Save the Historic Bell Tavern

The James Bell Tavern has stood for 236 years. It has welcomed travelers, politicians and local settlers in the early days of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. 

One of the most historical events that occurred at the tavern was on July 3, 1788, when Antifederalists Robert Whitehill, James Bell, William Findley, John Smilie,  and Benjamin Blyth met to discuss the ratification of U.S. Constitution without a Bill of Rights. These men also fought in the Revolutionary War. 

During that meeting, a letter was drafted that would be sent to representatives throughout the state to appoint delegates to attend the Harrisburg Convention on September 3, 1788, where a Declaration of Rights would be drafted.  The Harrisburg Convention was the only convention to held outside of Philadelphia where opponents of the U.S. Constitution without a Bill of Rights was discussed. 

On January 6, 2016, Triple Crown, present owners of the tavern, had contractors begin to demolish the building. Once the Silver Spring Township staff became aware of the demolition, a stop order was issued. However, since the owner received the permit for legally, there was nothing the Township could do, so the stop order was lifted. The owner has voluntarily stopped the demolition. Silver Spring Township staff and Triple Crown are now in discussion regarding saving the tavern. 

A group of concerned citizens is now trying to raise funds to pay for the stabilization of the building and eventually purchase it from Triple Crown. 

We need your help. Please contribute to saving the tavern so future generations can learn of its history and the role it played in the early days of the United States of America.  If you would like to pay by check, please contact me through GoFundMe.

Thank you and God Bless America.