Introducing the ‘Tavern Project’

“Entertainment for Man and Beast“

This is the first in a series of articles about the licit and illicit drinking establishments operating in the vicinity of Henry Clay (or ‘Rising Sun’) after the founding of the Dupont powder mills in 1802. As the community grew, so did the importance of taverns in the social, recreational and political activities of the mill workers. At one point Rising Sun had so many taverns that two were numbered “Rising Sun Tavern No. 1” and Rising Sun Tavern No. 2”. This led a newspaper report in 1873 to wonder,

“But what is the design in commencing to number the taverns, unless it is feared that there won’t be names enough for all? For a thirsty man, whose stomach won’t bear water, we recommend Rising Sun. It’s bound to shine!”¹

We will start with a bit of history and background on the role of taverns in the United States in general and Delaware in particular. We will look at the laws and regulations that governed the operating of drinking establishments before exploring the taverns of Henry Clay in more detail.

These Henry Clay articles will focus on the physical taverns themselves, looking at their ownership or proprietorship over the years and looking into the lives of these individuals. For example, the Toy Tavern on Main Street was originally owned by Patrick Higgins, a wealthy landowner, in the early 1800s. It was purchased by James Toy in 1848 and operated as the Jefferson House. The tavern later passed to John Thomas Toy, son of James, and became known as the William Penn Hotel. After the passing of John Thomas, the tavern was rented and operated by a number of local residents until Prohibition. Each of these people contributed to the character of the tavern during their tenure.

The articles will also look at the role these taverns played in the life of the Rising sun community. Through the years, the Toy Tavern served as a political headquarters, a dancing school for the young people in the community, a ball room and a concert hall in addition to being a place where the locals could have the occasional drink.

The taverns were often known by the name of the proprietor. In addition to Toy’s, we find McCullion’s, Dougherty’s, Fleming’s, Dever’s and Hagee’s, among others. When applying for a license, the taverns had more official names such as Rising Sun, Railroad House and, during Prohibition, names such as the Blazing Rag and Black Cat. All will be covered in due course.

While I bring a genealogical background to the effort I have partnered with Richard Templeton to bring his background and skills in historical research to the project. Dick is the author of Across the Creek: Black Powder Explosions on the Brandywine and is very familiar with the Hagley powder mill community.

Finally, our research is limited by what has been saved in various archives. I know from past experience that there will be readers of this blog who have personal documents and recollections that can contribute to the tavern history. If you have something to contribute, please contact us using the contact section of Brandywine Banks or leaving a comment on an article. We look forward to the dialog.

Photograph “Hagley Workmen in Saloon” courtesy of Hagley Museum and Library, Hagley ID HF_T020_010

1. Wilmington Daily Commercial, 08 May 1873, Page 4 ↩