Candlelight Open House at the Tavern

Friday evening Hanna’s Town hosted the town at a candlelight open house at the historic tavern.  The log building was decked out to be cozy and inviting, and at the stroke of 4pm it opened it’s doors to the public.  I remember reading that several dozen candles in the Palace Ballroom (Williamsburg Virginia) resulted in it being ‘well lit’.  Our dozen or so candles created the same effect.  There were candles on the mantle, on the ‘savory’ (food) table, the writing table, on the stairs, tucked in the china cupboard, and in the bar.  Those candles, plus the blazing, warm fire, created a welcoming effect.  There were over a hundred people coming and going, pulling up a chair or a bench by the fire, and partaking of our fare. 

Our hostessses served cheese  cubes and dipping mustard, gherkins (pickles), ham, Trail bologna, corn muffins, beer bread with melted cheese, meatballs in sweet and sour sauce, and a variety of crackers.  Beer and wassail, ginger ale and cider were served in the bar.  Lisa positioned herself by the fireand answered colonial questions and engaged the guests in conversation.  It was a lovely evening, and very well received by the entire company.  At one point there were about 15 people huddled together by the fire, newly introduced to each other, sharing drinks and stories and enjoying the ambiance. The militia was standing by outside the door, ready to escort guests up the path to the new gift shop, where cookies and spiced tea were served as they browsed the beautiful display of gifts and souvenirs. 

I was excited to be part of the evening. Once our guests had left, and the tavern cleaned up and put back to rights, the militia and the hostesses carried their lanterns to the buildings and made sure everything was locked up. 

The colonial reenactors, the lighted lanterns, the log structure, all made me just stand there and imagine that just for an instant I was transported back to 1763, when Hanna’s Town was a thriving town and was the county seat – and the first court west of the Allegheny mountains.  I felt blessed to be co-hostess, and enjoyed every minute of the evening.  I encourage you to check out future events at www.westmorelandhistory.org.  You won’t be disappointed.