Green Dragon Tavern & Museum...

Previously, I mentioned driving by a place, for years, and never taking the time to stop. The Green Dragon Tavern & Museum was one of those places, too. Visible from the freeway we take to see Steve's Mom, every time we drive by we promise, "One day". Wednesday was that day!

"The Green Dragon Tavern & Museum is one of Carlsbad’s most unique and iconic venues. Upon entering our tall white doors, guests enter the brick-built building. With many different rooms to choose from, guests love to explore our free-admission museum, where visitors gain an understanding of our country’s early architecture, historical artifacts, and culture. Our more secluded spaces where private events are held are special spaces which exude grace and comfort, as they provide a classic East Coast elegance. Our notable menu items that are a must-try include our famous barrel-aged old fashioned and our several lobster roll variations. Families cherish the opportunity to transform a dinner into a fun educational opportunity for their children."
"We appreciate that many who visit our museum may not have the time or resources to travel to the East Coast to experience our country’s early architecture, historical artifacts, and culture where they are easily accessible. Our goal is to provide a tangible space that can offer a glimpse into that experience on the West Coast, and what better place than beautiful Carlsbad, CA. We are focused on the contributions of our founders during colonial-American history, and our museum and educational exhibits feature authentic original documents from the era and reconnect our guests with the life, times, and innovative perspectives of those who shaped our great country."
Let's talk about the original Green Dragon Tavern in Boston on which this is based. Established as St. Andrews Lodge of Freemasons in 1766, the Masons used the first floor for their meeting rooms led by Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, Joseph Warren (killed at Bunker Hill), followed by Grand Master John Hancock. The basement tavern was used by several secret groups and became known by historians as the Headquarters of the Revolution.
The Sons of Liberty led by Samuel Adams, Boston Committee of Correspondence and the Boston Caucus each met there. Though membership in the Sons of Liberty was secret, it is widely believed to have included Samuel Adams, Dr. Joseph Warren, Paul Revere, John Hancock, James Otis, and Benjamin Edes (owner of the influential Boston Gazette). The Boston Tea Party was planned there and Paul Revere (a Mason) was sent from there to Lexington on his famous ride. In January 1788, a meeting of the mechanics and artisans of Boston passed a series of resolutions urging the importance of adopting the Federal Constitution pending at the time before a convention of delegates from around Massachusetts. Sadly, the building was demolished in 1832.
According to Steven D. Barleen in The Tavern (2019), "no tavern from this era (pre-revolution) is as famous or as important in American history as the Green Dragon Tavern".
The new Tavern (2014) is a delightful place to dine and then learn.
As for what we ate, I had the Tavern Brussel Sprouts which were a sumptuous combination of applewood smoked bacon, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and maple syrup. A roasted baby beet salad accompanied it (mixed greens, poached pear, goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, toasted almonds, and champagne vinaigrette). Steve had, what he deemed the best, Reuben consisting of N.Y. Pastrami, 1,000 island dressing, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, marbled rye bread, and parmesan fries... Oh my!
A surprise to us both was how cavernous this place was. It can seat 250 guests. Wow.
To visit the museum, one does not need to dine there. You can just drop in and it's free. Operated by a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, the museum’s mission is designed to promote and celebrate our country’s heritage and reconnect guests with the life events and contributions of our founders. How cool is that?
The history is displayed along the walls and in cases. Artifacts are diverse and surprising.
I was very intrigued by this Revolutionary War flintlock gun. "The basic mechanism worked as follows:  a hammer is pulled back by use of a spring. When cocked or locked in place, it is released by a trigger above the stock or handle. The sharp edge of the flint shears off tiny particles of steel from the frizzen, which slides down onto the open tinderbox, thereby igniting the tinder or fuel within. Craftsmen added a candle holder for convenience. Once the flame was made in the catch box, the candle was removed from the holder and the wick was held over the flame. Once lit, the candle was put back in the holder. That candle would then light other candles, pipes, fireplace, oven, etc."
I loved not only seeing the long "S" in historical documents, but learning what it was all about was so interesting. Many readers of early American printed material have been confused by the curiosity that resembles a contemporary f. This is known as the "long s" and originated in early Roman scripts around the first Century. The "long s" was used where "s" occurred at the beginning or in the middle of a word. In the United States, Acts of Congress were published with the "long s" throughout 1803, switching to the "short s" in 1804. The "long s" fell out of use in the United States between 1795 and 1810.
Do you think we have privacy issues now? If so, consider the following booklet entitled Incomes of the Citizens of Boston and other Cities and Towns in Massachusetts and was printed by the Boston Traveller, a daily newspaper in Boston from the mid-19th century until the mid-20th century. The introduction in the interior of the book describes the motivation of the publishers: "at the request of many friends, including officers in the Internal Revenue service in this state, we publish this volume, containing the incomes reported for taxation ... in Massachusetts." By the way, Ralph Waldo Emerson earned $986 in 1866. Could you imagine a newspaper printing your name, city of residence and yearly income for everyone to see?
This little museum covered so much American history from the Mayflower to the Salem Witch Trials. There really was something for everyone. Oh, and did I mention it's free?

Since Paul Revere began his famous ride from The Green Dragon, it seems fitting there would be an exhibit space dedicated to him. By the way, his dad was a French Huguenot named Apollos Rivoire who changed his name to Paul Revere some time after immigrating. Who knew? The above is an actual ad for Paul, Jr's business.
When can one see currency from the 1700s?

The Adams family was showcased a great deal. Samuel Adams (1722-1803) is most popular today for a beer brand named in his memory, though many remember him for being a Patriot and leader of the American Revolutionary activities in Boston. Adams, who lost a significant portion of his inheritance from foolishly lending money to friends and business associates, needed the assistance of others to purchase a proper suit at the Continental Congress. This document features his signature on a military appointment from his time as Governor of Massachusetts.
This document was signed by Alexander Hamilton!
I was surprised by the artifacts dealing with Lotteries. While people have varying views on the concept of state lotteries, it is often forgotten that lotteries have been used for centuries to raise money for public works projects.
In the September 6, 1797 issue of the Porcupine's Gazette you will see information for the Lancaster Lottery, a lottery that will be used to raise no more than twenty thousand dollars "to be applied to the defraying the expences of paving the streets, in the Borough of Lancaster."
Also featured here are lottery slips from the State of Massachusetts Bay from the years 1780 and 1790 as well as a 1790 lottery slip from Rhode-Island for the purpose of paying for the construction of the "Providence Great-Bridge."

Though he is often remembered for his time as President, John Adams (Sam's cousin) was a successful lawyer prior to seeking political office. How amazing to see documents featuring legal cases he worked on, including handwritten notes as well as his signature.


And here's another "Who knew?" moment for me. Numerous well-known and successful men and women have descended from those accused of witchcraft in Salem and New England. Among them are Grace Goodhue Coolidge, wife of President Calvin Coolidge; Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, and Lucille Ball, American comedian and actress. Wild stuff.


A little about the Washington Monument. Soon after George Washington finished his two terms as President, many noteworthy politicians and citizens proposed that a monument should be built in the honor of the "Father of our Country." The petition book below was signed by many prominent politicians such as Charles Sumner, Millard Fillmore and Andrew Johnson, urging Congress to appropriate funds for the Washington Monument. Rumored to be an alcoholic, future President Andrew Johnson is the only person to sign the book twice. Other items include a note of recognition for a donation to the project, a Washington Monument Lottery ticket and a book from the official dedication ceremony.

"There are certain periods when human patience can no longer endure indignity and oppression. The spark of liberty then kindles into a flame..." -Samuel Adams
Incredible! This is definitely a place to visit if you're ever on the 5 freeway in Carlsbad. It doesn't take much from your day but it certainly will add a great deal to your knowledge about our American history. WOW.

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