Community Corner

Doty's Tavern Could Be Coming Back to Canton

Plans to rebuild the historic tavern are being discussed.

Pulling up a stool to enjoy a pint at the historic in Canton could soon be a reality.

, cofounder of Canton's , brought the idea before the Board of Selectmen in late April. Augis discussed a plan to rebuild the landmark, making it a museum and tourist attraction, over the next two years.

The idea is to "have Doty Tavern rise from the ashes," Augis said.

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The original Doty Tavern stood at the foot of the Blue Hills, near the Milton border on Route 138.  Back in December of 1888, the tavern burned down. now stands on the grounds of what used to be the Doty Tavern, according to the .

Historians describe the old homestead as a place were America's early revolutionaries met on the morning of August 16, 1774—out of sight of the British—to hash out their plans to free the country from the British government. General Joseph Warren drafted the Resolves and the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia passed them the following month. Famous guests included French General Marquis de Lafayette, who stayed at the tavern during his journey from Newport, R.I., to Boston, according to the .

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Today, the Canton businessman is seeking the public's help to create a new Doty Tavern for the town. Augis wants to make this a "project of the people," and will fundraise and solicit donations in order to raise the funds for the project.

"Everyone could spend a day or an hour working on a bit of history," he said. He hopes that the building could be "put together in a barn-raising fashion."

Augis is working with the Friends of Prowse Farm on this project. The Friends of Prowse Farm bought the original Dotty Tavern sign and are working with Augis to make the project a reality.

Currently, owns the property where the resurrected tavern and museum would be built. "They have not squashed nor encouraged it at this point," Augis noted of the owner's view of the project.

The new tavern/museum would be open on a limited basis, Augis said. "We have a lot of work to do," he said.

Residents interested in working on the project or making a donation can contact the Friends of Prowse Farm by clicking here or Peter Augis at Peter.Augis@bluehillsbrewery.com

Patch History Columnist contributed to this report.


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