Wyman Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wyman Tavern
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 Location in New Hampshire
Location in the United States
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| Location | 339 Main St., Keene, New Hampshire |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1762 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000106 |
| Added to NRHP | April 3, 1972 |
The Wyman Tavern is a very old house in Keene, New Hampshire. It was built in 1762 by a man named Isaac Wyman. For many years, it was a popular place where people could eat, drink, and stay the night. This kind of place was called a tavern.
The Wyman Tavern was also important during the American Revolutionary War. It was a meeting spot for local soldiers, known as militia, before they went off to fight. Today, the building is a museum. It teaches visitors about local history. A group bought the property in 1968. Now, the Cheshire County Historical Society uses it as a museum. The Wyman Tavern was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This means it is a special historical site.
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What Does the Wyman Tavern Look Like?
The Wyman Tavern is located in Keene, New Hampshire. It is near the campus of Keene State College. The building is made of wood and has two and a half stories. It has a pointed roof and a brick chimney in the middle. The outside walls are covered with wooden boards.
The Front of the Building
The front of the house has five windows across. They are placed evenly around the main door. The windows on the second floor are close to the roof. The windows on the first floor have small pointed decorations above them. The front door has a small porch over it. This porch has a slanted roof and is held up by round pillars.
Inside the Tavern
Inside, the house has a common design for old buildings. There is a chimney in the center. When you enter, you find a small hallway. A narrow, winding staircase goes up from this hallway. You can see the large wooden beams that hold the house up. These beams were shaped by hand a long time ago. Some parts of the inside have fancy wooden panels from the 1700s. Two smaller parts were added to the house in the early 1800s.
History of the Wyman Tavern
The Wyman Tavern has a long and interesting history. It was built in 1762 by Isaac Wyman. He was a soldier who fought in the French and Indian War. After the war, he ran the tavern for 30 years.
Important Meetings and Schools
In 1770, the very first meeting of the leaders of Dartmouth College happened here. Dartmouth College is a famous school. This important meeting was even celebrated again at the tavern in 1970. That was 200 years later!
Later, in the 1800s, a minister named Zedekiah Barstow lived in the house for over 50 years. He was the last minister in Keene who was paid by the town. Reverend Barstow also ran a private school in the house. A famous student who attended his school was Salmon P. Chase. He later became a very important judge and politician in the United States.
Becoming a Museum
In 1968, a local non-profit group bought the building. They wanted to save it and share its history. They turned the Wyman Tavern into a museum. It helps people learn about what life was like in Keene many years ago.
See also
