EVERYONE IS INVITED TO: The March 2026 meeting of Pittsburgh’s Old Stone Tavern Friends.
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1pm
Where: The West End Healthy Active Living Center, 80 Wabash Street, 15220
Speaker: Eric Gass – a direct descendant of Patrick Gass
Patrick Gass was serving in the 1st U. S. Infantry Regiment when he volunteered for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1803. He was a carpenter and supervised building winter forts for the expedition. His journal, published in 1807, contains the first use of the term Corps of Discovery. After the expedition, Gass reenlisted in the Army, fought in the War of 1812, and was discharged with a pension. He was the longest surviving member of the Corps of Discovery, dying shortly before his 100th birthday.
News Update, January 2026
- The Old Stone Tavern sits on the first section of the overland section of the Lewis and Clark National Trail.
- When Meriwether Lewis departed Pittsburgh on August 30, 1803. The Ohio River water level was low. Therefore, his boat, the Discovery, and two smaller boats/perogues were unable to transport all his supplies. Requiring him to hire a merchant to take some supplies overland to Wheeling. Hoping the water level would be higher down the river. The overland route consisted of the Catfish Indian Trail/Washington Pike to Washington and the Mingo Indian Trail to Wheeling. The water was not higher at Wheeling, and he had to purchase a third perogue.
- The Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation is giving Pittsburgh’s Old Stone Tavern Friends Trust, Inc. an official informative Lewis and Clark National Trail sign.
- A grant was given to Pittsburgh’s Old Stone Tavern Friends Trust, Inc. for the purchase of a stand for the Lewis and Clark sign. The sign will be outside the Tavern, visible to passersby.
The Tavern, believed to have come alive in 1782, still stands at the corner of Greentree Rd and Woodville Ave in Pittsburgh’s West End, and our Carnegie Library is in possession this Tavern ledger, recently lovingly restored, which also spans a critical time in the Whiskey Rebellion over federal taxation. Members feel that finding this ledger is like finding the Rosetta Stone of Pittsburgh history.
From 1793 to 1797, in a script fine and feathery, an Old Stone Tavern innkeeper recorded the names and accounts of his pioneer patrons. He wrote down, still using English pounds and shillings, what his customers ate, what they drank and what they bought, from beef and bacon, cloth and clothing, to hay and oats for their horses.
As the earliest written record of the tavern, the ledger serves of a who’s who of early Western Pennsylvania patriots. In fact, some 109 American Revolutionary soldiers downed a pint or two at this favorite watering hole.
Pittsburgh Old Stone Tavern Friends Trust’s decade long term mission has been to secure ownership of the tavern and its property, provide for its long-term preservation, and educate the public about its significance in United States history. Sadly, despite having Pittsburgh Historical designation, for many years the Tavern was left neglected and was allowed to fall into disrepair
The new owners have a have a rehabilitation plan! They’ve already made structural repairs and are keeping a close watch on the structure to ensure it’s condition does not worsen until major work can begin.
Looking further forward, the vision for a revitalization of the Tavern and surrounding properties is covered in a 37 page book we’ve published. You are invited to review and share with anyone interested, but especially anyone who might like to get involved!
In pursuit of our mission we meet monthly to follow any leads uncovered, and our secretary Norene Beatty gives frequent talks to groups educate about the Tavern, and especially the Whiskey Rebellion. Please enjoy the information on our website, and contact us if you would like to know more about the Tavern, or have ideas about investors.