Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Image courtesy of www.vectorstock.com

We spent a pleasant evening last night hanging out at the local watering hole with Bigger and his friend, our camping friends, and childhood friends who were providing live music.

This brought back memories from when I was a kid and Dad had to run errands in Elgin or Plainview.  If one of us kids got to go along, we knew there was going to be a stop at the local watering hole which meant a glass of pop for us...a very rare treat back then.  

The live music also brought back so many memories of our dating years when that what we did every weekend.  There was always at least one venue nearby that had live music and generally all or most of our social circle would end up in the same place at the same time.  Ahh, the good old days!

Because we were at the local watering hole, we also ran into some acquaintances that we haven't seen in months or years.  One of them was the young man and his who just built a new house down the road from us.  They'd left their toddler with grandma and came out for some adult conversation.  I remember those days too!

This particular establishment used to be a prime destination.  I remember my parents talking about going there for shenanigans back in their day.  Unfortunately, about the time I migrated to the neighborhood, it took a dive and became...well...a dive.  For 30 years, I wouldn't set foot in the place unless I had an entourage of my guys with me for protection.

I don't say that to be snide; just to provide the background for how the next generation running it have made significant efforts to turn its reputation around...such as bringing back live music on Saturday nights. 

 

I'm really glad that we had a chance to see the new and improved approach to public relations for several reasons.  First, we always love to see a local, independent business doing well.  It's just plain good for the entire community.  Second, it's nice to know there is a clean, well-run, local watering hole where we could just stop in for a pint on the spur of a moment and likely spend an hour or more chatting with people with know who were doing the same thing. 

So here's to the Douglas Saloon and Social and Social Club and the band Warrior Revival who helped us have a very enjoyable evening out!