Taverns and Drinking in Early America

American colonists knew just two types of public building: churches and taverns. At a time when drinking water was considered dangerous, everyone drank often and in quantity. The author explores the role of drinking and tavern sociability in various areas, including Anglican and Quaker communities.

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American colonists knew just two types of public buildings,churches and taverns - and drinking houses far outnumbered places of worship. At a time when drinking water supposedly endangered one's health, colonists of every rank, age, race and gender drank often and in quantity. Sharon V. Salinger offers a study of public houses and drinking throughout the mainland British colonies. Salinger explores the obvious and obscure ends that alcohol met in colonial society. Tavern patrons might engage in a heated argument about the price of wheat, debate the inspirational quality of the minister's sermon, plot political action, exchange news, offer countless toasts, or share a convivial pint with friends. Salinger also looks at the similarities and differences in the roles of drinking and tavern sociability in New England, the mid-Atlantic, the Chesapeake and the South; in small towns, cities, and the countryside; and in Anglican, Quaker and Puritan communities. Her findings challenge the prevailing view that taverns tended to break down class and gender differences. Instead, she argues they did not signal social change so much as buttress custom and encourage exclusion.