Neitzer’s Tavern
Neitzer’s Tavern was built by 1763, possibly earlier. John Peter Neitzer also had a long store just across from this building. Neitzer died in 1763 leaving his possessions to a niece and nephew in Germany. They came to the Valley in 1765 to claim their inheritance and never left.
William Neitzer, the nephew, seems to have been the first tavern keeper.
During the Revolutionary War the tavern was enlarged to make accommodations for some of Washington’s officers. At the time, the army was encamped near Oldwick.
Tradition says that General Washington visited the tavern on several occasions enjoying a glass of wine at the same time.
It was in this old tavern that township meeting was held in early April, beginning in 1800.
Tories and the Revolution
During the Revolutionary War, the area responded with volunteer. However, no engagement occurred in the region. Several stories exist about Wahsington stoopping at the tavern in Long Valley, also British prisoners being held here, but little evidence can be found to support there tales. It is interesting to note, however, the lack of stories dealing the Tories in the area. Other nearby communities were sharply divided during the war and several deaths resulted.
One incident that took place here gives us some insight as to the popularity of the English cause in the Valley.
One day a stranger, a man of large build and strong muscles, entered the tavern. As he downed a glass of brandy and water he loudly decided the colonies cause. He declared that the Continental Army was just a band of ragamuffins and vagabonds, and went so far as to predict that George Washington would be hanged within the year. Though not a man in the tavern agreed with him, none were willing to disagree either. All noted his size and strength no none cared to settle the argument with the accepted method — the fists. Meantime someone had slipped over to the Hager’s to tell Lawrence Hager what was going on. Now Lawrence Hager was not a young man, but he was well built and very strong. Mr. Hager walked into the tavern, loosened this leather apron and threw it on the floor, and roared “Where is that butcher?” The stranger took one look and fled. Tories were not welcome in the Valley.
Nery Carrera and his family have been running La Rienda at Restaurant Village since 2015.