Popeye’s Tavern is no more
Last week-end Popeye’s Tavern burned. This week-end the demolition and clean up is nearly complete.
After listening to the interviews on the news, I’ve been wondering if any of the people who frequented the place remember that the name came from Popeye Rose – who was the owner 60 years ago. Or if they remember that Popeye’s brother was a town cop – and Popeye ran a poker game in the back room.
I only know that because my Dad used to deal for him sometimes.
We’ve been reminiscing about all the bars that used to be down town, and trying to remember if King’s Bar and Hotel went first, or if it was Phil’s Club. Both of them burned.
Then there was the Log Cabin – which later became Mercer’s Memories. I’ve heard many tales about that place dating back to the 1930′s and 40′s – and had some fun dancing there myself in the 70′s. Back when I was in High School the proprietor rented an apartment from my Mom – and the only way she could collect rent was to send me down to the bar to ask for it.
Now I suppose it would be considered “contributing to the delinquency of a minor” to send a teen-ager into a bar for any reason.
Each time another of the old buildings burns in downtown Priest River we lose a bit of history. But in some cases we get something good in return – just look at the park-like area next door to the library!
Posted: May 22nd, 2010 under Happening around Priest River.
Tags: Priest river, Priest River business, priest river history
Comments
Comment from Bud Dowling
Time August 5, 2011 at 2:39 pm
I lived, taught, and coached at PRHS from fall of ’59 through Summer of ’62. I always considered PR as my second home town. There were some real characters around that time. There was a priest who would come into Popeye’s, ask to see the cigars, pick out several and leave saying”charge ‘em to God.” You had to love him. Every time we needed equipment or outfits for players at PRHS, the bar owners always came up with most of the money for the needed equipment. I have wonderful memories of the kids, the adults, and the teachers we had at that time.
Comment from Marte
Time August 5, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Thanks for stopping by! I guess I missed meeting you – I was class of ’65, but was in Spokane most of my Freshman year. I’ll bet my husband remembers you, because your name sounds familiar.
I think I DID know that priest!
Agree about the bar owners. Back in the 90′s I got behind bringing fireworks back to PR for the 4th of July. They were some of my strongest supporters. One bar owner put up a jar and said anyone who said a cuss word had to throw in a quarter. She told me about one customer who stuck $5 in the jar and said “Now, can I say what I want?”
Comment from Jack Donais
Time September 18, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Yes I can remember some of the old days. The city was really booming then,a different kind of people back then. We should perserve the history of this town and enjoy what we have left.