From the early 19th century until the mid-1900s, a tavern and stagecoach stop first owned by Peter Hanger stood here. In 1848, its second proprietor, Samuel Harnsbarger, planted a willow tree in a spring here, across the newly constructed Valley Turnpike from the tollhouse. Spring water flowed up the trunk and out a spout driven in its side, falling into a wooden trough. For more than a century, three successive willow spouts provided water for thirsty travelers, horses, and automobiles.