Willowbrook Tavern

Clark's Hotel

From The New Ipswich Papers 1936

From a collection of Papers Written for the Historical Society of New Ipswich, New Hampshire and Read at Society Meetings - Compiled and Edited by Mrs. Abbie L. Phelps

Willowbrook Tavern

ISAIAH KIDDER built about 1808 the building so known as Clark's Hotel for a store and carried on a big business there until his death in 1811. The following seven years of its existence are uncertain, but it is supposed to have been continued as a store by Samuel Batchelder and then by Newton and Willey. In 1818 it was opened as a Tavern by Joseph Newell. It is not known how long he was there, and he is supposed to have been followed by J. B. Holt. Elliot Tucker is known to have been there in 1829, Henry Bates in 1834-35, Albert Merriam in 1836 and E. P. Edwards in 1838. He was there five or six years and was followed by John Peabody who remained but a short time. Then came Gilman Brickett and William Mansur, the last named being there from 1850 to 1856. S. A. Hartshorn followed and was there until 1860, then C. W. Conant whose stay was short, probably not more than two years. Ephraim Bemis came next and was there until some time in 1864-65.

   Hawes and Cameron came next and were there but a short time when the place was sold to Peter H. Clark in 1867 who remained there about ten years. He was followed by Elbridge Smith who was there until 1884, Jerome Davis for 1885-86, Robert Perkins for a short time in 1887, and Gideon Smith who remained until 1890 when he went across the road and opened the Appleton House. For a short time it was vacant but was finally bought by Joseph Silver in 1892 and again opened as a Tavern, still keeping the name of Clark's Hotel. Mr. Silver was there until 1910 when he too moved over into the Appleton House. Then for a time it was vacant and was bought by Mr. James C. Barr and used as a private residence. After the fire at the former Homestead Inn in 1929 Mr. Barr opened this old stand once more as a public house under the name of Willow Brook Tavern and at this date it is still open under that name. (1936)

Willowbrook Tavern (1808 House)

Postcard photo taken before the 1938 Hurricane which knocked down the trees

Formulas

Stephen A. Thayer’s “One Hundred Formulas” was published in 1883. It contains recipes from everything from printing ink to pain killers. Save that bear oil:

WARNING: Please don’t try any of these “remedies”, many contain ingredients which have been shown to be harmful.

James Roger diary entry

December 8, 1908 (Tuesday)

Hard frost wind westerly.  Fine bright day.  David went to blacksmith’s to get horse sharpened, but too many horses were there before him.  Took Tom down in afternoon, and got him done.  He dug a grave for Wm. Davis’s mother, ground very stoney.  David got letter from Hamish last night he is well.  I got the turnips ready for Robbin’s.  Got papers from Roslin.

Become a Member (Only $15/Yr)

Membership in the Society is open to all. To join or to renew membership, send a check, membership category and contact information to:

Treasurer, New Ipswich Historical Society, 
P.O. Box 422 New Ipswich NH 03071

Thank you for your support Membership Category:

□ Individual $15

□ Family $25

□ Friend $35

□ Sponsor $50

□ Patron/Corporate $100

□ Benefactor $500

$_________ additional contribution for ongoing work to preserve the history of New Ipswich or special project (please specify)

Name: ___________________________
Email: ___________________________
Mailing Address: _____________________