Different Levels of Establishments
In Pennsylvania all taverns had to have a sign hanging by the door. They were usually made of wood and indicated the name and type of patrons they catered to. Names of Taverns were usually simple and could be reused. Innkeeper and tavern managers often took their sign with them if they moved to a new location. The original Ship Inn had its bullet riddled sign carried to the new Ship Inn and rehung.
Names of Inns indicated level of service one could expect
Stage Stands - First class inns were usually named after current heroes. The King George in Downingtown, PA. became the George Washington during the war. First class inns generally provided bedrooms to sleep in, the best dining along the pike and washrooms. Now the bad news - bedrooms were usually shared affairs. Common signs were "no boots to be worn in bed" and " no more than 5 to a bed." After 1800 first class inns also began to host balls and parties.
Wagon Stands was the next level down and the most common. Bed was any place on the floor you wanted to spread your portable straw mattress. They also had plenty of barn and stable space for the animals.
Drovers Stands served simple food like mush, stew and cider. Usually they had corrals around them so you could pen your animals in. I'm not sure what the accomodations were.
Tap Stand was the bottom rung. It usually didn't have sleeping accomodations. They might serve beer, cider, a local brew or a locally made moonshine.
It was unusual for people to move up or down in social class when it came to establishments.
*Above banner image was taken at Chenoa Manor animal sanctuary near Avondale, PA. http://www.chenoamanor.org/ Link to learn more about Chenoa Manor and its mission
The George Washington, a Stage Stand in Downingtown
