We are the lineal descendants of
Tavernkeepers and Innkeepers
from the earliest one (founded in 1634)
to the beginning of the
American Revolution (1776).

---

OBJECTIVES OF THE SOCIETY

To establish the good repute of colonial tavern keepers and innkeepers through:

• The collection of information concerning taverns, tavern keepers, tavern customs, recipes, menus, and all other data that may pertain to colonial taverns and and inns and their keepers.
• The dissemination of such information to the Society’s membership, and eventually to other interested persons and organizations.
• The building of a body of genealogical records reflecting descent from colonial tavern- and inn-keeping ancestors.
• The fostering of a spirit of good fellowship and friendship among members through meetings and other means inherent in these purposes.

What type of people were our early tavern landlords? Here you have some contemporary testimony that these men and women had good standing in their communities, were respected, and above all, jovial.

On the other hand, there is some evidence that some few, at least, were not so gracious and did not always keep such an inviting establishment.

---

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Following are 25 questions frequently asked by existing members or those who are interested in joining Flagon & Trencher.  But remember, the best place to get answers regarding application matters is from our Application and Instructions document, downloadable from the Membership page, and the answers to most of the following questions are included in that document.

1.     Is there a fee to join?

Yes.  The cost to join is $200, which includes lifetime membership, review and registration of your application, your small insigne and certificate of membership.  Consult our Application and Instructions document about payment details.

2.     I’ve completed my application.  What’s next?

Please go to the Application and Instructions document and follow the process carefully.  We find that usually when people are unsure about what to do next, they have inadvertently overlooked a portion of the instructions and information.

3.     I’ve submitted my application and haven’t heard anything.  How long must I wait until I have word of my membership approval?

Processing time is generally about 90 days (three months) from the time your application is received. This timeframe can be longer, depending on workload.

4.     My ancestor’s name isn’t included on the lists on this site.  Does that mean he/she doesn’t qualify me for membership?

Certainly not.  We estimate there are more than 25,000 ancestors who would qualify applicants for membership.  We’ve only identified a fraction of those.  Consult our downloadable Application and Instructions document for particulars about who qualifies. 

5.     What kinds of evidence are needed to document my lineage?

Flagon & Trencher requires standard genealogical proof documentation in order to establish a sound genealogical connection.  Consult the Application and Instructions document for details about what is acceptable and how to cite your evidence properly.

6.     Where can I find documentary evidence of my ancestor’s service?

Consult our Application and Instructions document, which gives guidance on the best places to look for evidence of your ancestor’s service. 

7.     How should I send my application once I have completed it?

It is best to send your application by first-class mail.  Do not send it registered or otherwise request a signature.  This procedure slows down the approval process, and special handling instructions will result in delays for not only your application but for others as well.  Mail will not be retrieved from the post office.  If you wish to know where your package is at any time, we suggest obtaining a tracking number, which will enable you to know when your application has been received by our Keeper of the Tavern Records.

8.     My checks have been cashed.  Why haven’t I heard anything yet?

We cash your checks before your application is reviewed and approved.  This prevents your checks from becoming stale and allows you to know your application has been received.  Remember, though, depositing your checks does not guarantee your application has satisfactorily met all requirements.

9.     Will I receive an e-mail message letting me know when my application is received?

Generally, no.  This is yet another step that requires time to complete.  The more steps there are, the longer it takes to complete the process.  Please be patient.  You will have word when your application has been reviewed, and whether additional information is necessary in order for it to pass.

10.   Once my application has been approved, may I obtain a copy?

Of course!  A PDF Record Copy will be e-mailed to you automatically.

11.   If something is wrong with my application, will someone contact me?

Yes.  If additional information and/or documentation is necessary to make your application pass, the Keeper of the Tavern Records will contact you.  This is usually done by telephone so that a fair discourse of questions and answers can be had.

12.   If my application fails to pass, will I lose my money?

Only a portion of the money you sent will be retained by us.  Before concluding absolute failure of your application, however, the Keeper of the Tavern Records will do his best to assist in making your application successful.  This may require a telephone conversation.  Be sure to accept the telephone call.  Failure to do so will result in further delay or a possible determination of failure of your application.

13.   Does Flagon & Trencher accept Record Copies from other societies?

No.  Every generation must be fully documented.

14.   Does Flagon and Trencher have subordinate chapters and state societies?

No.  Our Society is not large enough to warrant this kind of structure.

15.   Is my personal information safe with the Society?

Absolutely!  We do not sell or make public any portion of your personal information; nor do we provide a copy of your application to anyone but YOU.

16.   Now that I’ve joined the Society, may members of my family join?

Absolutely!  They may join through the same ancestor you used (assuming they are also descendants of that ancestor), or through a different qualifying ancestor.  The process for joining is the same as it was for you.

17.   Is there a discounted rate for my family members to join?

Unfortunately, no.  While your family members are always welcome to join, your lifetime membership is for you alone.  Each person’s membership is exclusively theirs and for their lifetime.

18.   Are my adopted family members eligible to join through my ancestor?

No.  Flagon & Trencher requires blood-line descent.  If your adopted family members are able to identify a biological descent from a taverner or innkeeper, they may prove their line of descent that way.

19.   I haven’t heard anything from the Society for a while.  Is it still active? 

Absolutely!  An annual newsletter is circulated each Spring announcing our membership meeting and other items of interest to our members.  If you aren’t receiving it, perhaps your contact information is old.  Please update your contact information using the form on this site on the Membership page, and send it either by e-mail or postal mail to the officer listed.

20.   I can’t find my membership number or date of approval.  Who can I contact?

Your membership number is on your Membership Certificate.  The specific date of approval can be found on your letter of acceptance.  Always retain these items for your records.  Please look for these items first.  If you no longer have them, then e-mail TavernRecordsKeeper@gmail.com and request a copy of your application, which will contain this information.

21.   My certificate has been lost or damaged.  How may I obtain a new one, and is there a fee? 

To obtain a replacement certificate, send a check or money order in the amount of $25, payable to “Flagon & Trencher,” to the Keeper of the Tavern Records.  The address can be found in the Application and Instructions document on the Membership page.  Or, you may use our ordering form, also on the Membership page.

22.   I’ve lost my insignia pin.  How may I obtain a new one, and is there a fee?

To obtain a replacement insignia pin, send a check or money order in the amount of $35, payable to “Flagon & Trencher,” to the Keeper of the Tavern Records.  The address can be found in the Application and Instructions document on the Membership page.  Or, you may use our ordering form, also found on the Membership page.

23.   I have received my certificate, but not my insignia pin.  Why?

These items are mailed separately through US mail.  Although they are always mailed out on the same day, often one is received several days after the other.  Please be patient. 

24.   I’ve e-mailed the Keeper of the Tavern Records, but have not heard back.  Why?

Remember that Flagon & Trencher is serviced by volunteers who also have private lives.  Chances are your application is not the only one pending.  Please be patient.  Someone will always get back to you when time permits.

25.   How may I volunteer to help the Society?

Occasionally, we have opportunities for our members to help the Society.  If you have a specific skill or wish to assist in some way, e-mail the Keeper of the Tavern Records at TavernRecordsKeeper@gmail.com.  Through volunteerism, our Society thrives.

Last updated 20 April 2024