HAVERHILL — Kimball Tavern has been involved in several mysteries during its 318-year existence.
Some locals say ghosts dwell in the building where, two centuries ago, community leaders hatched plans for the school that became Bradford College.
Strange lights have been seen in the tavern windows at night.
A new chapter to the story was written this week, when local groups interested in preserving the tavern said a mystery bidder is poised to buy the property today at auction. They said a local family wants to buy the property, preserve it, and put an antiques business there.
The bidders have asked to remain anonymous until this afternoon, when the property at 2 Salem St., across from Bradford Common, will be auctioned off.
Representatives of four groups concerned about the fate of the property — the Haverhill Historical Society, the nearby First Church of Christ, the Bradford College Alumni Association, and neighbors of the tavern — said this week they support the local family's intention of purchasing the tavern and preserving its historic character. The tavern was built in 1690.
"We're in agreement," said Peter Carbone, a local business owner and community activist who represents the neighborhood.
Dan Meader, president of the Haverhill Historical Society, said his group supports the bidders, who are "interested in stepping up to the plate to preserve the tavern."
Also supporting the anonymous bidders are Peter Mills, a member of the board of trustees of First Church of Christ, and Kristen Hollenbeck, executive director of the Bradford College Alumni Association.
"We fully support what the family is doing," Mills said.
It was in 1803 that the school that became Bradford Junior College, then Bradford College, was founded in Kimball Tavern. For years, Bradford College owned the historic tavern and used it for functions.
Financial difficulties forced Bradford College to close in 2000. Last year, Zion Bible College bought the campus and has moved its operations to Haverhill from Barrington, R.I. The tavern, however, continues to be owned by Angelo Gordon & Co. Efforts to sell the property on the market did not succeed so the owners decided to auction the property.
The city has assessed the property at $795,000.
Carbone estimated that whoever buys the property will have to spend $200,000 on renovations. Among other things, the windows and heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems need to be replaced and the chimney needs fixing.
He also noted the property has been vacant for four years. Meader said the new owner will have to comply with a number of historic preservation restrictions. The city permitting process also will be difficult, he said.
According to Hollenbeck, Kimball Tavern is among the 10 most endangered historic sites in Massachusetts.
Justin Manning, the auctioneer for the tavern, held an open house on the property last week. A steady stream of potential buyers and people who were just interested in getting a look at the old tavern walked through the building during the two hours it was open to the public.
Andrew Consoli of ABC Inspections said the tavern is in very good condition despite its age.
