Today we met our daughter Michelle's childhood friend for lunch at the historic Dobbin House Tavern. As explained before, April Stanton Hill lives east of here in Hanover PA and we always try to get together with her when we are in this area. So where better to do that than at the Dobbin House Tavern?!
This facility dates back to 1776 when it was built by Reverend Alexander Dobbin, a Presbyterian minister from Ireland on his 300-acre property. It was used for over 25 years as one of the first classical schools west of the Susquehanna River, and it served as a gathering place for political and religious meetings. After Rev Dobbin died in 1809 it passed through several owners and also served as a "station" on the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War.
During the Civil War it was the residence of the wife and five children of a Union Soldier, and it is believed the house also served as a temporary field hospital during war time.
In 1940 the Dobbin House first opened as a museum. It is now the oldest building in Gettysburg and serves as a restaurant, tavern and museum refurnished in keeping with the early period.
We arrived early so as to secure a parking spot for the big ol' brown truck and we are glad we did. They do not take reservations for the tavern which is located in the basement, but there was a waiting list, so we got on it. Before long he gift shop and waiting areas were packed with people waiting to be seated.
At 1130 hrs they opened for business on Sunday and it was not long before they called our name. We were seated in the tavern portion which is casual. The dining area upstairs is considered "fine dining" and a more "business casual" or better dress is expected.
Doreen laughs at me as my 25-year firefighter background shows through here. I am looking for methods of egress (I only see one!) and I don't see any sprinkler system and they have open flame candles at the tables LOL.
Soon our friend April arrived and we had some great conversations catching up with her and a great meal. April is the Director of Invasive Cardiology and Advanced Cardiac Imaging at WellSpan Health York Hospital. She recently completed her Master's degree and we are so proud of her and her accomplishments.
After lunch we said our goodbyes with April and then we made our way back to the campground. Our grandson Calvin is playing baseball Sat-Mon this weekend in his State Tournament so we were able to tune in and see two games yesterday and three games today.
Tomorrow will be our last day here and we will do the normal pre-departure stuff before leaving Tuesday morning for our next destination at Briar Point Campground near Weston WV.
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