Golden Ball Tavern 662 Boston Post Road (P.O. Box 223) Weston, MA 02493 saac Jones, a deeply patriotic British subject who owned the Golden Ball Tavern, came late to the revolutionary side. Although he had named his second son William Pitt Jones in 1766, after the British statesman who had championed the cause of the colonies, Isaac may have misjudged the patriotic outrage he aroused by continuing to serve Dutch tea in his tavern. After being accused as a traitor by the Massachusetts Spy in 1774, he issued an apology, but that was not enough to stop the uprising that came to be known as "The Weston Tea Party." In March that year, after Isaac had gone to Uxbridge, patriots with painted faces raided his house, broke down doors, and stole liquor, raisins and lemons. Patriot committees urged that Isaac's tavern be closed. But the Golden Ball remained open, perhaps a mark of respect for Isaac’s position in the community. Then less than a month later two British spies sent by General Gage from Boston to find the safest route to capture patriot stores of ammunition in Worcester, chanced on Isaac's tavern, and he offered them both tea or coffee. "And then we knew with whom we were," they wrote, indicating that Isaac’s loyalties were still with the British. But this was to change. Within two years Isaac must have signed an oath of loyalty, for by January, 1777, he was working for the new revolutionary army, hauling supplies to the French in New York. His house holds fascinating clues to the factors which may have caused him to change his allegiance. Directions: Route 128 to exit 26/Route 20. Take Route 20 west for 2 miles. Beyond the Weston police station (on your left) turn right onto Golden Ball Road. Turn right again onto the Old Post Road. The Golden Ball Tavern Museum is the second building on the right. Phone: 781-894-1751 Fax: 781-862-9178 send E-mail visit Website Contact: Joan Bines Hours: By appointment (please allow a week's notice) Admission: Adults, $3. Seniors, $2 uilt in 1768 as a tavern/home by the wealthiest man in Weston, Massachusetts, the Golden Ball Tavern is now an archaeological and historical museum showing the changes that have occurred during 200 years and six generations of the Jones family. Six acres of well-tended grounds, historic gardens and an early barn enhance the story. From 1770 until 1793 the gracious Georgian house operated as an inn. Then it became a Jones family residence, remaining so through six generations. The house is filled with original 18th and 19th century furnishings and artifacts belonging to the family. These include special exhibits of blue-and-white china, tap room ware, tea ware, and family heirlooms. In addition, there is a material-culture exhibit in the parlor closet displaying---on separate shelves for each of the Jones wives---their china, silver, and glassware. Ninety-nine percent of what we display throughout the house belonged to this one family. Ours is one of the few museums with such integrity of both collection and archives. Special exhibits include Remains to be Seen, a display of artifacts found during six archaeological digs on the property that have been carefully selected to enhance the visitors’ understanding of the family, the tavern, the house, and the time. On the last Saturday in September, the museum holds its renowned Outdoor Antiques Show at which nearly 100 carefully selected dealers sell their antiques. Food, music and fun fill the day. In November, the museum holds its annual Harvest Festival inviting children and adults to try their hands at colonial crafts. The museum also develops collaborative school programs and conferences, and welcomes professionals and history enthusiasts for special tours. Funding for this website is provided by Community Crossroads Foundation, The Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities, and the museums and historic sites of the Greater Boston History Project.