The History of Taylor’s Tavern & Restaurant
In 1866 a gentleman by the name of Rinaldo Taylor editor of the Franklin Democrat, an early Greenfield newspaper, purchased the building naming it The Taylor Block.
 Mr. Taylor had gone out to the California Gold Rush in 1849 hoping to strike it rich. Unsuccessful he returned and ran the only millinery store in Greenfield.
The building suffered 3 fires and was rebuilt in 1885 with an additional floor and cornice.
In 1921 W. L. Goodnow Co. of Keene New Hampshire purchased the building and Goodnows Department store became a significant retail store. The basement floor, which now occupies Taylor’s, was the linens and domestics section. The unique cashing out tube (pneumatic) is something many people remember.
Mark S. Donoghue, former University of Massachusetts basketball player and local CPA purchased the building in September of 1982. Renovations were started and the building was quartered into four condominiums.
Taylor’s Tavern opened its door on September 11, 1983 taking its name from the building itself.
The tavern side was the original restaurant and bar. In 1987 two things happened. A fourth floor was added to the building and Taylor’s Dining Car Room became a reality. Richard Lee of Easthampton, Massachusetts, handcrafted the beautiful woodwork.
We have been honored to be a part of Historic Downtown Greenfield for years and look forward to serving you for many years to come.
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