This from the Pantagraph
50 years ago
Feb. 4, 1958: Fire destroyed Sarg’s Roadhouse, a tavern along US 51 on the north side of Wapella. No one was hurt, but loss is set at $20,000. The blaze calls to mind a fire that leveled the Roadside Tavern on the south edge of Wapella on March 6, 1954.
Any of our loyal readers have more details on Sarg's Roadhouse? I think it was near where Haycrafts Auction House is now, but don't really know much about the place. Sounds like a fine establishment, welcoming to visitors, good for dancing, typical Wapella style, but it would be great to hear more about Sarg's Roadhouse.
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6 comments:
Sarg's Roadhouse, operated by E.E. Viewig, at the north end off Wapella on U.S. 51, where the Auction House now stands, was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning.
About 50 Wapella and Clinton firemen battled the fire from ab out 2:15 a.m., when the fire was discovered, until about 4:30 a.m. when it was brought under control. Wapella firemen remained at the sscene until 8 .m. Early estimates was that damage may total as much as 20,000. The estimate did not cover the inventory.
The blaze started in the bar area downstairs, traveled up the walls and into the attic.
Viewig was awakened by the smoke and he awoke his wife and two sons who escaped the blaze. Some clothing was saved but most of the furniture was destroyed.
There were no injuries.
I was one of the firemen on the scene that chilly morning.
George Spray
Green Gables was the tavern at the south end of town, just west of where Teresa Merida now lives. It was named for the green neon tubing that outlined the front of the building. George Spray
More ramblings about Sarg's: It was orignally a two story farm house and when Earl Turner bought the property it became Turner's Tavern for a number of years.After Earl moved to Hudson it had several owners before Viewig.
George Spray
I think I might have a great idea. Follow me here:
Sarge = John E. Wheat.
There would be no more fitting a proprietor to re-open Sarg's Roadhouse than an actual Sarge, who happens to have some of Swayze's swagger, hence the appropriate "Roadhouse" moniker.
JW - a rechristening of Sarg's Roadhouse is calling.
Piper and Dingo (and I think I'm safe speaking for Dingo) would definitely support you 100%.
If the Roadhouse is being revived, none other than the Mod, Dirty Dancer extrodinaire, should be the bouncer, ala Patrick S.
Can it be a "smoker friendly" establishment?
BEP
Ironically, the Viewig boys could really dance.
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