Then And Now: The Pocahontas Tavern

I've been hanging on to this picture for a while. It's the Pocahontas Tavern, which was opened in 1928 by Joseph Franklin Smith, who also established the Pocahontas Spring Water business.

An article from last April talks more about the history of the Pocahontas Spring with a passing mention of the tavern and some more about John C. Smith - the son of Joseph Franklin Smith who has lived in town all his life.

As noted in the previously mentioned article, the Pocahontas Tavern also had a miniature golf course. The Lynnfield Historical Society is apparently in possession of a teacup from the former establishment, according to one article found online. This image also appears in the Warren Fells local history book on Lynnfield, which states that it was taken in 1930 and that the business also catered to banquets and parties and that Mr. Smith ran the business with his wife Della.

The coming of the Great Depression followed by World War II gas rationing reportedly doomed the Pocahontas Tavern before it had a chance to become a local institution like the spring water company. .

Each week, these photos are provided by the Lynnfield Historical Society. Are you interested in joining them? Just send a $15 check to Bob Gillon, Lynnfield Historical Society Treasurer, 300 Main Street, Lynnfield, MA 01940. Include your mailing address, email address and phone number.