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!

Share some memories, give us your vision for the future, and let us in on things happening right now.

Did your brother just buy a ’66 Malibu to restore? Send us a picture.

Cow have twins? Send us the news and the photo.

Did you win a poetry contest? Send us the poem.

Are you opening a new business?

If you’re old enough, think back to the Priest River Times of the 1960′s – remember those columns about different neighborhoods? There was Blue Lake news, Edgemere news, Laclede news – and of course the news from down town. Those columns were filled with tidbits about kids home from college and the military, vacations, and even small disasters like a load of hay falling off the wagon.

Well, add the digital photo age to that old-style sharing, and send it along.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you…

Marte