I noted the mention of the remodeled Healdsburg Bar & Grill in your “Healdsburg Today!” column (story in The Tribune, Dec. 11). My grandfather, George Hansen, owned the bar for 10 years from 1952-62. It was named the Sportsmen’s Lodge back then. He sold it to one of his bartenders, a local man, Alex Biagini. My grandparents had initially planned for it to be a French Basque restaurant and bar, but that didn’t materialize.
It certainly was a different time in the ’Burg back then. Dogs and kids were allowed to wander around in the bars. And along the stretch of (then) West Street and Plaza Street, it seemed there were so many bars! All the owners supported each other and enjoyed beers at the different establishments.
I used to ride my tricycle in the bar during the early 1950s. There was a jukebox in the corner that played 78 RPM records. My grandfather always kept a pot of stew, lentils or chicken going in the back kitchen. The “hobos” of that time would come up for a handout from the empty field where Safeway is now. We’d see them “riding the rails” along the tracks, too. One semi-regular customer could imitate almost any train whistle from across the U.S. It was impressive!
I’m looking forward to seeing the old bar perked up under Charlie Palmer’s stewardship.
Marie Butler,
Healdsburg
Tin building
The new Foley Family Pavilion was originally paid for and designed for the Farmer’s Market … as nice as it is and wanting to move events off of the Plaza … please keep in mind that this is a tin building. Winetasting events in the summer in 100 degrees in a tin building with no shade and benches to rest … seems like a nightmare.
Also, are the events only going to be scheduled for Sunday through Friday as the Market would have to find another location if events happen on Saturday? Just asking.
Heather
Via website comments
‘Macbeth’ Review
I saw the play last night and I’m baffled by this review, particularly the headlining dig at the star player (‘Toxic masculinity defines Macbeth,’ Oct. 30). Matthew T. Witthaus’ portrayal was nothing short of authentic and masterful, handily illustrating Macbeth’s descent into madness. I hope this nasty review didn’t prevent people from seeing this stunning performance.
‘Gertie’
Via website comments
Carnegie’s skeletons
Yeah, Andrew Carnegie “has a few skeletons in his closet.” The dead workers at the Homestead Factory who went on strike. Carnegie ran away to Scotland and had his henchman, Frick, bring in the Pinkertons and local cops to break the strike using bullets. There was an assassination attempt on Frick, which failed (unfortunately).
Carnegie also supported the Eugenics Society, which promoted the sterilization of the defective and “pure blood” lines.
Carnegie built the libraries with his money, but he didn’t provide the books.
Tim McGraw
Via website comments
