I would like to know if anyone has information or photos of an early tavern known as The Seven Starrs that was located near Plymouth Meeting House from 1754-1975. I believe from the location of the inn, as mentioned in the records below and other records, that this inn may have been in the possession of my ancestor Joseph Samuels (possibly unlicensed) prior to Benjamin Davis operating a tavern there in 1754. Joseph Samuels died in March 1753, and his widow Sarah remarried less than a month later to Arnold Francis of Providence Twp. I have several records that mention that Joseph was a joiner and one that refers to him as an innholder. A petition from Andress Supplee, et al (Court of Quarter Sessions, Philadelphia), shows a primitive map that includes Joseph Samuels' plantation "in the fork where the high road branches to Plymouth and Norriton Mills. This road was surveyed by Heinrich Pannebacker in 1722..."Upon an order of the Court to run a road "from Olekton(sic) to Philadelphia." Henry Pannebecker made a survey beginning 'at a white oak standing in the King's High Road near ye plantation of Joseph Samuel on Plymouth,' and then by various courses running north to Perkiomen Creek, and thence 'to the Indian Ford on Schuylkill,' which was duly reported by the jury in March following and approved. This road is still the main thoroughfare between Phoenixville and Norristown." It is my understanding that those seeking a license to operate a tavern had to show there was a need for an additional tavern to accommodate travelers at convenient distances along the highways and byways and Joseph's location certain! ly seems ideal for an inn. Different land records indicate that his land holding was in Plymouth or Whitemarsh twps. which suggests he was located on or near the township line. "The Seven Stars Inn ranks among the oldest stands In Montgomery county. It was licensed in 1754 to Benjamin Davis. Soldiers of the French and Indian War, and later those of the British army in Revolutionary war days, gazed at its peculiar sign-board as they marched through the township. William Lawrence kept this or another tavern here in 1767. The old Black Horse Tavern was another notable tavern, along with the Seven Stars...The small but ancient villages of this township include Plymouth Meeting, Hickorytown and Harmansville. Plymouth Meeting House is situated at the junction of Perkiomen and Plymouth turnpikes, on the township line. A portion of the hamlet stands in Whitemarsh township." "The "Seven Stars" inn ranks among the oldest stands in the county. In 1754, Benjamin Davis received a license to keep it, and Nicholas Scull on his map of the province, published In 1759, mentioned it by this name and which it has ever since borne. Soldiers gazed on its sign in the French and Indian war, and also, later again, the British army as they passed by it on their march to take possession of Philadelphia, and yet the sign of the "Seven Stars" has been perpetuated and still exists amidst the numerous changes of so long a period." "William Earnest was educated in the public schools, and in early youth was initiated into the details of farm life. In 1890 he became the manager of the Black Horse Hotel, a short distance below Norristown. He also officiated in the same capacity at the Seven Stars Hotel in Plymouth township, near Norristown, for three years." "In 1754, Benjamin Davis received a license to keep an inn on Ridge Pike at Plymouth Creek. This Inn, the Seven Stars, was shown on maps as early as 1759. The inn was demolished in 1975 to make way for the Midcounty Expressway." January 19, 1764 The Pennsylvania Gazette TO BE SOLD, A TRACT of Land, containing 79 Acres, about 35 cleared with good Improvements thereon, such as a good Dwelling house, Barn, Stables, Creek and Spring near the House, &c. situated in the Township of Plymouth, on the great Road leading from Philadelphia to Lancaster and Reading, the House is a well accustomed Tavern, known by the Name of the Seven Star, standing in the Fork of the Road leading to the Swedes Ferry. --- Also 70 Acres of good Land in the said Township, within a Mile of the above, about 40 Acres cleared, with good Improvements thereon. --- LIkewise a good Plantation in Upper Merion, containing 108 Acres of good Land. For Title and Terms of Sale, apply to the Subscriber, near the first mentioned Premises. ALEXANDER COLLEY. November 15, 1764 The Pennsylvania Gazette Came to the Plantation of Enoch Dungan, living in Warminster Township, Bucks County, about the Middle of July last, a brown Mare,, four or five Years old, both paces and trots, no Brand or Ear mark. The Owner is desired to prove his Property, pay Charges, and take her away. N.B. The said Mare did belong to John Diemer, near the Sign of the Seven Stars, at or near Plymouth. March 12, 1772 The Pennsylvania Gazette Philadelphia, March 7, 1772. TO be SOLD, by public VENDUE, on the 23d of this inst. a valuable plantation, and noted tavern, the sign of the Seven Stars, situated in the township of Plymouth, on the public road leading from Philadelphia to Reading, and over Schuylkill, late the property of John Elliot, deceased; the said plantation contains abut 84 acres of good limestone land, 44 acres cleared, the greatest part well limed, with a young thriving orchard the remainder woodland, well timbered; on the said farm there is a good two story stone house, with 4 rooms on a floor, and a cellar under the whole, with a good spring of water in it, a good stone kitchen, adjoining to the same, with a well of good water near the door, with a large stream of water, and several springs; about 22 acres of corn in the ground; there is also a good stone barn, coopershop, and sheds, suitable for any public business, all new and under good repair: A variety of spirituous liquors. Also to be sold, horses, cows, sheep, swine, ! hay and straw, waggon, plow, harrow, &c. and several utensils of husbandry for farming, a great quantity of beds and bedding, and a variety of other houshold utensils, too tedious to mention. N.B. The sale to begin at 10 oprecisely, on the day above appointed. Likewise, the time of two apprentice lads, to the coopertrade, will be disposed of on the day of sale: all those who are indebted to said estate, or have any demands, are desired to bring in their accounts the 26th and 27th of this instant, without further notice. Due attendance and reasonable credit will be given, by JOSEPH PAUL, ALEXANDER COLLEY. Executors. "The Historical Society of Pennsylvania's collection of lantern slides is comprised of approximately 3,000 images; mostly prints and photographs,but also some maps and manuscripts. [Note: This particular collections appears to be images of mile marker locations.] The Seven Stars, Ridge Road V9-LS15.4" Any additional information anyone might have about this particular Seven Starrs Inn and it's various owners will be appreciated. Sherry Johnson --------------------------------- Yahoo! Photos Got holiday prints? See all the ways to get quality prints in your hands ASAP.