In 1814 the Essex Coffee House in Salem, formerly the residence of the Hon. William Gray (Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts), was opened by Prince Stetson, as the following advertisements show.
ESSEX COFFEE-HOUSE.
Prince STETSON informs the public that he has closed the doors of the Salem Hotel and taken that spacious and elegant brick house, (the late mansion of the Hon. Wm. Gray,) in Essex-Street, a few rods west of the Sun Tavern, now known by the name of the ESSEX COFFEE-HOUSE; where he will be happy to accommodate Travellers, Parties, Fire Clubs, and all other guests who may honor him with their company.
He rests his claims for patronage on a Larder well supplied with the choicest viands which the markets afford—a cellar stocked with the best Wines and other Liquors which can be procured—and the assiduous attention of civil and capable Servants, together with his own personal exertions to give every satisfaction to his guests. [6w]
Salem, July 4, 1814.
THE CLOSED DOOR—OPEN.
That Mr. Stetson, on leaving the SALEM HOTEL, shut the door after him, is probable enough: it is what is expected of every well-bred man on leaving any house; but
GRAY & CARTER
beg leave to inform the public that the door is now opened again, and though the Hotel is not so spacious as the Prince-ly Mansion of their neighbour, yet being an old and well accustomed Stand, they flatter themselves that those gentlemen who have long frequented it, will not discontinue their custom, as no pains will be spared to accommodate Parties—Fire Clubs—steady Boarders, and all who may honor the house with their company. ☞ Particular attention will be paid to Gentlemen's Horses and Carriages.