The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-03-05
EAST cHEsrER,s OLD TAVERN.
Distinguished Guests Ie Has Eutertainea In Hs
Two Centuries or Existence.

= A1
Two Centuries or Existence.
B. odell. who died last month. is of historic
interest. Erected in 1879. on tho south side Of
tho old Boston Post Road. 1t was q stopping
place for the stage coaches as they rumbled to
and fro between New York and Boston. For
many years 1t was known as tho Guion Tavern,
being kept by Charles Guion.
Almost every part of the old hotel has some
story attached to 1t, even to tho ancient sign
post from which two British soldiers were
hanged for desertion In 1775. This sign post
did double duty. serving also AZ q whip
ping post.
In August. 1878. George Warrington stopped
at the inn. and. becoming Ill. was delayed there
several days. during which time no received
careful nursing from Mrs. Guion. the hostess.
The story Is still told that upon his departure
Washington begged leave to kiss his hostess
upon the forehead as o token of his gratitude for
the good caro- he had received, and that Host
Guion proudly declared that the kiss given by
Gen. Washington to Mrs. Guion should mover DO
washed of.
Five years later the British evacuated Now
York and Gov. George Clinton issued q call
for the Empire Council to assemble at tho
East Chester Tavern to provide for the tenn
porary government of the southern part of the
State until tho Legislature could be convened.
This was in accordance with an act which had
been passed as far back as October, 1879. in
anticipation of the British either abandoning the
region or being forced out.
In October. 1889, tho citizens of East Chester
selected the tavern as tho bost place In which TO
hold a banquet and ball which they gave in
honor of President Martin Van Buren, and his
Cabinet 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.
one OF his visits to this country. and many other
prominent people have stayed there.
Forty years ago Stephen 3. Odell. who. in his
younger days, had won fame in tho prize ring
and owned Q racing stable. purchased the old
tavern and became its host. In making some
Hidden between shingles were about 81 900 in
English coin and q pass which road.
Permit the bearer hereof. William Thompson. n
private soldier. Independent Company OF British
Fusileers. posted, at Fort York. to pass and repass
about his lawful occasion to. from tho date hereof.
until the 2S day of april. He behaving himsel: as
and then to return to his command the
Aforesaid fort or garrison. Under my hand In Now
York this go day Of October. 1888.
To the onicers. Civil and Military, Whom These May
Concern.
Odell kept the place open as a tavern until
q couple OF years ago, when the lower part Of
East Chester and West Chester wcro annexed 10
rates he closed, the barroom. but continued to
1--we In the old house. Thus was the place
closed as n public house after moro than two
centuries of business.
The building is q two-story and gabled.roof
franc structure. Inside. the room occupied by
when Mrs. Guion's illustrious guest was its
tenant.