipe from 12 to 1 p.m.; or, engage in a lively evening of conversation and history, libation and hearth-roasted pretzels at the tavern on July 20 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Additional events and more information: ketchaminnfoundation.org (631) 878-1855

To register for events: Eventbrite.com Ketcham Inn Foundation