The Booths Revisited

Boothgate is getting interesting.

For those who came in late, I had railed against the reported removal of the booths from 10 Center Street. Apparently, the old booths were gone, but they've been replaced with some comfier, upholstered benches. Frankly, I never found the old booths to be uncomfortable, but hey, it's not my restaurant.

A couple of days ago, I got the comment below. I can't verify the accuracy as its from an anonymous poster, but here goes:

2 booths from Center Street will go on the auction block Friday night at Michael's Harborside for a Restore our Stadium event. The booths came from the Old Wolfe's Tavern. The rest were put out on the curb I think.

Now I did confirm that there is a silent auction tomorrow as part of a RESTORE-sponsored dance. Read about it in the Daily News here.

Now, as to the historic significance of the booths. If this is true it seems like a pretty big deal. As everyone knows, Old(e) Wolfe's Tavern was....

Okay, who am I kidding. Well, I'd heard of it, but I couldn't give details. I had to look it up. From comity.org.

For many generations passing time or a lifetime here in the Waterside, Wolfe Tavern was a favorite respite --- the place where your ancestors tarried3 along life's journey. Good food and food for thought became the standard fare: Patrons discussed current events and debated topical issues while exchanging banter over a tankard of ale or mug of mulled cider, flip or syllabub. Although Wolfe Tavern now stands only in historical notation, its connotation remains a strong edifice in the Waterside community's "Fifth Estate," unrivalled in its mystique and moment.

The original tavern inn first opened its doors in 1762 when William Davenport converted his dwelling house on the lower corner of Threadneedle Alley and State (then Fish) Street, nearby to Market Square. At first the establishment was advertised (under the proprietor's name) as an inn for lodging guests. Soon the Davenport Inn's parlors became a popular meeting place for locals --- particularly those who had served with Captain Davenport during the 1759 expedition to Quebec. The tavern's assumed epithet (Wolfe Tavern) was inspired by its distinguished sign --- an elaborate carving of General James Wolfe, in tribute to the fallen hero of that epic battle which had decided the French and Indian War.4

With its proximity to Market Square and the Waterside Parish meetinghouse (down the way) and town hall (across the way) --- Wolfe Tavern became a convenient place for the Waterside people to congregate before and after town meeting. Tradition holds that mere motion to petition the General Court to form the separate town of Newburyport made significant headway at Wolfe Tavern5 --- a deed done in 1764. Other words and deeds emanating from Wolfe Tavern would have consequences beyond the bounds of the Waterside community. Within a decade, the first militia company of seamen mustered to defend American rights would be formed at Wolfe Tavern. A plaque marking the original site of Wolfe Tavern is dedicated to the Independent Marine Company formed there in 1774, mounted on the exterior wall of the building where the tavern once stood.

The place burned down in the fire of 1811 so I'm guessing the booths would have come from the NEW Old(e) Wolfe Tavern, built at the intersection of State and Harris Streets. That building stood until 1953 when it was unceremoniously demolished by the owner.

So does anyone know if the claim that the booths hailed from the Old(e) Wolf Tavern is true? If so, it'd be a shame if they got tossed.

Well, all of them except for two, which can be yours if...the price is right.