Once in a great while we are privileged to catch a glimpse of the past. We, at Willie's Taverne invite you to celebrate the tradition and hospitality that has been present in this location for over two hundred years. The building was erected in 1780 by Aaron Melick for his son, John, who was returning home from the Revolutionary War. Since that time it has served as a pub, a polling place, a pool room, a package store, a political forum, a speakeasy, a hotel and a restaurant. There have been numerous proprietors over the years and we honor its most colorful owner, Mr. Willie Howard. In 1893 Willie came to Gladstone with Charles Pfiezer and served as huntsman for Essex Hunt. In 1898 Willie and his wife, Bertha, purchased the Bedminister Hotel, as it was called, for $5,000. The hotel was renamed the "Howard Hotel" and in 1912 the first indoor plumbing was installed.
