Spring Gardens
[414 Franklin Street. Owners: Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Harris.]
The stranger arriving in Alexandria by ship, coach, or horse could be
sure of a welcome. The old port was noted for her taverns. They were
numerous and good. At the taverns the gentlemen of the town were wont to
gather for an oyster supper, a turtle feast, or a cockfight. The Masonic
brothers sought these places for their banquets, and often for their
meetings. Here stagecoaches drew up with bustle and excitement to put
out the mail, change the horses, set down and take up the passengers,
and let the traveler call for a draught of ale. Here the mail was
collected and distributed. Here sailors could find a berth, the stranger
a roaring fire, a glass of grog, food, bed and forage for his weary
horse.
In 1753 at a court held at Fairfax, the rate for a night's lodging with
clean sheets was fixed at 6_d._, "otherwise 3 pence." For a quart of
punch with loaf sugar, 1_s._ 3_d._; for a quart of punch with brown
sugar, 10_d._ For a hot dish with small beer or cider, 1_s._; for a cold
dish, 4_d._ Stablage and fodder for a horse for twenty-four hours,
6_d._; pasturage for twenty-four hours, 4_d._ It was ordered that "the
several and respective ordinary keepers in this county do sell according
to the above rates in money or tobacco at the rate of twelve shillings
and six pence per cubic weight, and that they do not presume to demand
more of any person what so ever."[158]
Among the Alexandria taverns of note that flourished in the late
eighteenth century was Spring Gardens or Yates' Tavern, as the place was
known in comparatively recent years. The little brick buildings were
surrounded by spacious grounds, the walks edged in box, arbors covered
with vines, grapes, fruit and shade trees all but hiding it from view.
In the _Columbia Mirror and Alexandria Gazette_ of Saturday, January 12,
1793, the following advertisement appeared:
Oyster House--Spring Gardens. The subscriber informs his Friends and
the Gentlemen of Alexandria that he intends providing oyster suppers
at his house this winter on the most moderate terms and at the
shortest notice. Those who may incline to favor him with their
custom, may rest assured that there shall be nothing wanting on his
part to give general satisfaction.
ABEL WILLIS
Again Spring Gardens figured in the news of October 5, 1795, when this
advertisement appeared in the _Virginia Gazette and Alexandria
Advertiser_ of that date:
To be sold by Private Contract. The unexpired term of the lease or
covenant of that desirable lot called Spring Gardens with all its
extensive improvements. The lease or covenant has many and great
advantages annexed to it. Apply to the proprietor on the premises.
H. WILBUR.
Some time previously, in 1793, H. Wilbur in the same publication
announced that the "Late Master of the Steine House Academy
Brighthelm-stone, Begs leave Respectfully to inform the Public in
General that his Academy will open on Monday next, the 27th, inst. for
the reception of ten young Ladies at Two Dollars per month, pens and ink
included."
Was Spring Gardens a young ladies academy as well as oysterhouse, tavern
and jockey club?
The tradition that Spring Gardens was the second Jockey Club seems to be
borne out in the announcement of the spring races which appeared on
Saturday, May 20, 1797:
Red House Spring Races
To be run for on Thurs. 25th inst. over Jockey Club course. A
subscription purse of 100 dollars, three mile heats, free for any
horse, mare or gelding. Aged horses to carry 126 lbs; six year old
118; 5 years old 110; 4 years 98 and three years old feather.
On Friday, a Purse of $50.00, 2 mile heats, Saturday a Purse of
$50.00, mile heats. The Purses shall be at the Post.
The horses to be entered the day preceding each race with me or pay
double on entrance; the winning horse on each preceding day only
excepted. I have expended a great deal of money in altering and
improving the course it is now approved by the best judges of
racing. No exertion shall be wanting to give satisfaction by the
publics devoted servent.
JAMES GARDINER
Last day a feather.
N.B. The Jockey Club Races will commense on Wed. 20th, Sept. next.
The Races were intended for the 18th, 19th, and 20th, but the
commencement of the District Court being altered from the 12th to the
18th inst. was only known this day by the public's obedient servant.
JAMES GARDINER
N.B. On the 15th June following a colts purse or sweepstake will
certainly be run for; each subscriber putting five guineas in the
purse the day before starting. Several are already entered. The Colts
that are admissable may be known by an application to J.G.
[Illustration: Rear of Spring Gardens or Yate's Tavern]
General Washington was a visitor many times and on July 4, 1798, he
recorded in his diary: "Went up to the Celebration of the Anniversary of
Independance and dined in the Spring Gardens near Alexa. with a large
Compa. of the Civil and Military of Fairfax County."[159] His cash
accounts for the day set his expenses in Alexandria "at the Anniversary
of Independance" as L1 4_s._[160] A Philadelphia newspaper gave a full
account of the festivities:
_Alexandria_, July 7--The 23rd [_sic_] Anniversary of American
Independence was celebrated by the inhabitants of this town, on
Wednesday last, with the greatest harmony and conviviality.--Every
thing conspired to render the business of the day a varied scene of
patriotism and social joy; and the dignified presence of the beloved
WASHINGTON, our illustrious neighbor, gave such a high colouring to
the tout ensemble, that nothing was wanting to complete the picture.
The auspicious morning was ushered in by a discharge of sixteen guns.
At 10 o'clock the uniform companies paraded; and, it must be
acknowledged, their appearance was such as entitled them to the
greatest credit, while it reflects honor on their officers and the
town--it was perfectly military: ... The different corps were
reviewed in King street by General Washington, and Col. Little, who
expressed the highest satisfaction at their appearance and
manoeuvring; after which they proceeded to the Episcopal Church,
where a suitable discourse was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Davis. Of
this discourse I may say, with the expressive Collins, it was
"Warm, energetic, chaste, sublime."
A dinner was prepared at Spring Gardens by Mr. John Stavely; which,
considering the number of citizens and military that partook of it
(between 4 and 500) was conducted with the greatest propriety and
decorum.--Ludwell Lee, esq. presided at the head of the table--the
foot was honored by Col. Charles Little.... GEN. WASHINGTON was
escorted into town by a detachment from the troop of Dragoons. He was
dressed in full uniform, and appeared in good health and spirits. The
troops went through a number of military evolutions during the day,
with all of which the General was particularly pleased, and bestowed
many encomiums on their martial appearance.--_Claypoole's American
Daily Advertiser_, July 19.[161]
In the last years of his life, the General again "Went up to Alexa. and
dined with a number of the Citizens there in celebration of the
Anniversary of the declaration of American Independence."[162] And again
the Philadelphia newspaper reported:
_Alexandria_, July 6.--The 23rd anniversary of the American
Independence was celebrated in this town with the greatest harmony
and decorum. The military commands agreeably to orders previously
given, mustered in the court house square, and the line was formed in
Fairfax street. After going through the manual, which was performed
with the strictest exactitude, Col. John Fitzgerald, accompanied by
John Potts, Esq., passed the line in review, and expressed his
satisfaction at their military and elegant appearance. The battalion
then marched, by sections, up King street, and formed the line there
to receive their beloved chief General GEORGE WASHINGTON. On his
passing the line the usual military honors were paid; and it is with
pleasure I remark, that the Cincinnatus of America appeared in
excellent health and good spirits.
Lieutenant General Washington dined at Col. Kemp's tavern, with a
select party of friends.--_Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser_,
July 11.[163]
Whether Colonel Kemp at this time kept the Spring Gardens Tavern, the
deponent sayeth not!
* * * * *
Thrilling tales of long departed patrons who haunt the old red house are
told by the Misses Lewis and Evans, who lived in this house for several
years. When the family of three sat down for their evening meal, they
were disturbed by the consciousness of the presence of unseen persons.
Often they raised their wine glasses in a silent toast to the invisible
guests and empty chairs. On several occasions a brave spirit clad in
buff and blue was clearly seen, only to vanish into the heavy six-panel
door--to the utter astonishment of three pairs of eyes. Once on a clear
moonlight night, a great brick barn appeared in the place of a modest
wooden structure which stands today. The lady who first saw it called
her companion and asked her what she saw. The immediate reply was "An
enormous brick barn." For a while they thought it an optical illusion
produced by moonlight and clouds and waited at the window to see the
bricks disintegrate into the factual wooden structure. But the ladies
retired leaving the great brick apparition still standing. Colonel W.H.
Peake, the recent owner, when told this story, confirmed it to the
extent of admitting that there was a large brick foundation under the
present frame building.
Colonel and Mrs. Peake added a half story to the two wings and increased
the length of the ell. The old tavern faces the street bravely, and the
sturdy, paneled front door swings on H&L hinges as in days long past. In
the brick-walled garden behind, arbors are fragrant with grape and
wisteria. Hollyhocks flourish in the borders. A modern garage replaces
the stables where the gentry of Alexandria and the neighborhood put up
their horses when they frequented the "Oyster House." In this mellowed
atmosphere of Spring Gardens, it is pleasant to turn one's thoughts
backward and reflect on the gay evening when it cost the General L1
4_s._ to celebrate "Independance."
[Illustration]