Tavern Talk: Old Taverns and Tales in Springfield Illinois

by Bobby Orr, Sandy Orr

Springfield Illinois has a rich history of locally owned and family operated neighborhood taverns. The tavern business was an honorable one; husband and wife worked it together and everyone respected them. The proprietor wore a crisply pressed white shirt with a bleached white apron. It seemed that in Springfield Illinois taverns were set up like a local church parish. People worked, worshiped and socialized together, their kids went to church and school together and the friendships and stories generated were lasting and passed down for generations. There are local families who have been and still are in the tavern business in Springfield for over 75 years, that's History! Some of the most honest hard working people around are the patrons of the neighborhood taverns. How wonderful it is to listen to the old-timers tell their tales; we believe it's important to document their memories before they are gone. Each tavern has its tale's, its regular characters and its favorite bartender. The goal of this small book it to get some "Tavern Talk" started! Remember when, who owned what and where was it back in the day. Enjoy the history and keep the Tavern Talk alive.

76 pages, Hardcover

Published April 19, 2019

About the author

Robert Gordon "Bobby" Orr is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. Orr used his ice skating speed, scoring, and play-making abilities to revolutionize the position of defenceman. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 12 seasons, starting with 10 with the Boston Bruins followed by two with the Chicago Black Hawks. Orr remains the only defenceman to have won the league scoring title with two Art Ross Trophies. He holds the record for most points and assists in a single season by a defenceman. Orr won a record eight consecutive Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenceman and three consecutive Hart Trophies as the league's most valuable player (MVP). Orr was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979 at age 31, the youngest to be inducted at that time. After his hockey career, he became a well-known scout for many professional teams. He also spends time talking to and mentoring young skaters.

Reviews

[Jerry Baird · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry to report that this was not what I expected in regards to Talk about the Taverns in Springfield. This is more of a wikipedia listing of taverns, addresses, owners, and a few photos that are from the 50s forward. I was looking for the Romani Club owned by Carlo Pontelissi, 117 s. 7th downtown for over 40 years, Manuels tavern on S. Grand, Russo's tavern on S. 9th St. (Tony Russo owner) The apartment downtown in the 80s, and several others listed by friends for me to look up. A good list, and interesting but not the flavor of detail I would have expected. Thanks Mr Orr for your research but details could be more researched and feedback on many can be found on google.