Seven Stars Tavern, Colonial tavern in Pilesgrove Township, US.
Seven Stars Tavern is a brick structure with two and one-half stories, positioned at the junction where Sharptown-Swedesboro and Woodstown-Auburn Roads intersect. The building displays Flemish bond patterns in its brickwork, a distinctive detail that reflects the craftsmanship of its construction period.
Peter Lauterbach built the structure in 1762, embedding his initials 'P L E' and those of his wife Elizabeth within the brickwork as a permanent signature. During the Revolutionary War, the property experienced a British military action in 1778 directed at John Louderback, the original builder's son.
The tavern served as a gathering place where travelers and locals met, shared meals, and exchanged news over drinks. It functioned as a social center that helped shape the community during its active years.
The property functions as a private residence and has restricted access, though the current owners occasionally arrange guided tours by appointment. To arrange a visit, contact must be made directly with the property owners to check availability and schedule a suitable time.
The builder and his wife's initials are engraved directly into the brickwork, creating a rare personal signature embedded in the structure itself. This practice of marking buildings with individual marks was uncommon and makes this tavern a notable example of how craftspeople claimed their work during that era.
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