Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-05-02
BOSTON'S OLDEST ALE-HOUSE.
The Famous "Bell-in-H Hand" where
Webster Drank, to be Closed.

A Boston special to the New York World
says: One of the most cherished landmarks of
old Boston, the famous 'Bel-in-Hand" ale
house in Williams court is among the l, 700
drinking places whose license the police COM
missoners have refused to renew. The BELL
INLAND" is the only surviving type of the En-
glish tap-room now to be found in Boston. and
when its proprietor turns out the light and bolts
the door, the .'Bell-in- Hand will have ended
an existence continuing at one location over
ITO years. The police commissioners edict
against the famous resort has received very
general condemnation.
In dark, narrow and dirty alley leading off
Washington street, frequented chiefly by news
boys, printers, pressmen and city hall pollti-
clans making the short cut through into busy
thoroughfares, the "Bell-in-Hand is located.
Rufus Choate, so the historians say, when once
encountered in this dingy alleyway by friend
who expressed surprise at his being in so igno-
minious locality, replied quietly: YES it's ig-
nominious, but - convenient" 1t is more
than probable that Rufus was bound for the
.Bell-in- Hand" there to consume some of its
fine old English ale. If so. it is also probable
that he met there his old friend, Daniel Web
ster, and score of other convivial Bostonians,
who sampled the ''Bell-in- Hand" ale generously
and regularly. The quality of this ale is famous
throughout New England, and at any hour of
the day one finds around its old-fashioned
hardwood tables an assembly Of people of all
stations in life-merchants, lawyers, bohe-
mians. idlers, clerks, country visitors, report
ers and printers. 1t is always a merry crowd,
but an orderly one.
The origin of this institution Is historically
interesting. Toward the close of the last GEN.
fury James Wilson, thetown crier at that time,
went into the ale business and opened at the
present stand. He was famous character.
For forty years or more he went about town
ringing his bell and calling the attention of the
citizens to momentous events occurring in
their midst. James was an itinerant adverts-
ing medium with an extensive circulation, and
he rapidly became one Of Boston's dearest in
situations. His alehouse then stood in the
midst of a fashionable neighborhood, being
next door to DIR. Warren's mansion, where po-
lice station No. l now stands, and was sur
rounded by beautiful lawns, gardens, and -four
ishing orchards
About the time of the French revolution, it is
recorded King Louis Philippe of France, when
in exile, stopped for period at the 'Bell-in-
Hand" Possibly it was from this fact that
Wilson Was induced to gather a collection of old
Partisan prints and engravings, which were
transmitted in after years to the tavern's later
proprietors. and which now, dust-covered and
dim with age, hang on its walls When Wilson
died in 1854. his business passed into other hands
together with his mugs, his pictures and his
fixtures. 1t was then that the wooden image
OF his town-crier's bell was placed above the
door and gave the place its name. 1t is marked
"A. ID. 1855" The 'Bell-in- Hand" has had but
four proprietors, the present one being Thomas
COnnell.