History of The Rose Garden
In the 1797 Treaty at Big Tree, after the last buffalo was driven out of western New York, the Indians of the area conceded the rights to this land to The Holland Land Company. Bowmansville was the name given to this area when Benjamin Bowman purchased the first sawmill in 1810. The Bowman family did not have to wait long before Bowmansville became a bustling town. The burning of the city of Buffalo by the British after the American Revolutionary War in 1813 drove many of the cities citizens to Bowmansville. Farms developed throughout the area including the renovated barn in which you’re now sitting.
In the 1797 Treaty at Big Tree, after the last buffalo was driven out of western New York, the Indians of the area conceded the rights to this land to The Holland Land Company. Bowmansville was the name given to this area when Benjamin Bowman purchased the first sawmill in 1810. The Bowman family did not have to wait long before Bowmansville became a bustling town. The burning of the city of Buffalo by the British after the American Revolutionary War in 1813 drove many of the cities citizens to Bowmansville. Farms developed throughout the area including the renovated barn in which you’re now sitting.
Peace only lasted until 1861 when the Civil War began and sent many of Bowmansville’s sons south. A veteran, Mr. S. A. Seaman, returned north to purchase the farm, but the war had changed many of the men who fought. P. J. Soemann, a young energetic businessman developed the Main Street Brewery to meet the growing demand for alcohol. The expanding railroad brought patrons from all over to Bowmansville terminal to enjoy the superior drafts of the brewery.
During the turn of the century, Buffalo was chosen as the host of the World’s Fair organized by the Pan American Exposition Company. At its height the great city of Buffalo was one of the most important cultural centers of the world. As the city expanded Bowmansville continued to grow and so did prostitution and gambling.
In 1920, the government fought back under Prohibition and in doing so angered and inspired a colorful woman named Miss Jennie Morris to open a speakeasy and brothel in the back room. Its visitors secretly called the meeting place “the rose garden” because there was a rose bush between the owner’s home and her saloon. Gambling, women and drinking secretly took place for years until Jennie was caught and the establishment was ordered to close down.
When prohibition thankfully ended in 1933, Jennie wanted to reopen, but was not allowed to retain a license because of her violation. She married Mr. Robert Conwell, an automobile dealer in Buffalo, who was granted a license and the saloon has met the needs of the people of the greater Buffalo area since 1939.
Incredible food and beverage choices, opportunity for athletic glory, and unique venues will make your experience unforgettable. Whether you are looking for a great place to recharge during a busy day or as a destination for all angry buffalo returning home, we are pleased to welcome you to come just as you are.
During the turn of the century, Buffalo was chosen as the host of the World’s Fair organized by the Pan American Exposition Company. At its height the great city of Buffalo was one of the most important cultural centers of the world. As the city expanded Bowmansville continued to grow and so did prostitution and gambling.
In 1920, the government fought back under Prohibition and in doing so angered and inspired a colorful woman named Miss Jennie Morris to open a speakeasy and brothel in the back room. Its visitors secretly called the meeting place “the rose garden” because there was a rose bush between the owner’s home and her saloon. Gambling, women and drinking secretly took place for years until Jennie was caught and the establishment was ordered to close down.
When prohibition thankfully ended in 1933, Jennie wanted to reopen, but was not allowed to retain a license because of her violation. She married Mr. Robert Conwell, an automobile dealer in Buffalo, who was granted a license and the saloon has met the needs of the people of the greater Buffalo area since 1939.
Incredible food and beverage choices, opportunity for athletic glory, and unique venues will make your experience unforgettable. Whether you are looking for a great place to recharge during a busy day or as a destination for all angry buffalo returning home, we are pleased to welcome you to come just as you are.