This must be the strongest tavern in Western New York. Built over 200 years ago, now on what is known as the Forsyth-Warren Farm, it survived the War of 1812, with the British just 5 miles down Ridge Road, and eventually endured years of abandonment, protected only by tattered blue tarps on its roof.   Where the British did not reach, leaky roofs did not destroy it; time and nature clawed at it. With snakes and wolves of all types at the door, it has always faced threats.

Yet something in its historical fiber gives it strength. Symbolized in the thick hand-hewed logs with the adze cuts still visible, framing the rare New World Dutch-designed timber structure.  They illustrate the hardiness of the people who have endured over 200 years of rural living, which is the foundation of Niagara County’s extraordinary grit.

THE HISTORY NEVER ENDS:  New history found

I first encountered Matthew Matsulavage this summer when he was 3 feet deep in an exploration dig at the tavern.  A graduate student at the University of Buffalo, with extensive archaeological experience, he was sifting his finds from the historic Forsyth farm.  A resident of Niagara County, he grew up in the nearby family home on Beebe Road and is currently working on a PhD in Archaeology, with a focus on local history.

This September, I met Matt once again at the tavern. Things were quiet, the colorful chickens roamed, and ominous closed signs dominated the grounds. I wanted to discuss his findings from the dig and his thoughts about the archeological value of the land. Matt painted a detailed historical picture of the receding ancient Lake Iroquois, creating the ridge that is known as Route 104 (Ridge Road).  He also mentioned the documented Native American activity in the area and the early indicators of Native American use of the property, based on historical knowledge and evidence from prior explorations.

UB grad student Matsulavage also sent me the National Register of Historic Places application, a 78-page document that thoroughly details the significance of this farm.  No one who has read it would consider stopping historical education at the tavern. I was humbled by the knowledge and the work that has been done, and excited by what future explorations may discover.

A TRAINING SITE FOR UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO STUDENTS

Antique buttons, pottery, and stones from a foundation were sifted out and are being researched and dated, representing a single 3-foot dig. The buttons may date back to the War of 1812 era, as musket bullets, a cannonball, and other military items have been found in earlier investigations.  Matsulavage believes this is just the beginning of important discoveries, as the property has not been thoroughly explored. Going forward, due to its historical significance, state of preservation, and the cooperation of the owners, the site has been proposed for use as a training ground for UB Archaeology students, if it remains available in the spring.

THIS FARM IS A GOOD FIT FOR CAMBRIA, New York

On a recent Sunday, I returned to the farm, and it was lively, with the parking lot full and dozens of period-dressed reenactors and visitors on the grounds. A militia group, armed with black power muskets, was gathering, a paranormal film crew was recording, and tourists were concluding a guided tour.  As community backing has shifted toward supporting the site, and both sides are seeking a compromise, it is hard to see why a town would not want to move forward with the historic Forsyth Tavern and farm as part of its cultural offerings. Even after two centuries, it has things for us to discover and more stories to tell. The Tavern has shown us its strength; let it continue, and we will see what it reveals about our past- in the future.