K3503

U.S. Military Academy - Bicentennial

West Point Watering Hole

Benny Havens

Subscriber-Only Edition

West Point Bicentennial

Benny Havens Limited Edition

In 1824, an Irishman named Benny Havens opened a taveren in Buttermilk Falls, about a mile from West Point. After dark, a generation of cadets would  secretly beat a path to Benney's door for a home cooked meal  and liguid refreshments. For over 50 years Havens was a friendly adversary to West Point superintendents and a most welcome atmoshere of relaxation for countless students.

In 1825, Cadet Jefferson Davis was caught there and his defense stated he was "only drinking beer". Cadet Egar Allen Poe was a regular customer and later wrote that Benney was "the most congenial soul" he knew while at the Academy. The fun-loving cadet George Armstrong Custer never past up the opportunity to lead a late night foray to Havens' hospitable tavern. The escapades of various cadets that spanned the half centurary of the tavern's operation have become legend at the Academy. A song entitled Benny Havens Oh! (sung to the tune "Wearin' the Green") has emerged as a tribute to his memory with many verses added over the years. The Corps of Cadets have adopted  the song as its unoffical anthem. For old times remembered, they will "sing our reminiscenences of Benny Havens Oh!"

Autumn 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 27 K3503 — U.S. Military Academy Bicentennial — West Point (3-16-02)

This is the "Subscriber-Only" edition for this issue, and it rarely comes on the open market. The stamp is a striking eagle and shield set against West Point gray. It has the first day of issue bullseye day of issue postmark from West Point. As I often do, my cachet thoughts were "outside the box" and this one takes you right into the Corps of Cadets. In 1824 a personable Irishman opened a tavern close to the campus. After nightfall, generations of cadets would secretly beat a path to Benny Havens' door for the home cooked meals and liquid refreshment. Cadet Jefferson Davis was caught there in 1825. Cadet Edgar Allen Poe was a regular customer and later wrote that Benny was the "most congenial soul" he knew at the Academy. George Armstrong Custer was a regular. The escapades of half a century remain legends at the Academy. A song entitled "Benny Havens, Oh" remains today as a tribute to his memory and many verses have been added over the years. The Corps has adopted the song as its unofficial anthem. My hand painted cachet features Benny, a meal being served, and a verse from the song. I'm sure Collins was the only cachetmaker to honor the legendary tavern keeper. Benny Havens, Oh.