What was advertised in a revolutionary American newspaper 250 years ago this week?
“Mr. Bird … has been so remarkable for keeping a good house.”
When Adam Bird commenced operating the “TAVERN at AYLETT’s” in the spring of 1776, he took to the pages of Alexander Purdie’s Virginia Gazette to invite patrons to his establishment. He assured prospective customers that “no pains or expense will be spared to accommodate travellers in the best manner.” To that end, he had “laid in a large stock of the best liquors” for their enjoyment. In addition, he “had the house repaired, and comfortable rooms, with fire-places, for lodgers, provided.” Whether or not readers had previously visited the tavern at that location, Bird hoped that the improvements he made would entice them to visit. “Those who will be pleased to favour him with their company,” he pledged, “may be assured of the best entertainment” as “their obedient servant” catered to them. Bird made common appeals that tavernkeepers and innkeepers incorporated into their advertisements.
He also included an uncommon element that distinguished his advertisement from others. As an addendum, William Aylett gave his endorsement of Bird and his management of the tavern. “Mr. Bird has been some time in a publick way,” Aylett explained, “and has been so remarkable for keeping a good house that I was at some pains to prevail on him to take this place.” In other words, Aylett, who may have had experience as a tavernkeeper himself or may have been merely the proprietor of the building, was familiar with Bird’s previous experience running a public house and that prompted him to invite Bird to open an establishment at the “TAVERN at AYLETT’s.” He intended to leverage Bird’s reputation through vouching for him, aiming to convince prospective customers that they would indeed enjoy eating, drinking, and lodging at the tavern. Aylett nearly gave a guarantee, declaring that he could “warrant for [Bird] giving satisfaction to his patrons. Prospective patrons who did not know Bird, the new manager at the “TAVERN at AYLETT’s,” but did know Aylett, the proprietor, may have found the endorsement more enticing than Bird’s overview of the services he provided.