History repeats itself at Baird's Tavern

Warwickians sample refreshments where George Washington once relaxed WARWICK - We know that George Washington, who kept a meticulous record of all his expenses, enjoyed a pint or two at Warwick’s historic Baird Tavern. The historic building on Main Street had been a rest stop on the road to Newburgh where, during the American Revolution, Washington had his headquarters. On Saturday evening, March 12, approximately 90 guests had an opportunity to enjoy similar good food, wine, beer and other refreshments offered by the Town of Warwick Historical Society in the same room where Washington once relaxed. Yesterday’s and Eddie’s Roadhouse, along with Society members’ home-cooking, provided the food while Pine Island residents David and Shelly Sherfey, co-chairs of the event, brewed and served the same type of beer that Washington may have enjoyed. David Sherfey has been an amateur brewer for more than 20 years. He employs basic equipment such as a 15-gallon restaurant kettle, similar to what might have been available in Colonial days. And Tavern Night, featured beverages and samples of tavern food as it was served in colonial times. However, not everything can be produced and served as it was in those days. The people in colonial times did not have electricity, central heating, or refrigeration and they used copper pots and wood casks rather than stainless steel. But if you were a guest at Tavern Night in the Baird Tavern, you could easily imagine you were living in the 18th century. Proceeds from the fund raiser, more than $2,000, will be used to help maintain the buildings and grounds owned by the Society.