Shortly after arriving, William Neitzer met and married Margaret, the daughter of Philip Weise. Together, they managed and expanded the business. A few years later, recognizing the needs of the growing village, William established what is considered the valley’s first tavern.

The tavern soon became an important gathering place. During the Revolutionary War, it was enlarged to accommodate troops under General George Washington. In the early 1800s, it hosted annual town meetings each April. Like many colonial taverns, it served as a vital center for community life, where residents conducted business and shared news from beyond the valley.

The original store was located in what is now the parking area of a future restaurant. Over time, additional businesses developed nearby, including stores operated by George Swachhammer as well as Jesse Weise and his son Edward. Later, Allen and VanNest Steam Heating Company ran a successful tinware and stove business in the area.

Adjacent to the stone tavern, and likely behind it, stood a blacksmith shop operated by Lawrence Hager, later taken over by his son J. Miller Hager and subsequent generations. The shop remained in operation until it was eventually demolished due to inadequate facilities.

Ownership of the tavern and store passed through several families over the years, including the Hager family. Together, these buildings formed the commercial heart of early German Valley.