Tavern Keeper's Bond 1882

One of the most popular places in the neighborhood was the local tavern or inn. It was the place to gather, hear the gossip and share a glass of liquor with friends. In early days, taverns were often located in the homes of the tavern keepers, but, as communities sprang up, taverns and inns or hotels were more often in stand-alone buildings.

There was some regulation of taverns in Kentucky and who could operate them. In order to sell liquor, it was necessary to obtain a license through the county court and pay a fee. On the 11th of November 1882, W.F. Read presented a written notice to the county court of his intention to keep a hotel and serve liquor in the community of Friendship in Caldwell County.


On the 25th of November of that year, Read posted bond with T.H. Read, his surety, and agreed that he "shall continually find and provide ... good, wholesome, cleanly lodging and diet for travelers, and stabling and provender, or pasturage, for horses or mules, during the period the license remains in force; and that he will not suffer any gaming in his house, or on his premises, and will not suffer any person to tipple or drink more than is necessary in his house, or on his premises; or at any time suffer any scandalous or disorderly behavior in his house, or on his premises."




This bond can be found in Tavern Keeper's Bond Book 1852-1880, page 82. Tavern Keeper bonds were renewable yearly. Click on each photo for an enlarged view.