Viets' Tavern
Encyclopedia
Viets' Tavern is an 18th century tavern, directly across the street from the Old Newgate Prison
.
The date of the construction of this building is not known, but there are multiple references to this tavern in historical records. In 1712, Dr. John Viets was granted a license by the town of Turkey Hills (now East Granby
) to "keep a house of public entertainment." His son Jon, and his grandson Luke both had tavernkeepers licenses. The Connecticut Historical Society has a photograph of a sign at the location with the date 1790, although the sign was destroyed in a 1904 fire.
The tavern was popular, not only with prison officials and visitors, but also some of the convicts.
Old Newgate Prison
Old Newgate Prison was a Colonial American prison in what is now East Granby, Connecticut. It is now a historic site.The prison was originally a copper mine, opened in 1705, and is believed to be the first copper mine in America. After mining operations proved unprofitable, the colony of...
.
The date of the construction of this building is not known, but there are multiple references to this tavern in historical records. In 1712, Dr. John Viets was granted a license by the town of Turkey Hills (now East Granby
East Granby, Connecticut
East Granby is a town in Hartford County, Connecticut, United States. The population was estimated at 5,058 in 2005. The town recently celebrated its 150th anniversary with a three-day festival on June 7, 8, and 9, 2008.-Geography:...
) to "keep a house of public entertainment." His son Jon, and his grandson Luke both had tavernkeepers licenses. The Connecticut Historical Society has a photograph of a sign at the location with the date 1790, although the sign was destroyed in a 1904 fire.
The tavern was popular, not only with prison officials and visitors, but also some of the convicts.