Bump Tavern: Social Hub, Then and Now

Kajsa Sabatke, Interpretive Projects Coordinator Fancy a drink, a game, or just a bit of gossip? Then the local tavern is the place for you, and has been for many years. Taverns provided a place for both travelers and locals to gather for informal socializing. They also served as locations for court hearings, business meetings, dances, and church services. Bump Tavern, now located at The Farmers’ Museum, has been a hub of social activity for most of its 214-year existence. Today, the tavern continues to serve as a gathering place for staff and visitors. Jehiel Tuttle built the tavern in 1795 to serve cattle drovers, and in 1842 Ephraim Bump purchased the tavern and expanded it to its current size and appearance. Over the years, the building also served as a family residence, a boarding house for summer tourists in the Catskills, and even an antique store. Today, even though Bump Tavern no longer houses overnight guests, it still serves many of its original roles. Museum staff use the staff break room - in the back of the building - to enjoy a morning cup of coffee, eat lunch, and catch up with our coworkers. People also rent out the tavern for meetings, weddings, and other events. As a visitor, you can also join in on the social aspect of the tavern. Play a game of checkers, chat with the other visitors and staff as they stop by, enjoy some refreshments, or even experience dinner and entertainment at our program, Evening at the Tavern. Though you may wear sneakers instead of boots, and baseball caps instead of bonnets, the tavern still has a great many things to enjoy. Stop in and say hello during your next visit to the museum.