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Second Round is on You!
My mention of a few "Fox Hill" bars in the 1960s (see "Drinks Are On Me") stirred up quite a discussion of places around Plattsburgh in those days or earlier where a fellow could sit for good conversation and a few cold ones.
My friend Sal Righi reminded me the other day about Johnny Bell's, also on Fox Hill. That was another nice little place, right in the middle of a quiet residential area, where the conversation and jukebox could get loud. I ate my first pepperoncinis there. You know, those hot little green peppers with the little seeds and juice in the middle. I got hooked on those babies! I still recall Gordie Coryea was sitting next to me at the bar, telling me how good they were. I tried one and that was all it took. In fact, in my refrigerator right now is a jar of pepperoncinis.
Sal also mentioned the Brass Rail, the Sit and Spit and the Flame, places that might have been before my time. And then there was the Yacht Club, down on the water. How many of us packed that place after a softball game or meeting on a summer's night? Who owned the Yacht Club? Who served up the brews?
My mention of the Korina got me thinking more about how many different owners that business had. An older couple ran it during the Sixties and then, for a time, I recall a couple of guys (was it Bob & Ed?) who ran the K. Didn't Terry and Pete Polhemus own it for awhile? I'm pretty sure it ended up in the hands of Herbie Rock, who spiced things up a bit, and then, alas, the Korina closed its doors about ten years ago, perhaps.
Both Mike Mannix and The Old-Timer reminded us of the Knight's Tavern, and Mike added the Chanteclair. Never heard of either of those spots.
My brother Goose liked to sip a few at the Depot, and I can recall joining him there, probably during the Seventies. It was at the Howard Johnson's on Route 9, near Cumberland Head Corners. Nice quiet atmosphere with tables and sometimes a musician would sing tunes. I remember that several Friday nights when I went Mike McCaffrey was entertaining the patrons.
Goose also asked about the bar at the mall when Pyramid Mall first opened. Leave it to former local musician Randy Vaughn to remember that one! I thought for a long time, but couldn't come up with the name, but Randy remembered that it was Lentzo's.
It seems that all these places brought good times, not so much for overindulgence of alcohol, but for the friendship and conversation you knew you'd find. There would always be a funny story, somebody willing to make a bet, and somebody with the answers to all the world's problems.
That's what still makes places like Meron's, the Fourth Ward, the Store and Fitzpatrick's special today. Almost makes me want to tip a cold one right now!
Comments
The original Yacht Club was not on the site the Naked Turtle is now but to the south of it where they launch the boats at the elbow of the bay. It had a nice sandy beach, a screened in porch where the guests would buy the 7 ounce beers by the case. It was some fun times.
Posted by: skip zatonski | June 7, 2006 6:07 AM
Terry Ladd and myself opened up the Yacht Club. We got it from a Mr. Blair & then we sold it Carl Armstrong.
How about Noah's Ark, the Grandview, the american Legion down by the river.
(Foxy's note: Was the Yacht Club on the exact spot where the Naked Turtle is now? And, yes, when the American Legion was at the Smith-Weed Bridge spot it was quite a place!)
Posted by: skip zatonski | June 4, 2006 7:15 AM
Foxy;
I read your article on "the second round on you". In there you mentioned Johnny Bell's. I don't know if you were aware of it but if you remember Laura, Johnny's wife. She passed away the 11th of this month. I don't know how they got the name of Bell's but their real last name was Postiglione. I'm sure you remember the lady behind the bar who could also act as a bouncer if need be. She was quite the woman even in her older years. They had one son and two daughters, I believe they are all still around this area. Have a great day.
LaVerne
Posted by: LaVerne R. Hicks | May 26, 2006 5:23 AM
The "yacht club" was once owned by beth armstrong's dad, after he retired from the air force, but not sure if he opened it or bought it from someone else.
Posted by: Cricket Terry | May 24, 2006 3:14 PM
Need we forget Brodi's. What else can I say.
Posted by: Crusher | May 24, 2006 6:22 AM
Ah..the yacht club...seems to me an old classmate of "old timer" ran it for awhile - "specs" trombley and his side kick, Carl Armstrong.. although rarely did a day go by down there that you didn't run into the infamous sea captain himself, "slim" harris... and speaking of softball hang outs, how about West End Tavern down on Sorrell Ave?? I remember it best as the Lucas Autobody Shop team hang out.. among others .. the Hess team also tipped a few there as well! Graet bowling machine!!
(Foxy's note: Now there's one that we all forgot about, 'cept for the Carver! West End Tavern. I'd go there for Saturday lunch - hot hamburger sandwich, heavy on the gravy and a ton of fries!)
Posted by: the carver | May 23, 2006 8:06 PM
Foxy you forgot "The Jet Flight" - Pizza Hut now on US Avenue and Romeo's on the other corner.
Posted by: B A | May 23, 2006 3:37 PM