The George Mann Tory Tavern

HISTORY

In 1711, the Palatine Germans settled in the beautiful Schoharie Valley on lands granted to them by Queen Anne. The rich farmlands of the valley allowed them to prosper and raise their families.

An important chapter in the history of the Schoharie Valley was written as America fought for its independence from England.In this time, the Schoharie Valley earned its reputation and the “Breadbasket of the American Revolution” for the role it played in feeding the troops of George Washington. In 1776, George Mann, grandson of one of the original settlers and a tavern owner, was commissioned as a captain of the 15th New York Militia. One year later, Mann changed loyalties and allowed his tavern to become a meeting place for Tories (people still loyal to England) and Indians.

Numerous meetings were held at the tavern with the aim of supplying information and support for Tory raids in the Schoharie Valley. One of these raids resulted in Mann’s going into hiding and ultimately surrendering. He was imprisoned in Albany until the end of the war. At that time – having committed no serious offenses – Mann was released and returned to Schoharie County and became an upstanding citizen. Shortly thereafter, the property was purchased by the Peter Vrooman family and continued to serve as a tavern into the early 1800s. It remained in the Vrooman family until the 1960s at which time it became a home for the elderly.

Ralph and Irmgard Buess purchased the historic building in 1977 and invested thirteen years in repair and renovation. All moldings and woodwork were redone by copying what was used originally, or by innovationg to give the rooms a more former Colonial decor. Ralph and Irmgard manufactured the cabinets and Irmgard created all the stenciling, drapes, uniforms and other handwork that you’ll find in this gracious establishment.

An herb garden stands just off the kitchen, a colonial custom, to provide an abundance of fresh herbs used in the tavern’s offerings. Today, the Schoharie Valley remains one of New York State’s most productive agricultural regions.When you come, be sure to visit the farmstands still offering the bounty of our fields and vist the antique and gift shops all along Route 30 that winds through the valley.