Early Findlay was a horrible place to be traveling in. Roads were often under water, and the logs that were meant to be sidewalks were always sinking. Often wagons got stuck in the mud. The weary traveler was sometimes an Easterner looking for a new home, but it could just have easily been a local coming to town from his farm. Old-timer or newcomer, they would all meet at the local tavern. In fact, taverns were very important to early settlers. It was a gathering place to hear the latest news, exchange ideas, gossip about the neighbors, or plan for the future.
When Findlay was first laid out as a town, the plans were immediately posted at the tavern. If there was a missing person, the search began with a gathering at the tavern. Elections were held there, and the results were read out loud over ale. When the settlers agreed they wanted a post office, the petition to the Postmaster General was drawn up in a tavern.
The first tavern appeared in 1822, decades before an official town was developed. It belonged to Wilson Vance, who simply enlarged his home to accommodate a space for drinking. Vance worked as a carpenter, and eventually built another tavern for Jeremiah Case. It was a two story frame building, which allowed the tavern to accommodate overnight guests as well as the casual visitor. The simple meals were $1.50 per week, and room and board was $3.50 per week.
The property would switch hands again, this time to a man named Patterson (he may or may not be the man whose descendant would later open Patterson's Store.) Patterson was the first true teetotaler in Findlay, that is to say he didn't believe in alcohol. He called his tavern "Findlay Caravansary," which is basically a large hotel. So great was his vindication that he would politely tell his alcohol seeking patrons, "There's plenty of spring water, sir, I do not sell whiskey." His statement was true enough, for behind his business was both a well and a spring.
William Taylor was another famous settler who opened a tavern, appropriately called the "Findlay Tavern." Taylor, a firm Presbyterian, would ultimately sit on just about every government seat in the county, but he was a businessman by trade. He started a mercantile business, trading furs with the Natives and local trappers.
Like Wilson Vance, Taylor's tavern, as well as his business, was also his private home. Taylor eventually sold his tavern to Abraham Daughenbaugh, and he ran it until his death in 1866.
Findlay's early history played out the town's culture through all the years. Since the beginning, taverns have been a part of life. There are even rumors of a speakeasy during Prohibition. Drinking was a huge part of the culture, not because getting drunk was popular, but the companionship that drinking brings with it. Findlay would have seven breweries, including the famous Krantz Brewery that survived Prohibition to continue making Old Dutch. Travelers from all over have always found comfort, relaxation and refreshment in the local taverns. Locals have picked up on the news, discussing everything from church services to politics. The tavern is a time honored tradition.
