White Horse Tavern was a Famous Landmark

Statue of White Horse in East Avon, at site of White Horse Tavern. It is maintained by the Avon Preservation and Historical Society.

Original sign for the White Horse Tavern.  From: A History of Agriculture in the State of New York by Ulysses P. Hedrick

One of the most noted of the hostelries of the stagecoach era that survived well into the 20th century was the White Horse Tavern, along Routes 5 and 20 at East Avon. Built in 1812 by John Pierson, the tavern was an important early stagecoach stop for travelers.  Although many of the hotels in the area were popular for their sulfur springs, there was no spring at the White Horse Tavern. In 1930, a statue of a white horse was placed in front of the building by Miss Emma Rettig, owner of the tavern at the time. Although the tavern was destroyed by fire in 1955, the statue of the white horse stands on the location of the inn. 

Another view of the White Horse in 1915 during one of the famous English-style fox hunts. Photo courtesy of Douglas Morgan, Town of Lima Historian.

This scene just prior to one of the famous White Horse Inn fox hunts in 1895. Courtesy of Douglas Morgan, Town of Lima Historian.

 

Ruins of the White Horse Inn after it was destroyed by fire in 1955. Courtesy of Douglas Morgan, Town of Lima Historian.                           

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    Livonia Gazette, Wednesday, August 4, 1955