A house of private entertainment, apart from whatever modern connotations the name might conjure, was in the 19th century a licensed place to sell booze, possibly meals but which did not offer overnight accommodation. The applicant had to be sworn to be of good character and not given to various vices, etc. by upstanding citizens, usually his neighbors and probably the logical source of customers as well. The license had to be renewed each year. Lyle To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html