On a summer Sunday afternoon, adventurers should plan to visit the Blue Ball Tavern Museum at Little Buffalo State Park in southcentral Pennsylvania. Operated by the Perry County Historical Society, members volunteer to open the museum every Sunday during the summer months.
Located directly across from the state park’s visitor center, the farmhouse museum contains a plethora of local history. One display features Civil War artifacts, including an 1864 Pennsylvania 13th Calvary photograph. Another display showcasing local Native American artifacts, includes strands of shell beads. Among the various collections, there are blacksmith tools, early lighting and Boy Scout troop memorabilia.
Be sure to venture into the basement. The original tavern was located here. The bar still has bottles and mugs setting on it as if the bartender was ready to serve weary travelers. A table and chairs are set with mugs and a set of checkers ready for guests to play as they catch up on the news of the day. During the War of 1812, the tavern was a stopover point where news was shared. A horn from the tavern signaled the nearby White Ball Tavern to get a fresh horse and meal ready for an incoming soldier.
Why was the tavern named, “Blue Ball?” Like a “No Vacancy” sign, a large blue ball was placed outside when the tavern was full. Visit the museum to learn more fascinating Pennsylvania history.
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