Tidbits about Philipsburg Saloons

 

Saloons have been a large part of the town of Philipsburg since almost the beginning of the camp. Tradition was that Churches were established on the north slope, thus became named as Church Hill and the drinking establishments were located on the south side of Broadway. This tradition continued until the Brewery established their Pub in the Hyde/Sayrs building in 2012. 

Research shows that by 1870 there were at least five saloons and by 1875 Henry Inkamp, one of the first owner’s “ran the finest saloon west of Deer Lodge” according to The New Northwest. Sadly I have not found a name for this saloon. Besides Inkamp, Billy Lang, John Rains, M.O. Regan, Angus McIntyre, Dick Dickenson and Johnny Gerber operated saloons during the early days. Numerous deadly incidents have been documented as occurring in or near the drinking establishments and miners were often known to drink their sustenance saddled up to a bar instead of going home after their long and tiring shifts. Often the patron ran a tab and on payday a large portion went to their favorite watering hole. Bartenders were known to also take the patron’s check and retrieve it from the safe when the spouse showed up the next morning after payday. When the mines or mills were rumored to be shutting down the newspapers carried notices that establishments were going to cash only and bills needed to be paid in full before a published date. W

When I moved from West Fork to town, although I was underage, it was okay for me to drink in the bars, because I was married. Although we could vote, women were still viewed as property. I guess, if I did something wrong it would be my over 21, husband’s responsibility. T

The following topics about the drinking establishments will begin as I recalled them in the late 1950’s. LeRoy and Nancy (Miller) Owens have kindly assisted me in the stories, proprietors and names, to bring them up to date. At the east end of Broadway the first tavern as you headed west from Montgomery was the Antlers owned by Bill Crncivich “The Greek”. This establishment catered more to the casual person seeking entertainment but not looking for any trouble. Bill, with partners, Lum Wanderer and Roddy McRae, built a bowling alley on the second floor that became very popular in the community and created numerous bowling leagues. It also gave a lot of employment to the town youngsters, as pin setters. This task was a real serious responsibility for the youngster and earned deep respect amongst their peers. One had to be fast, accurate and able to get out of the way of very high speed bowlers to avoid serious injury. In the early 2000’s I ran into Bill at a local Pub in Troutdale, Oregon, reminding one of how small this world is. We had some good laughs of the P’Burg characters he could recall. A

After Bill sold, there were numerous owners including Phil and Dean Salois, Ron McComber, Pat Carlin, Joe Braach, David McRae, and Judy (Winninghoff) Loobey. Then Anne Filmore and partner renovated the entire bottom floor into Montana John’s Silver Mill with an upscale restaurant serving steaks, seafood and prime rib. It currently is named Zia’s and serves Italian fare. 

The west side of the downstairs building was the M and M bar, owned by G.J. Moorman and Ross Hayworth. My recall was a very dim lit establishment that did not take kindly to our young groups habit of buying a drink at one bar and walking up to the next bar to turn in the glass and order another drink, so we just skipped entering that door. 

The next Bar was the White Front with a long history from at least 1887 and a well established record of service to their clientele, even during prohibition. While named the Busy Bee during prohibition it is rumored client’s thirst was quenched in the basement. More than once the proprietor’s were served with papers detailing charges for bottles of alcohol being sold without charging state tax in the back alley etc. Research fails to reveal any outcome of the charges. Since the owner’s were upstanding citizens I am certain they were able to erase the offenses. Oral information and recall, thanks to LeRoy and Nancy Owens and Marlene Andre Chor starts with Peter Andre as the owner, with son Adolph “Dooley” taking over next. 

Dooley was recalled into service during the Korean conflict, so Bernard “Bumo” LeRoy took over for Dooley and Harry Hanifen helped. My Step Father-in-law, Helmer enjoyed the group of miners and mill men that congregated at this establishment. Next, LeRoy Owen and Scott Anderson took their turn. Dooley’s daughter, Marlene Andre Chor followed and after visiting the White Front during Flint Creek Valley Days and falling in love with the bar, Bill Mackley contacted Marlene wanting to buy. She was not interested in selling but told him to call back in the summer. Bill called back and ended up owning the establishment for a long period of time. T

The current owners, who also own the Sunshine Station (established long after my bar walks), are an LLC from outside of Granite County. 

On the southwest corner of Sansome sits the Cartier building that housed The First State Bank. Then was purchased by W.E Metcalf in 1931. First it had the Banquet café ran by Jack Keating then it became the Club Bar with Jack Polich and Art Taylor. The “bank vault” became a barber shop and then a women’s lounge. Next Cleveland A. and son Clevie Metcalf bought the property from W.E. and continued the operation as The Club Bar with Art Taylor. 

During our Broadway walk the women’s lounge was often operating as a “Crap Table” and many a paycheck was taken by the house, while a noisy, cigar smoking group of miners and upstanding business men rolled their dice. My father-in-law enjoyed this room with a grin from ear to ear on those special days. 

After the Metcalf’s sold the building there have been many renovations, numerous owners, including Bob and Dee Derosia and name changes. Sheryl and Keith Barkell are the current owners and operate under the name Bunkhouse Whiskey. 

South on Sansome was the Courtney/Pintlar Hotel with a quiet secluded lounge developed by Lorenz, as manager under the ownership of Agnes and Father Humphrey Courtney. This establishment was out of our social class, so to speak, therefore not included in the walk. 

Next on Broadway was the Silver Tavern, owned by Cleveland Metcalf and at some date Charles Anderson. George and Mildred McKee were the owners during our walks and showed great concern for their patrons. More than once George ran a tab on payday for my husband and gave me his paycheck when I stopped by in the morning. After the McKee’s, David McRae, then Joe Haggard were operators. When Jean Breeden became owner it was named the Hungry Buzzard. That building is now demolished. 

The last watering hole on broadway was the Rodeo Inn owned by George and Bye McLane. It could become a very rowdy spot and had a lot of history. LeRoy and Nancy recount Clyde Gregory “Hickory Nuts” being shot by Con Stage (a cook at the Brown Derby). He was very drunk and looking for Derosia at the Club but ended up in the Rodeo Inn. Needless to say when news reached the White Front, LeRoy closed and went home. The bar is now The Thirsty Dog.