In Glastonbury, Joseph Welles was a well-known colonial-era tavern owner. He built his home on the Country Road (Main Street) and in 1796, he was granted a license to operate a tavern there. In 1808, Azel Chapman purchased the Welles home and continued to offer meals and lodging at the tavern. He charged 50 cents for supper, bed and breakfast.
The tavern closed later in the 1800’s, but the building still stands. It was purchased and moved by the Historical Society in 1974 from its original location, where TD Bank is today, to its current location on Main Street near the corner of Hebron Avenue.
The Welles-Chapman Tavern is now home to RiverBend Bookstore and the River Valley Chamber of Commerce. There is also rental space for local artists to use as a pop-up store.
River Bend Book Shop is located on the first floor of 2400 Main Street, and sells a number of books about Glastonbury History, as well as tees, dish towels, and gift items that are also available at the Museum on the Green.
The Connecticut River Valley Chamber of Commerce is located on the second floor of 2400 Main Street.
The River Bend Book Shop is accessible via five stairs. The CT River Valley Chamber of Commerce is located on the second floor, and there is no elevator in this building. The pop-up shop location is located on the ground floor, down a flight of stairs.
Located at the corner of Main and Hebron Avenue, 2400 Main Street has plentiful parking in the adjacent lot.
Contact the Museum at 860.633.6890 or via email for information about the pop-up shop opportunities at 2400 Main Street.
