Reynolds Tavern

Photos Video Map Information: 7 Church Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 410-295-9555 www.reynoldstavern.org Hours: Lunch and afternoon tea from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., daily Dinner from 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday Related Stories: Annapolis Stories: Ghost tales haunt Annapolis' past Annapolis throws birthday party for queen who chartered city Sly Fox Pub will remain open Library once owned tavern Reynolds ghostbust a bust? New tavern owners finally realize dream Advertisement

Reynold's Tavern, the stately brick building on Church Circle next to Farmer's National Bank, was originally built in 1747 as the home and shop of hatmaker and dry goods salesman, William Reynolds. The lower floors were converted into a tavern around 1757. Reynolds, and succeeding relatives, ran the establishment until 1796 when the property was sold to John Davidson.

The building was a boarding house until 1811 when it was sold to Farmers Bank.

In 1925, the Company for the Preservation of Colonial Annapolis - a predecessor of the Historic Annapolis Foundation - argued to save the tavern and a number of other buildings from possible demolition. Meanwhile, a quiet effort had begun by Elizabeth Gracie Suydam and Clara Bell Palmer to start a real research library, in favor of the smaller, scattered places that served as libraries at the time.

In 1935, Elmer M. Jackson, Jr., editor of The Evening Capital, and a number of other volunteers bought the tavern, hoping to preserve the building and establish a permanent library. In 1937, Esther King was appointed county librarian. She is credited with expanding the library at Reynolds Tavern and helping to create the countywide library system.

The black and white library photos featured at right were taken by Col. Charles E. Emery during the mid to late 1940s. The photos are courtesy of Dorothy Glendinning of Annapolis, Col. Emery's granddaughter.

The library donated the building to the National Trust in 1975 which leased it to Historic Annapolis Foundation. In 1984 HAF leased the building to Paul Pearson and his Historic Inns of Annapolis. Historic Inns restored the building.

Farmers National Bank took back control of the travern in 1992.

Jill and Andrew Petit purchased the building in 2000. The tavern now features the Sly Fox Pub in the basement, tea/dining rooms on the first floor and the second floor has three guest rooms.