Dunham Tavern was a stagecoach stop on a Buffalo-Cleveland-Detroit post road. It is the oldest building still standing on its original site in Cleveland.
Rufus and Jane Dunham arrived in the Western Reserve in 1819, acquired 14 acres here and lived in a log cabin.
Taking advantage of their land's position on a well-travelled stagecoach route, they built the tavern and home in 1824.
The stagecoach dropped off women and children at this front door. leading to a sitting room.
Men went in this door, which led into the Tap Room. On the first floor there is also a Keeping Room with a large fireplace and a kitchen. Upstairs are several bedrooms. The museum contains furnishings from the period, though not original to the building.
Dunham Tavern was also used for parties, turkey shoots and political meetings.
There were a total of four buildings on the site. This is the original smokehouse-small-about 4 feet by 4 feet.
Another original building, surrounded by colorful gardens.
The story of the Tavern's preservation is just as interesting and relevant. It was sold to a banker in 1857 and used as a home for the next 70 years.
In the 1930's, the building was used as studio space for WPA artists and designers. Donald Gray, a landscape architect, had offices in the Tap Room. He became interested in the history of the site, organized a Society of Collectors, and eventually took responsibility for the building and grounds, opening it to the public in 1941.
Euclid Avenue today
The Dunham Tavern and Museum sit on this same site. It has seen a stage coach route, Millionaire's Row, car dealerships and urban renewal.
As I've been looking for museums to visit for this summer project, I've been surprised at the number of historical sites, museums and homesteads that have been preserved in so many suburbs of greater Cleveland. Places like Dunham Tavern, sitting in the middle of 21st century busy-ness, reminding us of who came before us, if we just take the time to look, and see, and listen.
Next week-Las Vegas
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