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Schaefer's Spouter Tavern
Nineteenth-century seaport taverns were the homes to an ever-changing population of sailors who spent a few days of freedom ashore before shipping for another voyage.
Seaport taverns varied in size and refinement. More elegant establishments, such as the coffee houses of the early 19th century and fine hotels of the later years, catered to the influential members of the community like ships' captains, merchants and politicians. Thus, these inns often served as the seat of local business and politics.
Lower on the scale was the cheap dive or grog shop. Often attached to sailors' boarding houses, they saw many a shore-side spree during which "Jack Tar" might well be bilked out of his money by crimps, boarding house masters and other "landsharks."
Though named for the tavern in Melville's Moby-Dick, Schaefer's Spouter Tavern is a re-created exhibit, built by the Museum in 1956. However, the woodwork in its main room, including doors, windows, floor, wainscoting, bar, benches and fireplace, comes from the Central House Inne in Stoddard, New Hampshire, built in 1833. The hideaway bed in the corner was for a hired barman, who slept there to admit late travelers, and also to keep an eye on the supplies.
The adjacent game room is furnished with chairs and tables for the playing of cards, chess, checkers and dominoes in a less hurried day. Nautical touches in both rooms characterize this as a waterfront tavern, a popular spot for seamen to gather.
Now you can have lunch at Schaefer's Spouter Tavern!