What we do know about the property is that it was once a Tavern owned by James Bell and after his death his son, Thomas, took over the tavern and changed the name to the “Sign of the Rattle Snake.” The present stone structure was built circa 1780. James Bell heeded the call for America’s independence, and in August 1780 served in The 3rd Battalion 1st Company of Cumberland County’s Militia as Captain. In this way, Captain James Bell aided in the founding of this country.

 On July 3, 1788, the Tavern served as host for the Stony Ridge Convention. This was a gathering of Anti-federalists leaders who opposed the Federal Constitution without a bill of rights. According to the meeting minutes, it was resolved that the Federal Constitution as it stood was "Destructive of that Liberty for which so much blood and Treasure has been spent" and a convention in Harrisburg needs to take place to write and submit a bill of rights to Congress.  The Harrisburg Convention met on September 3, 1788.

At the time of the 1992 Historical Resource Survey by Nancy Van Dolsen for submission to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Bell Tavern was deemed “architecturally and historically significant.” On January 6, 2016, Triple Crown Corporation began demolition of the Bell Tavern.

Silver Spring Township solicitor submitted an immediate stop order once township staff realized the historical significance of the building. After researching the permit process and seeing it was obtained legally, the township removed the stop order. However, Mr. Disanto has temporarily volunteered to halt the demolition while negotiating with the township through its solicitor.

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