MAWarrenTavern

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WARREN TAVERN

RESTORATION, 1989

From TROWEL, Winter 1989, Page 2:

JosephWarrenTavern_1_1989.jpg

JosephWarrenTavern_2_1989.jpg

A Restoration Earned Is a Masonic Landmark Saved

The Joseph Warren Tavern located at 105 Main St., Charlestown, is rich in Masonic and historical importance. It was one of the first buildings erected during the rebuilding of Charlestown after the disastrous fire of 1775. Masonically it was the birthplace of King Solomon's Lodge, 1783, the ninth oldest Lodge in Massachusetts.

The tavern was built by Bro. Eliphalet Newell, an artillery officer at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 and an admitted member of the Masonic group who dumped tea into Boston Harbor on Dec. 16, 1773. The tavern was named for General and Bro. Joseph Warren. It served as a meeting place for many prominent Masons of the day and played host to General George Washington, Paul Revere, and Josiah Bartlett, the latter two serving Massachusetts Masonry as Grand Masters.

The idea of forming a Masonic Lodge in Charlestown arose from the social gatherings at the tavern, and with the assistance of Bro. Newell and other members of the Craft the Lodge was chartered in 1783. The first meeting was held in a room at the tavern and was conducted by Bro. Revere. The room would later be called the Warren Room and would serve as the home for King Solomon's Lodge for the next 20 years.

In 1794 the tavern served as the formation site for the ceremony and dedication of the monument to Gen. Joseph Warren. Down through the years this little-known Masonic landmark has housed several businesses. Unoccupied for several years and suffering form urban decay, the oldest existent building in Charlestown was destined for the wrecking ball.

In 1971 the Warren Tavern was scheduled for demolition under the Charlestown urban renewal plan. Through the efforts of the Charlestown Preservation Society, this landmark was saved. The work of restoring the tavern began in late 1971. When completed a year later, the tavern was reopened to serve as a favorite spot for social gatherings. During the restoration, care was used in recreating the tavern to its former state. Many of the posts and beams are original, which add to the recreation of its interior.

In 1986 Bob Hertzig and Kate Petrie acquired the tavern, and they are the present owners. Their interest has gone beyond purely business, as evidenced by the many displays on the walls and their attention to authenticity in the ongoing preservation of the tavern. Their quest for more knowledge about the rich heritage has led them to a team of archaeologists using modern technology to search under the tavern for Colonial artifacts. As Masons we are hopeful the search will be a productive one and uncover Masonic artifacts hidden by time. If the tavern continues to serve the public as it did in Colonial days it truly serves to remind us that the restoration earned by the Preservation Society was truly a Masonic landmark saved for Masonry.


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