What was advertised in a revolutionary American newspaper 250 years ago this week?
“The subscribers have for many years past, kept a coffeehouse both in Boston and Newport.”
In the summer of 1775, Mahitabel Downs and Abigail Downs published an advertisement that advised residents of New York that they had opened a “house … for the entertainment for those gentlemen and ladies who will favour them with their company.” They offered hospitality to their guests “at any hour of the day,” serving “coffee and chocolate, Lemon, oranges, cheese and short cakes by the dozen, and loaf cakes by the pound.” Among the beverages listed in their advertisement, the Downses notably did not include tea. Although a favorite of many colonizers, tea was at the center of political controversies during the imperial crisis. In not serving tea to their patrons, the Downses indicated that they supported the American cause or at least abided by the boycott currently in effect. Guests could gather at their house of entertainment with confidence that they upheld the Continental Association’s prohibition on drinking “East India Tea.”
Apparently the Downses were newcomers in New York. Accordingly, they believed that they needed to do more to entice guests to dine and socialize at their house of entertainment on Pearl Street than merely list the refreshments that they could enjoy there. Although new to the city, they were not new to the business, as they explained in their advertisement. The hostesses shared that they “have for many years past, kept a coffee house both in Boston and Newport, and are thoroughly acquainted with the business.” As a result, “they doubt not in the least, but they shall give entire satisfaction” to their guests. Even though readers did not know them by reputation, the Downses hoped that their prior experience operating similar establishments in bustling port cities in New England would convince prospective patrons of the quality of the experience – the food, the beverages, the furnishings, the atmosphere – they could expect at this new house of entertainment. If the Downses succeeded in persuading guests to visit them once then they anticipated that the food, drink, and service would serve as sufficient recommendation to return.