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"The Perpetual Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts"- Vol. 1

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The section of the Commonwealth's "Perpetual Laws" regulating taverns and tavern keepers states that the responsibility for their enforcement was the duty of the Selectmen of each town. Each town had its share of taverns in the 18th and 19th centuries. They served as communication centers, post offices, social clubs as well as a place for eating and drinking and often for overnight accommodations, and served travelers as well as local residents.

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