Rice Tavern

Site: N07-165
Municipality: Claremont, NH
Location: Old Church Road, West Claremont
Site Type: Tavern (former).

The earliest references to "The Rice Tavern" are dated 1770. Ebenezer Rice (died 1822, aged 77), was prominent as Town Clerk and Selectman for many years, and was a master carpenter at the building of Union Church in 1773. Mr. Rice was a Vestryman, and at the departure of The Rev. Mr. Cossitt in 1785, he was appointed to read the prayers and sermons.

Ebenezer Rice kept a well-known tavern here until 1798, and the house, despite alterations, has a bedroom with a handsome paneled wall. Some of the carving is said, by old tradition, to have been done by a captive British soldier. Prior to 1794, town meetings were held in private houses and at this tavern. Capt. Stephen Rice (died 1826, aged 50), a son of Ebenezer, built pipe organs in the 1820's, including the second instrument in Union Church, where he was the organist.

In 1851, the house was owned by George Hart and was eventually known as "The Bancroft place". It was purchased from Oscar Warren by Dennis E. Connor in 1973.
(Source 108)