Historic 1838 Warren Tavern
“…[Colonel Warren] built a fine hotel and spacious hall in it for dancing. It was patronized by the elite of Chicago as well as Naperville and the Fox River towns, and here it was that John Wentworth made his debut into social circles. No more refined and truly aesthetic circles than these dancing and private parties have ever graced the elegant drawing rooms of even Chicago since that eventful period.” – RUFUS BLANCHARD, History of DuPage County, 1882
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The Warren Tavern has enjoyed a prominent presence in Warrenville since its earliest days, for it was built and operated by the founder of the town, “Colonel” Julius Morton Warren as a small hotel on the stage coach run from points west and into the City of Chicago. In those days, it was another good day’s ride into Chicago.
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The Warren Tavern is an historic landmark located in the City of Warrenville in the southwest corner of DuPage County, Illinois. It is at the Gateway to the Community, residing next door to The Albright Studio, itself an 1858 pioneer-era structure originally built as a Methodist Church and now home to the City Museum operated by the Warrenville Historical Society. Both buildings have been restored to their former glory by the community.
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The Warren Tavern became a hub of civic activity in the burgeoning community of Warrenville, the place where meetings, events, social affairs, and voting would take place. On a day-to-day basis, it was a functioning three-room hotel for travelers seeking overnight refuge in its Ladies’ Parlor, Men’s Parlor, and Great Room upstairs. In those days, there were outbuildings for stabling horses, preparing food, doing laundry, and – of course – the privies.
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Today, the Warren Tavern is managed by Warren Tavern Preservationist volunteers and is available to rent for social events. The building is suitable for social functions such as weddings, showers, birthday parties, family gatherings, organization meetings, craft sales, lectures, reunions, and company gatherings. In short, the Warren Tavern continues its history as a center for community life.
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