Introduction to Open Hearth Cookery May 2 & 3
This two day beginners class will introduce you to the basics of 18th and 19th century cooking in the historic Dills Tavern 1794 kitchen hearth. No experience is needed. Students will begin by learning to build a proper cooking fire, how to identify and use a dutch oven, spider, pots, kettles, etc., and how to prepare a variety of foods using period cookbook recipes. Classes end with everybody’s favorite, “eating”. Come learn, enjoy, and be prepared for a literal “Taste of History”.
Instructor: Linda Zeigler
8 student limit
Fee is 175.00 per person
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Reproducing Early Pennsylvania Stonework May 28 & 29
This two day course will familiarize students with the basic skills of stone masonry, as it was produced in the 18th and early 19th Centuries. A combination of period and modern stone cutting techniques will be covered. Early clay mortars will be discussed as well as an acceptable lime mortar replacement. This class will be building one or more foundations on the tavern site.
Instructor: Sam McKinney
8 student limit
Fee is $200.00 per person
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Building a Pennsylvania Squirrel Tail Bake Oven June 25, 26, & 27
The traditional Pennsylvania bake oven is a fascinating piece of construction. Students will have 3 days to construct one of these interesting ovens, using old brick and traditional masonry skills. It is not necessary to have any previous masonry experience, but if you do, it will be a plus. Participants will build the brick floor of the oven, the beehive, the squirrel tail, the arched oven opening and accompanying front wall structure that supports the chimney. On the last day students will be shown how to plaster the beehive with clay plaster, (the traditional covering). If there is time we will fire the oven up and see how it works. There is a completed oven at the tavern that can be examined and will be fired and used on one of the evenings after class.
Instructor: Sam McKinney
8 student limit
Fee is $300.00 per person
email for more info | click here to read about our Instructors

Timber Framing a Wood Shed for the Dills Tavern August 27, 28, & 29
When you read the ledgers of the tavern, you are amazed at the huge amount of wood that was used on the site. Even now, we use several cords of wood to fire up the taverns’ fireplaces throughout the year. It has become clear that we need a proper wood storage building, as we are sure there was one in the period. This class will construct a timber frame building using basic techniques and period tools. Students will learn how to lay out mortises and tenons and then cut them out. When the frame is ready, it will be laid out and pegged together. On the last day, the frame will be erected. This class is intended for beginners. It is not meant for people who already have timber framing experience.
Instructor: Sam McKinney
8 student limit
Fee is $300.00 per person
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Bake Oven Baking October 3rd & 4th
Students will use the Dills Tavern squirrel tail bake oven to bake sweet savory dishes using 18th and 19th Century recipes. In this two day hands on-class, you will learn to fire and heat the bake oven and prepare and bake a variety of pies, breads, and stews. There will be plenty to sample and some to take home.
Instructor: Linda Ziegler
8 student limit
Fee is 175.00 per person
email for more info | click here to read about our Instructors

Details About the Tavern for Private Functions

1. Floor plans
2. A Maximum of 80 People Can Occupy the Interior of the Building
3. Exterior
-30x30 Brick Courtyard
-2 Acres of Flat Lawn
-Pavilion Tents Can be Used on Grassy Areas
-Up to 400 People Can Use the Exterior Areas
4. Bathrooms
Separate Summer Kitchen Building Located Behind Tavern has Modern Mens and
Women's Amenities
5. Food Preparation
-The Summer Kitchen has a Small Modern Kitchen Area
-The Modern Kitchen has a Sink, an Electric Stove and a Full-size Refrigerator
-The 1794 Walk-In Fireplace is Available for Hearth Cooking
6. Utilities Available in the Tavern Building
-Electrical Outlets are Located in Some of the Rooms
-Running Water is NOT Available in the Tavern Itself
-Lighting is Accomplished with Candles and Fireplaces
-Heating is Supplied by Fireplaces and Period 10-Plate Wood Stoves
-No air conditioning

To Reserve All or Part of the Tavern Complex or Arrange Tours: Contact Joanne Klase

717-432-2720
Email Joanne