County Clerk
Records Storage Center & Archives
Innkeepers Recognizance
| Record Series |
Innkeepers Recognizance |
| Index |
View the Index |
| Sample Map |
View a sample record |
| Dates |
1813-1833 |
| Location |
Warren County Records Storage & Archives. |
| Format |
Loose Paper in Folders
|
| Arranged |
Chronological by File Date |
| Volume |
.5 cubic ft |
| Department |
County Clerk |
| Legal Restrictions |
None |
| Use Restrictions |
Staff will access all records and must approve all requests for copies
|
| Historical Background |
The use and distribution of spirits and liquors brought with it significant
regulation during the 19th century, and as a result offers much in the way
of historical insight into the keeping of inns and taverns during the
period. Commissioners of Excise (consisting of the Supervisor and two Town
Justices) had the power to grant licenses to innkeepers and tavern owners to
sell liquor providing owners met the requisites of the law including being
of good, moral character, maintaining an inn with appropriate accomodations,
and having all necessary signage in place, fees paid, and filings made.
Among the conditions of the recognizance executed in the name of the
innkeeper were to maintain an orderly business and to refrain from gaming of
any kind, including: cockfighting, cards, dice, billiards, shuffle boards
within the inn or its outbuildings! A considerable fee at the time, $ 125,
violations would result in forfeiture. Revised Statutes Part 1, Chapter XX,
Title 9, Section 1-34 (1836) provides a detailed account of the law and
procedures.
|
| Description of Record Series |
Consists of handwritten or pre-printed documents with handwritten entries,
refoldered and boxed into acid-free enclosures, and including a description
of the conditions set forth in the bond, the innkeepers name, location,
duration, acknowledgment by Justice or Supervisor, and filing information.
Varying titles: Innkeepers Bond. OCA Schedule # 20040.
|
| Purpose of Record |
The creation of a record of licensure to sell liquors and spirits. It was
the obligation of the innkeeper to conduct his business in accordance with
the laws of excise of the State of New York. A bond or recognizance was
executed and delivered by the applicant to the Supervisor and/or Justices of
the Town, and filed with the Clerk of the Courts. Failure to adhere to the
law would result in forfeiture of the bond.
|
| Other Formats |
None |
| Finding Aids |
This Record Series is indexed (computer and paper format) by name with date,
town, entry #. Series location is provided on inventory database.
|
| Related Series |
Minutes of the Commissioner of Excise, Excise Papers, Bonds and
Undertakings, Recognizance. Innkeeper's (Excise) bonds may also be found at
the town level.
|
Back to the Archival Collection
