Did you know that Scarlet Oak Tavern was built in 1757? Thanks to information provided to us by the Hingham Historical Society and The Heritage Museum, new research shows that our building is nine years older than we originally thought.

The home of Scarlet Oak Tavern, 1217 Main Street, has a rich history dating back to 1640 when the land was granted to Robert Peck.  Daniel Whiton bought the property in 1748 and built his fine Georgian house in 1757.  The property remained in the Whiton family until 1916.

The Whitons were wealthy farmers, carpenters, and served the town as constables.  Two Whitons fought in the Revolutionary War.

Joseph Jacob Whiting, Daniel’s eldest great-grandson and successful Boston clothing merchant, died without issue, so his brother Amasa, inherited his Boston and Hingham properties valued at as sizable $159,000 in 1863.  (This would be the equivalent of nearly $3,000,000 in today’s currency!)  Amasa served as state senator, member of the school committee, and trustee of the library.  Amasa’s wife, Hannah (Fearing), owned the property after his death.  She lived until age 85 and her travels between Boston and Hingham were newsworthy for the Hingham Journal.  Ada Bacon, Hannah’s daughter, eventually sold the property out of the family.

In 1939, Otto and Herberta Kley bought 1217 Main Street and established the Country Fare restaurant.  The Country Fare was a Duncan Hines recommended restaurant and served Hingham for over 40 years. During that time Otto and Herberta lived upstairs on the second floor.  They were very helpful in times of trouble and were known to deliver food to the neighbors as gifts.