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April 15, 2025

Restoring the Legacy of the John Francis Tavern

Across from the peaceful waters of Wethersfield Cove sits a timeless reminder of colonial America—the John Francis Tavern, a brick home built in 1764 at 194 Hartford Avenue in Wethersfield, Connecticut. Though now a private residence, the building once served as a lively gathering place in the 18th century. It still holds the spirit and structure of the past with remarkable integrity. At Champs Masonry & Chimneys, our Historical Restoration Division is proud to be bringing this colonial landmark back to life—one brick, one fireplace, and one chimney at a time.

A Glimpse Into 18th-Century Craftsmanship

Constructed during the early years of American colonial architecture, the John Francis Tavern is built with handmade brick, showcasing period-specific brick patterns that reflect the skill and techniques of masons from more than 250 years ago. These patterns were not only functional but decorative, often signaling the wealth or status of the homeowner. Maintaining and restoring this original brickwork is one of the most delicate—and rewarding—parts of the restoration.

Inside, the home features seven original fireplaces, which would have been essential in the 1700s for heating and cooking. Two of these fireplaces are exceptionally large—measuring 40 inches tall by 65 inches wide—and each includes a beehive oven, a rare and exciting find that offers insight into how meals were prepared centuries ago. Beehive ovens were typically built into the side of large kitchen fireplaces and used to bake bread, pies, and other meals in an efficient, wood-fired chamber.

A Restoration Rooted in Respect

Our team at Champs is undertaking this project with a deep respect for history, architecture, and function. Every piece of work we perform is done with care to preserve the original materials whenever possible while ensuring safety and durability for modern use. Here's a look at what our restoration work includes:

Chimney Repointing and Relining: Many of the chimneys had deteriorated over time. We're removing damaged mortar joints and repointing them with historically appropriate materials and techniques, helping to reinforce their structure. We’re also relining the flues so that each chimney is safe and efficient for wood-burning fires.
Firebox and Hearth Restoration: The fireboxes, where the fires actually burn, are being cleaned and repointed with heat-resistant mortar. The brick hearths—those iconic front-facing platforms—are being carefully reconstructed or reinforced to ensure both authenticity and safety.
Woodwork Preservation: The home still features original wooden fireplace paneling, as well as wide plank flooring—both of which are being preserved and protected throughout the restoration process. These are elements you simply can’t recreate today with the same character.
Custom Bluestone Chimney Caps: To protect the newly restored chimneys, we’re installing custom-cut bluestone chimney caps. These not only serve as weather protection, helping to keep moisture out of the flue, but they also add to the timeless aesthetic of the building.

More Than a Project—A Piece of Living History

This isn't just a job—it's a

preservation of New England's architectural story

. Historic buildings like the John Francis Tavern are becoming increasingly rare. When we restore a structure like this, we're not just saving a home; we're keeping a story alive for future generations. Each layer of brick, each old timber, and each working fireplace offers a glimpse into the way people lived, worked, and gathered centuries ago.

It's easy to imagine what this tavern might have looked like in 1764—guests warming themselves by the fire, bread baking in the beehive oven, the smell of wood smoke curling out of the chimneys. Now, that atmosphere will return—not as a replica, but as a functioning piece of history, lovingly restored and brought back to life.

Continuing the Tradition

We at Champs Masonry & Chimneys are proud to serve as stewards of history. Projects like the John Francis Tavern allow us to combine our passion for traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques that ensure safety and longevity. We’re honored to work on a building with so much character and historical importance.

As we continue work on this iconic site, we’ll be sharing more updates, behind-the-scenes photos, and restoration insights. Follow along as we help this 260-year-old structure continue to stand tall—and warm—for centuries to come.

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