May 17, 2012The First Tavern
Located at 100 North Main Street
The first tavern, built as a tavern, in Jamestown was erected by Jacob Fenton, soldier of the Revolution, in 1814, before the village had received its name, it being then known as The Rapids. It stood on the east side of Main Street, midway between First and Second Streets.
Fenton was a potter by trade and erected a small pottery at the rear of his tavern. Here he made plain red tea cups and saucers and other simple pottery for the little community. From this pottery, Potter’s Alley , upon which the lot abuts, takes its name. Two of Jacob Fenton’s jugs are part of the Fenton Historical Society’s collection.
The tavern became the social and civic center of the village. Here Judge E.T. Foote, Samuel Brown, Jamestown’s first attorney, and others afterward notable for their prominence and service to the community, first found hospitality in this village.
THE FIRST TAVERN
HERE IN 1814 JACOB FENTON REVOLUTIONARY VETERAN AND POTTER BY TRADE BUILT A TWO-STORY TAVERN THE SOCIAL AND CIVIC CENTER OF THE EARLY VILLAGE. THE BUILDING, 25 FEET BACK FROM MAIN STREET FACED SOUTH TOWARD THE KEELBOAT LANDING ON THE OUTLET. FENTON'S POTTERY, ADJOINING THE TAVERN ON THE EAST GAVE POTTERS ALLEY ITS NAME.