Baird family descendants celebrate reunion at historic Baird Tavern

WARWICK — On Saturday, July 23, approximately 50 descendants of Francis Baird held a family reunion for the first time at Warwick's historic Baird Tavern.
Many of the family members live nearby in Sugar Loaf and Warwick and, until 15 years ago, they gathered together every year.
This year, however, the Historical Society of the Town of Warwick is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the building and some members of the Baird family even traveled from as far as Texas and Wisconsin to join in the event.
Located at 105 Main St., Baird's Tavern, is one of the historic properties owned and operated by the society.
During the well-attended event, guests were served refreshments and Historical Society Executive Director Lisa-Ann Weisbrod welcomed everyone and introduced local officials and members of the society's Board of Directors.
In 1766, Francis Baird built a limestone residence, tavern and inn to house travelers.
Although we commonly refer to the stone building as "Baird's Tavern," past Society President Mark Kurtz explained that the tavern and inn was actually a wooden building adjacent to Baird's home.
There were also stables for the horses, which were exchanged for those worn out from their long journey.
Cathryn Anders, president of the Historical Society, added that an old drawing of the complex also indicates the presence of a general store.
At that time, George Washington, then commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, recorded his 1783 tavern visit in his diary. And the meticulous record of his expenses and dates, which verifies this, is in the National Archives
His wife, Martha, also stayed at the Baird's Tavern on her way to see Washington in his Newburgh headquarters in 1786.
- Roger Gavan