Stage-coach and Tavern Days

"Stage-coach and Tavern Days" by Alice Morse Earle is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work offers a detailed exploration of the significance of stage-coaches and taverns in early American life, particularly in New England. The book delves into the social and cultural roles these establishments played, revealing how they served not only as places for travelers to rest but also as crucial centers of community interaction and gathering. The opening of "Stage-coach and Tavern Days" sets the stage for understanding the early Puritan society's relationship with hospitality and neighborliness. Earle introduces the concept of the "ordinary," the early tavern, noting its dual purpose of providing accommodation for travelers and acting as a social hub for locals. She discusses the regulations surrounding the establishment of ordinaries, the challenges faced by tavern keepers, and how these venues facilitated social life while adhering to strict codes of conduct—balancing hospitality with upheld moral standards in a deeply pious community.