The Old Gurley Tavern Chaplin, CT 

The small towns in the northeast corner of Connecticut once linked larger towns and cities in New England along major thoroughfares. Inns and taverns prospered along such stagecoach lines, encouraging the growth of residential neighborhoods. The historic district town of Chaplin, CT was one such town, settled by Deacon Benjamin Chaplin in 1740 and incorporated in 1822. The Old Gurley tavern was designed by Jonathan Clark of Hampton, CT and built in 1822. It is located opposite the town church on Chaplin Street. As one of the first buildings erected in the town, the house contributes to
the historical character and architectural design of the area. The two-story house boasts original hand-hewn chestnut timber frame construction. As 42 Chaplin Street was one of the first buildings in the town, it influenced the
architectural tradition, scale and fabric of the town. The building first functioned as a tavern. The north parlor was the location of the town post office for fifteen years. The building was once owned by the Snow and Bowen
families and has also been referred to as the Quilt Shop. It has functioned most recently as a private residence. Despite its variety of uses, the preservation of the physical structure has maintained its local historic significance.