Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1920-03-25
Old Tavern 70 Go.
Black Horse, Built In 1894, An
Old Landmark.


Old Landmark.
The old Black Horse Tavern, probably
the last landmark in Cumberland. Md,
and dating back to Colonial days. is about
to pass out of existence. George Wash
inQton, while commander-in-chief of the
Army of the Revolution, frequently din
ed here. 1t was visited by General Laf-
ayette on several occasions and Indian
chiefs on their way to the capital used
to wine and dine there.
The tavern was built in 1854 with logs
hewn from the timber which then made
Cumberland Wilderness Under direc-
ton of Martin Kizer, its owner, 1t was
put together with handmade spikes and
nails. A stone, bearing the initials IN.
r." known to surveyors as bench
mark, still stands, ,and is used by engi-
neers in locating boundaries in that part
of the city.
Until recently the old fireplaces. which
were popular during the Colonial days,
could be seen. Among these was one IA
feet wide with swinging crane and the
old Dutch ovens. These have been clos
ed up, but two tables made of cherry
wood that are believed were used to serve
guests at the tavern. are still in the pos
session of Mrs. Oliver. and VIII en- she va
Gates the remises to take up her new
residence they will be given place in
the household One of two buffets, made
out of walnut and SO heavy that 1t re-
quires two or three perso, to move them
about, will also be preserved.
The barroom of the Black Horse Tav-
ern was 10 Gated in the front of the build
ing. This room was not occupied and
the shelves on which were displayed the
bottled gods are unchanged. Ii is said
that whisky could be purchased then at
6 cents a pint In the days of the stage
coaches, the drivers with their passen-
gers put up at the tavern ard the horses
and vehicles kept in the large lot at the
rear. The tavern was purchased from
Mr.. Rizer for $500 by the late George M.
Reid, who owned large number of boats
on the canal Since then four genera
tions have lived in this house.
FORD'S GRAND OPERA HOUSE.
Week March Goth, Mr. Daniel Froh-
man will present a new comedy drama
THE HARVEST
by Milton Royle author of the Souaw
Man. Notable company and production.
The week of March Goth. at Ford's
will be important in the production of a
new play by Milton Royle, The Har-
vest" under the auspices of the distin-
guished New YORK manager, Daniel
Frohman and marked by cast of notable
, players.
Mr.. Royle will he remembered as the
author of that dramatic triumph, 1.-THE
Squaw Man" which has become world
renowned.
1.-The Harvest" il s; id to be distinctive
Mr.. Royle has given it wonderfully artis-
tic ard convincing work, and the pro-
ducers are highly aprreciative of its
succeeding merits end will give it a
representation seldom bestowed on a
dramatic work
The uthor has written several other
plays, some novels too, and thinks that
his latest contribution to the stage, 1.-THE
Harvest" is now fashioned to his liking,
it is unusual in having its time of action
occurr in 1886.
Prices W'ednesd day matinee 25c to 81. or.
, Saturday matinee soc to $3.50. Even
ings 5oe to $500
Week Apri; 9Th the merry musical
hit Listen Lester" adv.