Some trivia about the bar
When purchased , the bar top was covered in Formica that was glued down and had to be removed . The gargoyles were wired for lighting . The shields on the columns have two stripes going across them diagonally . All go the same direction on three of the columns , but one has stripes going the opposite direction .
You can still spot old burn markings on the bar top from when the bartenders would lay their cigarettes on the bar while serving customers .
The two solid doors in the cabinet area of the bars were for refrigeration , which was done with solid blocks of ice . Beer bottles were stored on their side back then because they had a cork with a foil wrapping . Laying the bottles on their side would prevent the cork from drying out .
Over the years , tape was used to put notices , specials , etc . on the bar for display . The acid in the tape destroyed the finish on the wood .
Doors , shelving , drawers and more had to be repaired during restoration . Extra bracing on the back had to be created to reinforce the sturdiness of this masterpiece . The hardware is original , restored to its original luster . Original owner , Dan Roberts , wanted to open a saloon in the town of Hulett in the early 1900s . Powers that be told him there would never be a saloon in Hulett . Based on research , it seems that held true until after WWII .
The grand opening of the clubhouse was on July 20 , 2019 , where Jim had the first drink served at his bar .
Spirits ? Yes , we believe so . Nothing documented , but feelings and things witnessed by the staff and customers would lead one to believe it is so .
Some myths about the bar
The bar was rescued from a fire . Myth based on historical data . If you note the enormous size of the bar , it is unlikely that it was carried out of a burning building that destroyed the entire building but left the bar unharmed . Additionally , the building that was claimed to have burned down was not the location in town of this bar .
Money was stored in a hiding spot of the bar . Most likely not . When opening the section of the claimed area , anything stored there would have fallen down into the structures of the bar that would not be accessible to anyone . During restoration no money was found , which would have fallen into the bar had money been stored in the supposed hiding spot .
The bar was made by Brunswick . This is not believed to be correct after much research of all Brunswick bars from this era . There is documentation from Passow & Sons that has been found and this bar is representative of their work .
Stories , rumors and myths will always surround western history . We appreciate Tom ’ s dedication to studying the history and documenting findings to be able to provide the most accurate information possible .
Jim Neiman , Sr . with the 77 Steakhouse & Saloon historic bar .
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