Barrington's history: 'Taverns to Temperance and Back Again'

Fun Barrington 300 event planned for Sept. 16 at Wharf Tavern

By Stephen Venuti
Posted 9/13/17

Not so long ago a “beer run” or a trip to the “packy” for Barrington residents meant a trip across the river into neighboring Warren or across the state line into Seekonk. But …

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Barrington's history: 'Taverns to Temperance and Back Again'

Fun Barrington 300 event planned for Sept. 16 at Wharf Tavern

Posted

Not so long ago a “beer run” or a trip to the “packy” for Barrington residents meant a trip across the river into neighboring Warren or across the state line into Seekonk. But it wasn’t always this way. 

In fact, as a matter of public health, the original settlers of the town drank far more beer than water. And it may surprise many locals to learn that before it evolved into the quiet bedroom community of today, Barrington was home to at least four taverns located along what is now Route 114 or County Road and the Wampanoag Trail.

Before railcars cut through what is now the East Bay Bike Path and automobiles sped through town along Route 114, taverns along County Road and the Wampanoag Trail offered a welcome respite to many a weary stage coach rider traveling along this main route between Newport and Boston. 

These taverns, though, were not just a place to grab a pint. These were centers of the community serving as stagecoach stops, post offices, general stores, lodges, and meeting halls for both religious and civic gatherings.

But advances in modern transportation coupled with a robust local embrace of the TeeTotaler’s temperance movement eventually caused taverns and the legal consumption of alcoholic beverages to become a thing of the past. 

It was this same embrace of the temperance movement that led to “Prohibition” being established throughout the United States in 1919. But unlike the rest of the country, which saw Prohibition repealed by 1933 with the 21st Amendment – Prohibition continued in Barrington for another 60 years.

To learn more about this unique and fascinating history of Barrington – plan to attend this free lecture sponsored by the Barrington 300 Anniversary Committee:

• Taverns to Temperance and Back Again (A Spirited History of Barrington)

• Sept. 16, at the Wharf Tavern, Water Street, Warren (Hey Barrington used to part of Warren!)

• Hors Devours & Cash Bar Beginning at 5:30 pm

• Lecture & Slide Presentation by Barrington resident (and history buff) Stephen Venuti beginning at 6:15 p.m.

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