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Salem Tavern
According to Old Salem: The Official Guidebook, the Tavern was the first all brick building and one of the first public buildings constructed in Salem. The original Tavern, built in 1771, was destroyed by fire in 1784 and was promptly rebuilt. The success of the Tavern was important to the town's business interests; a steady flow of travelers depended on it for lodging and food, and Salem merchants and craftsmen relied on it for their business. The Salem Tavern was soon known throughout the region for its fine hospitality and service. In 1941 the Wachovia Historical Society partially restored it to its 1784 appearance with the help of more that fifty yearly inventories, some dating from before the Revolutionary War. It is now interpreted to represent the year 1791. Old Salem: The Official Guidebook, Penelope Niven and Cornelia Wright, 2000 All contents, unless otherwise indicated, This page was last updated on:
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Richard
J. Reynolds, Jr. bought the Salem Tavern in 1941 and gave it to the Society and
Salem College. When the College decided not to become involved in the management
of the property, it reverted to the Society. A fund that had been set up to purchase
the Tavern could now be used for restoration and preservation. When the decision
to establish Old Salem Incorporated was made it was instantly apparent that the
Tavern was best managed by Old Salem. Accordingly, in July 1953 we signed a fifty
year lease with Old Salem, which assumed full responsibility for the building.
The renewal of the lease will be an important event for both parties.