The Monmouth inquirer., 1898-04-14
EAST cHesTER's TAVERN

Distinguished Guests 1t Has Entertain-
ed In Its Two Centuries of Existence
The old East Chester Tavern. kept
by the late Stephen B. Odell. is of his
toric interest Erected in 1879. on the
south side Of the old Boston Post Road,
it was stopping place for the stage
coaches as they rumbled to and fro be-
tween New York and Boston. Tor
many years it was known as the Guion
Tavern, being kept by Charles Guion.
Almost every part of the old hotel
has some story attached to it, even to
the ancient sign post from which two
British soldiers were hanged for deser-
tion in l775. This sign post did double
duty, serving also as whipping post.
In August 1878, George Washington
stopped at the inn, and, becoming i'll,
was delayed there several days, during
which time he received careful nursing
from Mrs. Guion, the hostess. The
story is still told that upon his depar-
ture Washington begged leave to kiss
his hostess upon the forehead as tok-
en- of his gratitude for the good care he
had received, and that Host Guion
proudly declared that the kiss given by
never be washed off.
Five years later the British evacuated
New York and Gov. George Clinton is
sued a call for the Empire Council to
assemble at the East Chester Tavern to
provide for the temporary government
of the southern part Of the State until
the Legislature could be convened.
This was in accordance with an act
tot e..
October, 1870. in anticipation of the
British either abandoning the region or
being forced out.
In October, 1899 the citizens Of East
Chester selected the tavern as the best
place in which to hold banquet and
ball which they gave in honor of Presi-
dent Martin Van Buren and his Cabi-
net. and twenty years later President
James Buchanan was entertained there
at dinner Henry Clay was a guest in
1910, and in 1858 Gen. Winfield Scott
was entertained in the old place.
Gen. Lafayette stopped at the hotel
during one of his visits TO this country
and many other prominent people have
stayed there.
Forty years ago Stephen B. Odelf,
who, in his younger days, had WON
fame in the prize ring and owned a
racing stable, purchased the old tavern
and became its host In making some
alterations Odell came upon an inter-
esting find. Hidden between shingles
were about 81, 900 in English coin and a
pass which read.
Permit the bearer hereof, William
| Thompson, private soldier, Indepen1-
ent Company of British Fusileers. post
ed at Fort York, to pass and repass
about his lawful occasion to, from the
date hereof, until the 28 day of april.
\ He behaving himself as becommeth.
and then to return to his command, the
aforesaid fort or garrison. Under my
hand in New York this 20 day of Oc-
tober. 1888. 1
Herbert Marshall
To the Officers, Civil and Military,
| Whom These May Concern.
Odell kept the place open as a tavern
until couple of years ago, when the
lower part of East Chester and West
Chester We're annexed to New York city.
Owing to the increase in excise rates
he closed the barroom but continued
to live in the old house. Thus was the
( place closed as a public house after
more than two centuries of business.
The building is a two-story and ga
bled-roof frame structure. Inside, the
room occupied by George Washington
is preserved the same as when Mrs
Guion's illustrious guest was its tenant.