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Called "The Practical Farmer," the Tavern House was built around 1800 to sell Captain McAllister's brandies and whiskies, to accommodate overnight travelers, and to serve as a community center for the surrounding farmers.  Later, it was home to the Dairy's milking crew and farm hands.
It is restored to this period of about 1870. Today, the Tavern House serves as office space for Dauphin County Parks and Recreation Department. In 1996, the restored Tavern was awarded the Preservation Award by the Historic Harrisburg Association.   While the Tavern House is not regularly open for tours, if the staff is not too busy they welcome visitors to look around.  And visitors to Fort Hunter Park are always  invited to view the exterior of the Tavern as another one of Fort Hunter's many historic treasures.	"The Practical Farmer" Tavern House, built circa 1800 by Capt. Archibald McAlister to serve the boarding needs of the surrounding community.
The 19th century Springhouse, served the refrigeration needs of the nearby Tavern and the Dairy Barn.	The Tavern Summer Kitchen, attached to the east side of the structure, was restored and modernized to provide facilities for "living history" demonstrations and educational programs. The Kitchen boasts a large stone hearth and oven.   The Springhouse, located a few yards to the west of the Tavern, served most of the refrigeration needs of the Tavern and the Dairy Barn during most of the 19th century. The springhouse roof was rebuilt in 2000 after a fallen tree caused damage to the reconstructed building.
Recently, the Smokehouse that once stood on east side of the Tavern House was reconstructed, thanks to the work of carpenters George Hess and Darryl Neiman. The reconstruction was based on plans created by Jason Austin, intern at the architectural firm of Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates.
The Smokehouse, a modern reconstruction of the 19th century smokehouse which stood on the site.	Dauphin County Parks and Recreation 100 Fort Hunter Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 (717) 599-5188 http://www.dauphinc.org
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