Ridgefield in Fairfield County, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)
Keeler Tavern and the “Big Shop”
Ridgefield, Connecticut
— The Museum in the Streets —
Built as a farmhouse in 1713 on Lot#2 by David Hoyt, it was sold to his grandson Timothy Keeler, who converted it into an inn/tavern in 1772. The Keeler Tavern, which also served as a post office, was inherited by Anna Keeler, Timothy’s daughter, who with her husband, Abijah Resseguie and their daughter Anna Marie operated it as a hotel. For many years the building was a stagecoach stop on the line from New York to Boston. Its reputation for hospitality and service made it a favorite stopping place for travelers. In 1907 Miss Resseguie sold her property to renowned architect Cass Gilbert who used it as his summer home. It was purchased by a group of preservationists in 1965 and in 1966 opened its doors as the Keeler Tavern Museum. The fountain at the intersection of Main Street and West Lane was designed by Cass Gilbert and presented as a gift to the town in 1915. It is much-loved symbol of the town.
“Big Shop,” now located off Bailey Avenue on Big Shop Lane (see Panel #2) was originally a carriage manufactory at the corner of Main Street and West Lane. Tradesmen of the day – blacksmiths, trimmers, upholsters, harnessmakers, painters and woodworkers and the like, all built carriages and wagons that were sold throughout the country. Jones Hall took up the second floor. It was a meeting place where many local functions were held, and where in 1864 Hannibal Hamlin, Abraham Lincoln’s first Vice President spoke at a rally. The building was moved in 1888 to make way for construction of the new Congregational Church.
Erected 2008 by The Museum in the Streets®. (Marker Number 25.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the The Museum in the Streets®: Ridgefield, Connecticut series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1713.
Location. 41° 16.386′ N, 73° 29.83′ W. Marker is in Ridgefield, Connecticut, in Fairfield County. Marker is on Main Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ridgefield CT 06877, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Keeler Tavern (a few steps from this marker); Ridgefield's Colonial Plans (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ridgefield Veterans Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Town Common and Hauley House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rev. Thomas Hawley House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Benedict Arnold's Betrayal and Lieutenant Joshua King (approx. ¼ mile away); The Walter Lamb Furniture Collection by Brown Jordan (approx. ¼ mile away); Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Land Acknowledgement (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ridgefield.
More about this marker. Two old-time photos appear on the marker. They depict the Keeler Tavern Museum and the fountain designed by Cass Gilbert.
Also see . . . The Keeler Tavern Museum. Museum homepage. (Submitted on October 17, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,379 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 17, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.