In 1756 Josiah Smith purchased “a piece of land on the Town Road” in Weston, for twenty-five pounds. That Town Road, now known as Boston Post Road, was the principal route west from Boston, used by the early post riders delivering mail and by stagecoach travelers on route to New York and Philadelphia. Josiah’s five-bay tavern, with its center entrance and gambrel roof, opened for business in 1757. About 1805, his son Joel built an addition on the east side featuring a first-floor Tap Room, kitchen, and large second-floor Ballroom with two fireplaces and windows on three sides.
Over the years, the Ballroom hosted public meetings and social events including dances. One young woman wrote that “she danced until four o’clock in the morning and never had any lack of partners either.” The closing time for the revived Josiah Smith Tavern is anticipated to be much earlier than that, but it is hoped that diners will enjoy their experience as much as she did.
The Friends of Josiah Smith Tavern (JST) was formed as a Massachusetts charitable corporation in 2015 to preserve and maintain the Josiah Smith Tavern. In 2016 the Select Board of Weston designated the Friends of JST as the preferred proponent for the reuse of the Tavern and Barn. At the 2019 Town Meeting, residents of Weston voted to use Community Preservation Act funds for a major restoration.
Fast forward to 2024. The Town of Weston has preserved this historic gem gracing the Town Green and made it a focal point for the community. As we await the establishment of The Woods restaurant in the barn to the left of the Tavern, the Friends of JST are excited to open rooms in the Tavern for private events. All proceeds will go to upkeep of the property.