Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title above to see all of the photos and the video at the end of the post and so the narrative isn’t clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution # at the end of the post. #1)
In Part I of this series, I listed my favorite dive bars in Oregon – Portland, along the Oregon Coast and throughout the rest of the state. My original intent for the blog was to limit my exploration of bars and breweries to the Portland area.
After retiring in 2011, however, my wife, Janet, and I began traveling – not only throughout our wonderful state, but all over the US and one trip to Europe. It was natural for the range of my Beerchasing visits to expand.
Consistent with my dive bar theme, I now offer you my favorites – first in the Montana and Colorado – two ideal states for these establishments – followed by the rest of the US.
Janet and Ernie Bob – one of our favorite bar servers at the Second Street Brewery in Sante Fe.
Beerchasing in the Big Sky State
Two road trips in Montana – one in 2016 and a more extended one in 2019, endeared us to Big Sky watering holes. The latter was part of a fourteen-day road trip – 3,700-miles across the Western US to North and South Dakota.
Through a long story that began with my wish to take a 350-mile side trip to visit the Dirty Shame Saloon in Yaak, Montana – only 60 miles from the Canadian border, my wife and I negotiated.
So while she visited our two granddaughters in Seattle, I embarked on a six-day solo trip through the Big Sky Country hitting twenty-nine watering holes. Janet then flew into Billings and we completed the final eight days of this unforgettable journey.
3,900 miles in fourteen days.In South Dakota’s Badlands National Park
These were supplemented by a phone conversation with the author, herself, who was very helpful and encouraging. As she states in the first book:
“I probably stopped in an eighth of the 1,600 bars in the state. I’ve written about less than half of those: the bad bars and the sad bars, gay bars and play bars; the stage stop bars, migrant bars, tourist bars and bars for single cowboys; the mean bars and clean bars; the new bars, the rendition saloons, the old boot-legging bars.”
The bars were wonderful – both the people in them and the trappings – and that last term could be taken literally because virtually every bar and many of the breweries (also a lot of the hotels) had mounted (deceased!) wildlife as part of the bar’s décor.
I’m not a hunter and some people have visceral reactions to these displays, but it accurately reflects the culture of the state:
These excerpts from his introduction give you a good idea on his enthusiasm for the topic:
“Colorado is often too hot or too cold. This helps explain why some of us patronize saloons for temperature, as well as altitude and attitude, adjustment…
Pursuing higher education as long as I could, I completed a dissertation in history at the University of Colorado at Boulder. For that research, The City and the Saloon: Denver 1858-1916 , I systematically visited every licensed and unlicensed after-hours club, bar, lounge, nightclub and tavern in Denver – some six-hundred establishments.” (#2)
Pinkie Master’s in Savannah, Georgia is a legendary dive where Jimmy Carter, while standing on the bar, was supposed to have announced his candidacy for the Presidency in 1978. It closed in controversy in 2016, but was resurrected as The Original Pinkie Master’s.
This historic bar (established in 1850) labeled “Boston’s Friendliest Dive Bar” capped a wonderful eleven-day road trip in 2018 through Maine and ending in Boston.
Olympic Diving?
I’ll finish with the silver medal of US dives, if you will. And this analogy made me think of the Olympic Games and some “questionable” Olympic sports in past and future Games.
These include flag football (2028), live pigeon shooting (1900), tug-of-war (1900 – 1926), croquet (1900) and rope climbing (1896 -1932. (#3)
Rope climbing event in 1896 Games
Perhaps they should supplement future Olympic Diving with a “dive bar component” with bartenders lifting or rolling kegs, a mug-sliding competition to the end of the bar (distance and time), etc. Sorry, I couldn’t resist…..
Silver Medal – Rod-N-Gun Saloon – Stanley, Idaho
In 2004, I first visited the unforgettable Rod-N-Gun on Ace of Diamonds Street in downtown Stanley. It’s at the foot of the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains and I was on a 2,600-mile solo road trip during a law firm sabbatical. The history and character of this bar are remarkable.
I returned with Janet in 2016 and we had an engrossing conversation with Johnny Ray Kirsch – also known as “Idaho’s Singing Bartender” – brother of the legendary owner and musician, Casanova Jack. (#4)
“Congrats to Tripp Costas for purchasing the Rod-N-Gun Saloon in Stanley and to Johnny Ray Kirch and Eve Kirch for selling. During the winter of 1995, when I was 20 years old, I waited tables for Johnny Ray and Eve on the cafe side of the Rod-N-Gun. We became lifelong friends. That summer I turned 21 at the Rod-N-Gun. It was June 5th, and it was snowing.
The Rod-N-Gun is a Stanley institution. The original owner built it in 1931 and then gambled it away in a cribbage game. It has burned down twice (once due to an exploding propane tank). The current building was built in the mid-fifties. Johnny Ray’s mom bought it in 1971.
Johnny Ray’s brother, Casanova Jack, ran it until his death in 1990, when Johnny and Eve took over. Casanova Jack was a Nashville recording artist who toured with many
entertainers, including Marty Robbins.
Tripp has been in and out of Stanley for the last decade. He hails from Nashville and has a hospitality background. He’s a bush pilot, a mountain man, and an all-around great guy. Tripp, Johnny Ray, Eve, and I have been working on this deal for the past four years, and it has finally come to fruition.”
Stay Tuned for my Final Post in this Series
Besides revealing Thebeerchaser’s Gold Medal winner, I’ll also discuss the matchless description of a dive bar and a brewery by Harlan Coban in his novelWin. And if an actual New York City bar is that portrayed in his book.
Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title above to see all of the photos and the video at the end of the post and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution # at the end of the post. #1)
Those who follow Thebeerchaser blog know that I have an affinity for all watering holes, but a special fondness for dive bars. And of the 400+ establishments I’ve visited during my now twelve years pursuing this hobby, I’ve gravitated to the less refined rather than the more polished brewery or pub.
That said, I enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie encountered in both although they are distinctly different.
There’s a distinct difference, but both are good!
Resources
Since I worked in a large Northwest regional law firm (Schwabe Williamson & Wyatt) for twenty-five years, I know both the need and the value of thoroughly researching one’s topic. When commencing my Beerchasing days, I had some outstanding authorities not only to educate me, but direct me to iconic dive bars in Portland, along the Oregon Coast and throughout the US – most notably in Colorado and Montana.
While I’ve not had a chance to do a “deep dive” in these publications, a cursory look indicates that I’ve been to slightly over 50% of those reviewed So I still have a lot to explore! (#2 – #4)
The books shown in the photo above, although published years ago, were still wonderful guides in Colorado, but especially in Montana. I had an elucidating phone conversation with author, Joan Melcher, before commencing my solo road trip in Montana for six days in 2019.
During that span, I hit thirty bars and breweries, including my Beerchasing all-time favorite – The Dirty Shame Saloon in Yaak Montana.
Before moving on, I have to give special credit to my friend and prolific author, Matt Love, owner of the Nestucca Spit Press – a small publishing house on the Oregon Coast. Matt’s former blog Letitpour.net and his publication Oregon Tavern Age were both primary motivations for my Beerchasing hobby. (#5)
Matt Love (left) enjoying a beer with Jim Westwood and me at Falls View Tavern in 2021
Dive Bar Descriptions
One has to be careful in stereotyping what constitutes a dive bar. There may be a few adjectives or characteristics that typically apply, but in my exploits, I’ve found each one had its own ambiance, idiosyncrasies and traditions that made them unique.
” “Some dives have vomit-caked toilet seats in the bathroom; others have cracked vinyl booths in the barroom. Some have nicotine-stained murals dating back to the Depression; others have drink prices that seemingly haven’t wavered since then…
…But really, no collection of characteristics can be melded to truly define what makes a bar a dive…..The term ‘dive’ is bestowed with a spoonful of love….What they have in common aren’t so much attributes, but a state of mind — you just know one when you see one.” (Seattle’s Best Dive Bars by Mike Seely – pages 9-10)
I save what I consider to be the quintessential descriptions of dives for ongoing reference. For example, one of my favorite Portland dive bars is Joe’s Cellar – I reviewed this watering hole in 2012, only one month after I started Thebeerchaser.com.
It helped set the standard. I loved this Yelp review:
“Dive bars can be a wonderful thing–I’m not talking about the type of place where you’re afraid of getting a shiv in the bathroom, but a comfortable, neighborhood establishment where locals go to enjoy each other’s company and a drink or five. Joe’s Cellar, thankfully, belongs in the latter category.” (#6)
A New Depiction
I came across a wonderful new portrayal of both a dive bar and a trendy brewery in a novel by Harlan Coban that I just finished.
I’ll add them to my collection and share them with you in Part II of this post.
However, since I’ve plunged into the topic, I thought I should first regale you with my favorite dive bars – not only in Portland, but throughout Oregon – especially the Coast and then some from other parts of the US.
But first, my choice for the most literal dive bar I’ve visited. This one is in Sacramento, California and we stopped there on a 2016 road trip to Yosemite National Park:
I asked Jason, the bartender how the title of the bar was derived. He immediately responded:
“Take a glance upward. You see that 7,800-gallon aquarium. (To put in perspective, that would be about 1,006 kegs of beer!) A few nights each week, we also have ‘mermaids’ swimming in that tank. Now do you understand how we got our name?”
Portland Favorites
In 2019, I listed my fourmost iconic dives in Portland. I’ll simply list them below in no ranking and you can read a summary of each one at this link or if you want the details, at the link over the title of the bar.
I discovered Yur’s in 2020, which Willamette Week accurately described as a “Perfect Dive for Daytime Drinking”. And Yurs – owned by a former NFL lineman – is!
I would also strongly disagree with one reviewer on the subject opining on Portland dives. If you check out my reviews of those above, you will understand why:
“I’m beginning to understand the formula for what constitutes a popular dive in Portland….Make it dark, create some reason for the service to suck and make PBR cheaper than soda….”
(Photos clockwise: The Ship, Mock Crest, The Standard, Renner’s, Yur’s and Gil’s Speakeasy)
The Oregon Coast
Four of the following gems were visited in a three-day trip with my brother-in-law, Dave Booher and another friend, Steve Larson, in the summer of 2014.
The Desdemona Club, better known by locals as “The Dirty D,” was a 2012 trip – again with Dave – he also feels a kinship with dives.
(Photos clockwise: Desdemona, Sportsman, Tide Pool, Mad Dog and The Old O) (#7)
What About the Rest of Oregon?
Central and Eastern Oregon are two regions which still need Beerchasing exploits based on what we discovered on another three-day road trip in 2013.
And the iconic Lumpy’s Landing was one of the two bars that I visited before I retired which gave me the idea to make a bar tour when I retired. (The other was the Rod and Gun Saloon in Stanley, Idaho. (By the way, you missed the ice-fishing contest this year).
(Photos clockwise: Central Pastime, Horseshoe, Hideout, Lumpy’s, Buffalo Bills)
Stay tuned for Part II on dive bars – this time for my favorites in Montana and Colorado – rich in iconic dives and then a few from our travels around the rest of the US.
In my effort to further educate on the topic, take a look at this interesting Thrillist article about fake dive bars:
“If a place is actually calling itself a dive by name, that’s a surefire sign that some hipster who’s never been in a real hole wanted to open a bar but didn’t want to invest in a vacuum or nice lights. Lots of ferns, though.
There’s always money for ferns. Most light should be provided by slightly broken neon signs, not something weird like an Edison bulb or, ugh, a window.”
Cheers
External Photo Attribution
#1. Wikimedia Commons (ttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diving-board,_feat,_bathing_suit,_springboard_Fortepan_25241.jpg) Licensed under the Creative CommonsAttribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. Author: FOTO:Fortepan — ID 25241: Adományozó/Donor: Tari Örs. 1937.
On his ninth birthday, Adam first visited Old Town Pizza which was owned by the Accaurdi family who opened it in 1974.
“It was in the historic Merchant Hotel in Old Town and a hub for like-minded people with a radical agenda. It stood as a beacon for the local community; a place to break bread and enjoy your neighbor.” (Old Town Brewery website)
(#1 – External photo attribution at the end of the post)
As stated in my first blog post:
“That visit had an impact and demonstrates this young entrepreneur’s vision since he bought Old Town Pizza in 2003 when he was only in his early thirties – 33 to be exact.
…..He subsequently expanded to NE Portland on NE Martin Luther King Blvd in 2008, where he built the brewery and pub. Assistance came in the form of a low-interest loan from the Portland Development Commission in its effort to promote enterprise close-in NE Portland.” (#2)
In those posts, I didn’t cover the initial location in Portland’ Old Town, and in light of some recent developments at the original site along with Adam’s own goals, I’ll tell you about them in two new posts.
But first a little background from my prior visits with Adam at the NE Portland location in 2019. Two Oregonian articles in early and mid-2023 and an interview I had with Adam at the spot last July expand on the story.
I was joined on that visit by his fraternity brother from the Sigma Nu house at the University of Oregon for four years – Carson Bowler. (You will hear more about this outstanding environmental and natural resources lawyer later.)
Carson was a colleague for many years when we both worked at the Schwabe law firm.
Thebeerchaser, Carson and Adam in July
Have things been easy for this guy who is now in his early fifties? Adam’s example is similar to many craft brewing owners – ups and downs and long hours to both become and stay successful. Many have not made it. Adam has!
From the prior blog post:
“In 2003, to raise the capital to purchase Old Town Pizza, Adam mortgaged the equity in his home and sold a rental house to make the down payment. Only one month into the new venture, their primary refrigerator went out – they had no cash to replace it.
He had to buy all new refrigeration and new pizza ovens. When I asked how they resolved it, Adam chuckled and said, ‘I suppose that’s what credit cards are for!’” (#3)
A deal – on credit!
Then there was the fire upstairs at the NE brewpub in 2012, which resulted in closure of the pub for about three weeks. (He continued to pay his staff during the closure.)
And, as evidence that the City of Portland’s questionable decisions did not just start with the pandemic, in Old Town Brewing – Part II | Thebeerchaser, I chronicled, in part, Adam’s unbelievable battle over the trademark issue:
“….an example of bad judgment on the part of the City – an ill-advised bureaucratic foray which drew the ire of the micro-craft community, business groups and those who value common sense….. (#4 – #5)
Many citizens wondered why Portland was taking on this small business when Old Town Brewing had applied and been granted the image for its logo by the US Patent Office. Moreover, Milne had come to the City offering to compromise before the fight escalated.”
Adam said that he views the stag logo as a symbol of unity and pride. Intellectual Property law can be very technical but for an interesting and detailed account of the legal issues involved, check out Jeff Alworth’s blog Beervana:
“Have you heard the one about the big brewery that sends the little brewery a cease-and-desist letter for trademark infringement? Of course you have….A little brewery owned a valid, long-standing trademark, but a deep-pocketed large city refused to acknowledge it and told the little guys they planned to license the disputed image to AB InBev.”
Adam and the City settled in 2018 and Old Town can continue to use the logo for five years and the agreement will have to be renewed to avoid future litigation.
Things were going well in 2018 and 2019, as Adam stated on their website:
“2018 was incredibly fun and certainly the most memorable year for us to date. We kicked off with a major rebrand of our company, canned our first brews, made it through a dispute that brought our community together and forever changed the way we hold our love and admiration for this industry.
We started our videos series, collaborated with some of the most amazing and talented people, drank amazing beer and celebrated…“
Beer Awards
OTB had received numerous awards for its beers in previous years. The honors continued in 2019 with three medals at the Best of Craft Beer Awards in Bend where brewers from 33 states competed.
The list of awards for OTB beer is extensive and the styles of beer garnering awards very diverse as can be seen from this link:
And not only did they have excellent traditional beers, but their experimental beers gained a lot of attention – OTB’s Mushroom Ale. Take this review from Ratebeer.com.
“Not only does this beer give you an experience that I can guarantee you’ve never had, it also tastes amazing. Like drinking carbonated maple syrup with a touch of umami character. Amazing.” (#6)
Adam has a tradition of thinking outside the keg. For example, OTB started delivering beer by bicycle in 2012:
“We were the first brewery in America to do that based on our research. I had the idea and called the Oregon Liquor Control Commission who expressed doubt it was legal. They called back and said they all met and couldn’t find a reason it was illegal.”
But Adam joined the ranks of countless small business owners – most notably those in the hospitality industry in 2020. That’s when the global pandemic hit small businesses, but especially those in the hospitality sector, like a contagious sledge hammer.
At one point in late 2021, his receipts in the original location for the day were $17 and he made the difficult decision to temporarily close that location. After eighteen months, it reopened five days per week in 2022. The NE Pub continued to operate during that hiatus.
So how did Adam react to that setback and what are his plans for the future – not only for his own enterprise, but for the city he loves:
“But Milne is a self-described and unapologetic optimist, and where some see a reason to turn out the lights, he sees motivation to add wattage.
‘I wanted to come out of the pandemic and really be a part of the solution to making Portland better,’ Milne said. ‘So we started with that. How can we be a positive voice for Portland?’” The Oregonian – Andre Meunier 2/22/23
Stay tuned for the next post of Thebeerchaser and you will find out the encouraging answer(s) to that question. (#8 – #9)
Great beer and great food!
Oh yes, one parting shot:
Unfortunately, Adam Milne and Carson Bowler are both U of O Ducks. Go Beavs! Go PAC2!
Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title above to see all of the photos and the video at the end of the post and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution # at the end of the post.)
Note: One of the primary topics of this blog is reviews of bars and breweries. Although I’ve frequently wondered from that during the pandemic and in the last few months with a residential move, I’ve got a number of great bars to catch up on at the first of the year – The Wildwood Saloon, Von Ebert Brewery, Old Town Pizza and Grand Fir Brewery. Stay tuned.
Sixty-three years ago on January 2nd. That’s when my dad – FDW as we affectionately called him – and I started an unexpected nine-hour wilderness trek at 5:10 in the afternoon in the snowy Mt. Hood National Forest.
The newspaper account by one Vera Luby Criteser in the Oregon City Enterprise Courier is shown below, but first a little background. (The paper stopped publishing in 1990.)
In previous posts, I’ve mentioned that both of my parents – FDW and Frannie our mom, were saints. They demonstrated love for their kids, patience and faith continually, as well as having the courage to take bold steps while we were growing up to improve our lives. – including a move across the country without FDW having a job in Oregon, our new home.
This couple, who met in 1942 while both were working for American Airlines in New York City, married the next year. They were role models for parenting (and living) for my siblings and me.
I’m named after my Dad’s best friend and SAE fraternity brother at George Washington University (Don Wilburn) – a US Army aviator, who was killed while piloting a military flight.
I’ve retyped the newspaper article dated 1/17/61 – about two weeks after we safely returned from the trip. The group below participated in the adventure (except for our dog, Candy and our cat, Buffy). We were fortunate, given the circumstances and the weather, and learned a few lessons that stood us in good stead for many future wilderness adventures.
Family Christmas about eight years after the trip up the Clackamas
It should be noted that along with the six of us on that trip was a new friend I had met in my seventh grade class. Ellwood Cushman joined us (I’m sure to his parents’ dismay when he failed to return home until the next morning).
Ellwood went on to become 1966 valedictorian at Oregon City High School, graduate from University of Oregon and have an outstanding career in law enforcement, becoming a police lieutenant for the City of Eugene before retiring. (#1 – #2)
Ninth grade in 1963Valedictorian photo – 1966
From the Oregon City Enterprise Courier January 17, 1961
“What Would You Have Done?”
“The Duane Williams family, newcomers to Oregon City, had an experience the day after New Year’s they would not care to repeat but which has not affected their enthusiasm for a future trips to the mountains. If they had panicked, something tragic could have happened.
As you remember, the day was still and clear and a holiday, a wonderful opportunity to drive up to the snow country and frolic. Williams decided to take the Clackamas River Road above the city of Estacada and the Estacada Ranger Station and come to snow in the upper reaches.
He told his wife, Fran, to put in a change of clothes for the children so they wouldn’t have to ride back with wet feet and legs. (#3- #5)
The children are daughter, Lynne, 14; Donald, 12; Garry, 10, Ricky, 8 and a friend, Ellwood Cushman, Don’s new friend, who went along.
Williams, himself, since he was caught in a big blizzard and deep snow in New York City in 1948, always kept snow-boots, extra mittens and a sterno-stove in their car although he had never needed them since that time until this day.
They drove out before noon, planning to be home by 6 PM – 7 at the latest. The trip up the river was not new them because they had hiked into Bagby Hot Springs with the Harry Gehrings and Ed Millers. They were thrilled with the big trees, primitive nature and the mountain air with room to stretch their legs.
The road was good Monday, January 2 and the VW bus performed excellently.
Revising the scene the next SpringFDW loved his VW MicrobusOn one of our Eastern Oregon trips
They decided to stay just until 4 PM and start home. Seventeen miles above Austin Hot Springs they stopped – a big tree lay across the road. (#7)
No snow in this photo, but you get the idea!
Someone ahead of them had also been stopped and turned and the track was plain so Williams swung the car around in tracks but somehow swung too wide and hit a soft shoulder. The car slipped and with each try to pull it out, it slipped farther. No amount of pushing and throwing rocks and limbs did any good.
They worked over an hour and finally gave up. The car was lodged at a 45 degree angle and seemingly safe from further slippage. By this time it was 5:10 and the map in the car showed the nearest assistance would be at Ripplebrook Ranger Station as they learned later, well over 20 miles away.
Williams and Donald left the others in the car, unheated because at the angle it was sitting, no gas could reach the carburetor to start the engine. He took one of the flashlights and began their hike for help. (#8)
Sterno Stove – Not much heat, but psychologically helpful…
The moon came up – full and brought out their diamond-studded path, almost as bright as day. The miles stretched longer and longer as they tramped back. Donald had hiked as aScout and needed another 10-mile hike to earn his merit badge. He earned it well that night.
At first, when they became tired, they sat to rest, but when Williams began to get stiff, they leaned against trees for a few breaths.
Finally about 2:15 AM, they came to Colowash Junction and saw a piece of road equipment sitting by the way. Williams decided to risk using government equipment to save their lives. Hunting around the cab, they found the key although nothing was marked, so it took some time see where it fitted and some experimenting to which levers worked.
At last it roared like a plane and began to move. He maneuvered it around and headed back down the road.
Revisiting our “ride” for the last eight miles the next Spring
Eight miles farther on they saw the welcome Ripplebrook Station, which was closed, but they saw a light burning in the Ranger’s house about a half-mile above. So they took to their feet again.
A few pounds on the door brought out the Ranger and his wife followed. Donald was soon bedded down on a couch and Williams headed back with thermos bottles of coffee and cocoa and the rangers were speeding back to the car.
A welcome sight after hiking 21 miles and 8 miles in a Caterpillar
Frances in the meantime had her hands full with four cold, hungry children. If the hours went slowly on the long hike, time crawled in the stalled car.
They sang, played guessing games, the younger ones huddled together and napped – hard to do at such an angle. When they became too cold, she lighted the sterno-stove for the psychological effect of something burning.
Williams gives his wife most of the credit for the safety of the group. Two years ago, they drove to Oregon from Cincinnati, Ohio to look over the West with the idea of locating here and camped along the way.
The experience came in handy last summer when Frances, a New York City girl and the children moved to Oregon alone with a trailer on the back of their car – camping along the way.
Frannie – our wonderful Mom was the real hero
Duane had come to Oregon first and couldn’t return with them for the drive West. The family had experience with hazards the year before when they were caught in the great Yellowstone Park Earthquake of 1959.
Williams has one piece of advice to people who go up to the mountain – get maps from the rangers to show the country in detail – they can be vital.” (#9)
This gives an overview, but one needs Forest Service detailed maps.
A Few Observations After Years of Additional Perspective
As mentioned in the article, the real hero during this escapade was Frannie. This New York City gal – new to the West – wondering whether there were bears and wildlife outside the car when they had to go to the bathroom (There were!) and how long, and if, the two rescue hikers would make it back as well as keeping up the sprits of four young kids in a cold vehicle for almost eleven hours, showed incredible courage.
At first, I was thrilled with the excitement and being the oldest son – the one to hike out for help – but after six hours, the novelty wore off. We had walked about six hours and at an 11 PM rest with Dad starting to stiffen up (he was not in great shape for a 21-mile trek) he said to me:
“Don, if I can’t finish this hike to Ripplebrook, you are going to have to do it and I know that you can.”
Right after we resumed walking on that clear night, one of the brightest meteors I’ve ever seen, flew overhead. I don’t remember if I thought that this was a divine sign, but it re-energized me physically and mentally. (#10)
The Time in the Car
My brother, Garry, passed away in 1989, but in the last three days, I’ve talked to Lynne, Rick and Ellwood about their memories of the eleven hours in the car before rescue.
Ellwood said that he was not scared and alluded to Frannie’s confident spirit that all would be okay. He remembered it being cold and them ripping up the rather flimsy seat covers to provide warmth as a covering. (Since we remained friends, his parents evidently didn’t forbid him to see the kid who got him into the mess.)
Rick (age 8) reiterated not being scared:
“Because Mom said everything would be fine. She lit the Sterno-stove and said it would warm us up and even though now I know that it couldn’t, it seemed like it did.”
Lynne, at 12, as the oldest child left in the car, said that although she was not frightened, she became very concerned especially after the hours continued to drag and no one had come.
“I don’t know how Frannie did it. We sang songs including ’99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall’ many times, played guessing games and when we had to go out, she was right there with us, reassuring us.
When I saw the bright light from the Ranger’s truck through the thick ice that had formed on the back window of the VW, I thought it was the angels coming to get us because it was too late!”
Now whether Lynne assisting in managing the other kids that night, helped her when she became a very successful teacher and school principal or Garry to develop the patience and discipline he needed to graduate from West Point, we don’t know.
But I’m sure it helped them in some ways just like being confined in that cold-tight space helped Rick when he commanded a 20,000-foot record deep submergence vehicle dive in 1985 and surfaced up through the ice at the North Pole when he was the skipper of the nuclear submarine USS Spadefish (SSN 668). (https://thebeerchaser.com/2023/07/06/dirt-and-dust/)
The Army vs. Navy Rivalry during college years
The Advantage of Lessons Learned
FDW was a very smart guy and realized the trip could have ended tragically and he learned from those mistakes. From that day forward, he had survival supplies from clothes and energy snacks to flares to two sleeping bags and a GI shovel in the ample storage compartment of the FDW-VW.
He had an extensive sales territory in Eastern Oregon and it came in handy when I went with him in the summer after my senior year in high school and traveled over a Forest Service road in the Mount Emily Wilderness in Union County.
He had a sales call in John Day and we decided to take a roundabout way to get to Pendleton – part of which would be a gravel unimproved road that would take us by the summit of Mount Emily. We had a good Forest Service Map but late in the afternoon came to an unmarked junction and decided to take what looked like the more improved road.
After about a half-mile, we went down a steep grade and saw bulldozers and road construction equipment, but there was no room to turn around and the grade was too steep for the approximately 70 horsepower bus to back up.
So we put the seats down, had a snack, broke out two sleeping bags and slept soundly that night. I still remember being “rudely awakened” about 6:15 the next morning by a loud knocking on my window. I rolled over, looked up and saw a guy with a hardhat smoking a cigar who shouted, “How in the hell, did you guys get down here?” (#11 – #12)
Mount Emily“How in the Hell did you guys get down here?”
He pulled us up the grade backward with his bulldozer and we were on our merry way to a good breakfast in Pendleton commenting about how nice it was nice not to have to walk out this time. It would have been a lot longer than 21 miles!
Well, the Clackamas River Trip was a definite bonding experience which we talked about at family gatherings for years to come.
The original article in the Enterprise Courier
Cheers and Happy New Year
External Photo Attribution
#1. Pioneer Log – Junior High Yearbook – Thora B. Gardiner Jr. High.
#2. The Hesperian – 1966 Oregon City High School Yearbook.
#8. Public Domain – Wikimedia Commons (File:Kochstelle mit Gamelle.jpg – Wikimedia Commons) I, the copyright holder of this work, release this work into the public domain. This applies worldwide. I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law. Author: TheBernFiles – 27 October 2005.
Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title above to see all of the photos and the video at the end of the post and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution at the end of the post. (#1 – #2)
In several of my recent posts – in a fit of nostalgia – I’ve looked back at some of the crazy antics in which my friends and I participated when I was younger:
We lived in a sheltered environment for four years while trying to figure out what we were going to do when our draft deferments ended or we had to face reality in the working world.
It was a time filled with wonderful and unforgettable campus memories such as the one below which involved the Class of 1970 at the Oregon State SAE Fraternity. (#3)
Oregon Alpha Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon
One of the great memories from college days in the late 1960’s is the concerts – held in Gill Coliseum where the Beavers played basketball. The acoustics were not great, but we didn’t care. Most of the time, these were part of a campus celebration such as Homecoming or Moms’/Dads’ weekend and sold out. (#4)
Gill Coliseum the campus of Oregon State University in Corvallis.
For example, during just my sophomore and junior year, we saw Harry Belafonte, The Association, Petula Clark, The Doors and The Righteous Brothers. (From left – clockwise below) (#5 – #9)
But the concert evoking the most vivid memory for me was in 1968 when three-time Grammy-winner, Lou Rawls, was the solo performer. Rawls’ jazz and blues albums were best sellers and his 1966 album “Live!” was certified gold, but the concert surprisingly did not sell out.
The event was held during “The Sophomore Cotillion” (That’s something you wouldn’t have in this era!) on a dreary winter weekend after a home football game. Perhaps it was the weather and the fact that most OSU students were not jazz aficionados, but his concert was not that well attended.
That said, all of us who experienced it were absolutely thrilled with his performance. (#10)
Our sophomore class from the SAE house rented a room at the Town House MotorInn in “downtown” Corvallis for pre-functioning and post-functioning – we weren’t yet twenty-one and couldn’t go to a venue that served alcohol.
(The motel is now the Hotel Corvallis and you can still get a discounted standard room with a king-bed for $97 if not on a weekend with a home athletic contest.) And it gets pretty good reviews on Trip Advisor…..
Rick Gaffney, one of the SAEs from our class, was the Cotillion Manager and had responsibility for all of the events that weekend including the Rawls concert.
While chatting with Lou Rawls immediately after the concert, he invited the singer to our party at the motel, never thinking he’d actually come. (Rick in the present is shown below) (#11 – #12)
But to our great surprise, the singer was staying at the same motel and when he knocked on the door of our room, we invited him in and offered him a beer. He casually asked if we had any “hard stuff.”
The only bottles in our inventory were Olympia and Blitz Beers – both of which were big in the Northwest – especially on campus. (And in Oregon, Coors was not available, but that’s another story….. (#13.)
An historic Oly label
We reluctantly admitted, however, that we did have a bottle of Sloe Gin, which made Rawls guffaw. Yes, it was that “red liqueur” made with gin and drupes – a small fruit relative of the plum.
Sloe gin has a staggering alcohol content between 15 and 30 percent ABV! He opted for a beer. (#14 – #15)
The only “hard stuff”Not grown in the Willamette Valley!
The OSU Football team the year before was known as the “Giant Killers” and beat a No. 1 Ranked USC Trojan team led by running back O.J. Simpson by a score of 3 to 0 in Corvallis. The 1967 team also beat No. 2 ranked Purdue and tied No. 2 ranked UCLA.
OSU was a formidable opponent in 1968, as well, and ended with 7–3record overall and 5–1 in the Pacific-8 Conference (Pac-8). Their final ranking in the AP Poll was fifteenth. (#16)
The Giant Killers in 1967
And the legacy will live on long after the demise of the PAC 12.
The Giant Killers in 2017
The SAE’s had eleven players on those teams and two of the starters – both defensive backs – were in our class and attended the party with their dates. Larry Rich and Don Whitney did not drink that night but both had encounters with Lou Rawls.
The funniest was Don Whitney, as related by SAE, Keith “Sweeney” Swensen, a first-hand witness to the incident:
“I remember the look on Whit’ ’s face when he came out of the bathroom singing a Lou Rawls’ song only to walk right into Lou Rawls, himself. He turned bright red but then Lou complimented him on his singing.
After that, I don’t think Don said a word for the next 10 minutes. He just sat there with a shit-eatin’ grin on his face.” (#18 – #19)
Larry Rich and his date, Mariellen were there (they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary last year) and Larry remembers Rawls sporting a fabulous, large diamond-studded ring with the initials “LR.”
Rich said that he told the singer if he ever got tired of the ring, he would be glad to buy it “at the right price!” (#20)
Larry and Mariellen are both retired and live in Lincoln City, Oregon on the Central Oregon Coast. (A picture of Larry and Mariellen with Janet, my wife about three years ago is shown below.)
Janet Williams, Mariellen and Larry
The Next Chapter
Flash forward about ten years and Rick Gaffney, after completing his service in the US Navy, was working as the Beach Captain at Kona Village Resort in Kona.
One morning he was raking the sand and comedian Dom DeLuise walked up behind him kidding him about how his college degree had prepared him for his job. (#21)
“Hey Rick, Don’t You Get Any Respect?”
Another morning, Lou Rawls walked up to Rick’s beach shack. He was visiting with actress Brenda Vaccaro. (#22)
Rick, somewhat sheepishly, reintroduced himself and reminded the singer of the Sophomore Cotillion concert he performed at Oregon State in 1968.
Rawls first replied, “Well, it’s all kind of a blur. I was on the road so many nights.” But then, he looked Gaffney right in the eye and said, “Wait a minute.! Sloe Gin — All you guys had was Sloe Gin.” They both had a good laugh.
Gaffney is now the President of Rick Gaffney & Associates on the Big Island of Hawaii. His firm specializes in ocean recreation business development and marketing as well as marine eco-tourism resort planning and management and boat and yacht outfitting plus Pacific voyage planning. (#23)
Rick with clients.
The music world was saddened by Lou Rawls’ death at the age of seventy-two in 2006. In 2021, he was posthumously inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
None of us at that post-concert gathering will ever forget that interaction with the famed singer who was also a nice guy. Similarly, I would suggest that none of us ever drank Sloe Gin again…. (#24)
#13. Public Domain – Wikimedia Commons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia_Brewing_Company#/media/File:Olympia_Beer_label_1914.jpg) This media file is in the public domain in the United States. This applies to U.S. works where the copyright has expired, often because its first publication occurred prior to January 1, 1928, and if not then due to lack of notice or renewal. Author: Olympia Brewing Company.
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“Fulmination”is defined as “a vehement objection or protest.“ Normally, autumn is my favorite time of year – football, beautiful weather and spirit of optimism and community before the winter rains in the Northwest.
Yet with the state of global events, US politics, earthquakes and climate disasters and it seems – every headline – one wants to scream in protest, especially for the terrible conditions faced by the citizens in Israel, Palestine and the Ukraine to name just a few.
So remembering that a blog about bars and breweries seems trite and maybe inappropriate in light of this turmoil, I offer my fervent prayers for all affected by these issues and will try distracting with some light-hearted topics.
Although fall is rapidly fading away and the holidays are imminent, here are a few issues I want to address – in some cases to gripe and others to offer thanks and share my appreciation.
But First…..
While this is a blog about bars and breweries and the meanderings of my cranium, it behooves me to offer this word of caution as we enter the holiday season.
So take the advice of a slogan in the front of one of my favorite dive bars – Lumpy’s Landing in Dundee, Oregon: (#2 – #3)
An Apparent Incongruity?
After back fusion surgery in 2022, I underwent very good physical therapy at Advance Sports and Spine Therapy in Wilsonville, Oregon for several months. Everything was then fine until this September, when in preparation for our forthcoming move, I pulled some tires out of our crawl space and messed up something.
So I returned and my Physical Therapist, Jeff Cox, did his usual good job of getting me “back” to where I was before I got stupid! As I was waiting in the reception area before my final visit, I was glancing at a brochure entitled, “What You Can Do to Prevent Falls.”
It was a sunny, autumn day and I looked up and saw the following poster by the reception window and laughingly said to the wonderful receptionist, “Joselyn, do you really think that sign is appropriate for a Physical Therapy Clinic?”
Joselyn, shook her head and replied, “Don, you’re the first person who has ever asked that question.” Jeff overheard the dialogue as he came out to get me, smiled and said, “Well, maybe that is a good business development strategy!”
And Speaking of Falls……
Those following this blog since its inception in 2011 know that I’m an Oregon State University grad (Class of ’70) and love Beaver Athletics. It’s interesting – especially during football season since my wife, Janet, is a University of Oregon Duck and my older daughter, Lisa, and her husband are both of Husky ilk – he a third-generation University of Washington grad.
My Fall Fulminations are heightened as I am appalled and saddened with the “Fall”of the PAC 12 Athletic Conference. Known as the Conference of Champions, it has won more NCAA national championships in team sports than any other conference in history. (#4)
It’s moniker is now the PAC 2, since all the schools other than Oregon State and Washington State have abandoned it for other Power 5 Conferences. Fortunately, the two schools were granted a preliminary injunction in Washington State Superior Court.
The judge ruled that they were now the sole voting members of the Pac-12’s governing board and granted full control of the Conference’ assets and how its revenue for the 2023-24 school year will be divided. That decision is temporarily held in abeyance as the Washington Supreme Court issued a temporary stay of the preliminary injunction last week.
I’m not unduly bitter about the decision of the other schools, but disgusted that this demise could have been delayed or more likely never occurred if the PAC 12 Board of Governors (University Presidents) had instead, exerted reasonable control over former Commissioner Larry Scott who commenced his tenure in July, 2009.
But they sat placidly by and totally acquiesced until they fired him in 2020 as he overspent, including shifting the Pac-12 offices into a multi-story building in San Francisco that cost conference members a total of $92 million in rent over 11 years – a rate significantly higher than that of other Power 5 conference headquarters. The staffing organization he left behind was in a shambles.
Our boy Larry was new to college athletics except for being captain of the Harvard Tennis Team in 1986. Before coming to the Pac 12, he was the CEO of the Women’s Tennis Association.
His gamble to form the independent Pac-12 Network, which failed to gain distribution nationally and in assorted cable markets was his worst mistake. All this while they paid him an exorbitant salary. According to Awful Announcing.com:
“Scott’s compensation varied over time, starting at $1.9 million annually but reaching more than $4 million by his fifth year and more than $5 million by his ninth year…..” (#4 – #5)
Larry Scott!!George Kliavkoff
His successor, George Kliavkoff, who like Scott, had no college sports experience, failed to remedy the problems and muffed TV negotiations which dealt the final blow. (#7)
But I Digress – Let’s Celebrate the Beaver History!
Oregon Historical Society Exhibit
My fondness for Beaver Teams was “kicked off” in my sophomore year when I watched what would become known as the fabled 1967 Oregon State Giant Killers knock off an OJ Simpson led USC Trojan Team – rated number one in the nation – on a dreary 1967 fall day in Corvallis.
My OSU classmates will never forget that day and the inspirational Beaver record that year under iconic Coach Dee Andros (the Great Pumpkin) was historic.
I was fortunate to live in the Oregon State SAE fraternity with eleven members of that team. (Larry Rich, Don Whitney, Roger Cantlon, Duane Barton, Jess Lewis, Jim Blackford, Don Welch, Chris Wahle, Clyde Smith and Jim Scheele.)
And the Beav’s positive history with USC continued over the years (albeit a bit exaggerated in comparison to 1967) by The Oregonian when the banner headline on the September 26, 2008 Sports Page shouted “Giant Killers III.”
This was after the Beavers beat No. 1 rated USC 27 to 21 at Reser Stadium. The accompanying article also asserted that Giant Killers II was the October 28, 2006 game in Corvallis when OSU beat the third-rated Trojans 33 to 31.
Unfortunately, my efforts to prove to my daughter and son-in-law, Jamie, that the Beavs are superior to the Huskies have been far less productive – both at Reser Stadium and Husky Stadium. (Note the score in the picture below when we attended at Reser.)
The gridiron facility was completely renovated from 2011-13, with Jamie’s Dad, Jon Magnusson and his team from the Magnusson Klemencic firm doing the structural engineering work. (They were also key players in the 2023 renovation of Reser.)
The Civil War
The “Civil War” – the 127th meeting of the Ducks and the Beavers played today, may be the last time this rivalry game is played. Next year is somewhat doubtful as the only potential date would involve a Duck buyout of Boise State.
“Thirty-five years after Oregon reached statehood and fewer than 30 years after the end of the Great War between the Union and Confederate States, the University of Oregon and Oregon Agricultural College (OAC) met on the gridiron on a sawdust field in front of 500 curious observers….The Farmers beat the Lemon-Yellows 16 to 0…that cold, wet November day in 1894.”
This historic rivalry – one of college football’s oldest – has provided many hours of great banter in the family, at the law firm where I worked and with friends across the country. (#11 – #12)
And Finally
As I fulminate on the probable loss – or at least the diminution – of this great tradition, I’ll leave you with my favorite Civil War joke and hope the 16th-rated Beavs pull off the upset over the No. 6 Quackers later today. (#13)
Happy Holidays!
Albert Einstein arrives at a party in Eugene and introduces himself to to the first person he sees and asks,“What is your IQ,” to which the man answers,“241.”“Wonderful,”says Albert,” We will discuss the Grand Unification Theory and the mysteries of the universe.”
Next, he introduces himself to a woman and inquires, “What is your IQ,”to which the woman replies, ” 207.”“That’s great,”said the physicist,“We can discuss politics and the scientific implications of world affairs. We’ll have much to discuss.”
He approaches a third person and asks, “What is your IQ,”to which the guy holding a beer, answers,“51.”Einstein ponders this for a micro-second and says,“Go Ducks!” (#9)
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Five years ago, my family and a number of friends had a wonderful experience at Migration’s original pub and brewery operation at their Northeast Glisan Pub at a “70-30 Party.” (I had turned 70 and my son-in-law, Ryan Keene, hit 30.)
The Glisan location is known as a great place to gather and for hosting events and we were thrilled with the result – beer, food and environment.
“The Migration journey all started here in 2010 and is still where we make small batch and experimental beers. With one of the best beer patios in town” (#2)
I had followed Migration’s impressive growth and culture since then and was anxious to see the Williams Avenue Pub opened in 2021 which they advertise as:
“One of the best beer patios in town, award-winning beer and an elevated food program, it is a true Portland craft beer.” (#3 – #5)
Now since I had never heard of a group or individual named “Porchello” and David has an excellent, dry sense of humor, I made him confirm that he wasn’t talking about one of the “luminaries” below:
Rick Porcello, Detroit Tigers baseball pitcher, Massimilian Porcello, famous retired German Italian soccer midfielder or possibly Sam Porcello, noted Nabisco food scientist who did pioneering work on the Oreo Cookie. (This included inventing the white cookie cream filling.) (#6)
“For the kid in all of us!”
All of these would have been interesting except that the Oreo guy died in 2012. And while the Oreo is known as “Milk’s favorite cookie,”David was, in fact, talking about a wonderful musical ensemble named Porchello in a Saturday evening performance entitled, “Cellos and Fresh Hop!”
Porchello – the Real Deal
I have to admit that I’ve not been to many breweries which feature music at their pubs or taprooms. Based on my research and experience, there aren’t that many that offer it and the ones I’ve experienced usually have amateur musicians entertain you – they often play just for tips and at a volume that drowns out conversation.
But Porchello, and its musicians individually, have outstanding backgrounds and musical skill and it was a wonderful evening. The four of us will definitely see another performance when we can. I have a lot more to tell you about the cellists below, but first some more on Migration Brewery. (#7)
Migration – “Every beer we make has the power to ignite a conversation!”
The last five years have been a nightmare for the hospitality industry and the list of brewery closures has loomed large. A number of the independents such as 10 Barrel, Widmer and Henry Weinhard’s and most recently, Ecliptic, have been absorbed by the giants such as Anheuser-Busch Inbev or Molson Coors.
Thus, it is refreshing to see how four entrepreneurs took a major risk in 2010 and have hit what appears to be a home run in the craft brewing industry. What makes the story more attractive can best be summed up by an excerpt from “Our Story” on the Migration website:
“On a sunny day in the Fall of 2008, we found ourselves sharing beers and engrossed in a conversation that began about starting a business but quickly delved into personal values and visions of the future.
The four of us quickly realized that we shared more than a passion for great beer; we shared a value set about life and the role that beer plays in it.” (#8)
For seven years, Migration took the hard road of self-distribution, but in 2017 they partnered with a major distributor to take over distribution and opened a 20,000 square foot production brewery and pub in Gresham.
“Over the past three years, the company has become one of the fastest growing breweries in Oregon with distribution in Oregon, Washington, California, Colorado, Nevada, Thailand, and Japan.”
The expansive Gresham brewing operation and pub came to life with an incredibly rapid build-out which was accomplished with the cooperation of the City of Gresham. Migration owner’s have made it a goal to connect with the community. Co-founder, Colin Rath articulates this well in a website video. (#9 – #11)
Recent Developments
During a period when many breweries are consolidating their losses, Migration has shown remarkable innovation as evidenced by two recent openings and a Strategic Partnership with Bend’s Silver Moon Brewing.
Wells Fargo Center – As reported by Oregon Live’s Beer Columnist, Andre Meunier:
“Migration is the latest brewery to declare its love and belief in Portland and back it up with action.”
The Brewery put a tap room in the Wells Fargo Building – the tallest skyscraper in Oregon. (#12)
Motivate to return to the office downtown
On the first floor of the building, they established a taproom for office workers – seating forty and including a patio. Opened in August of 2023, the concept was so successful that the summer experiment was expanded beyond the original time period ending December 31st. Willamette Week reported that:
“Migration’s owners also plan to host everything from live DJs to special food pop-ups to holiday-themed events to bring in new clientele throughout the rest of the year…. There are10 taps for beer and wine as well as canned cocktails along with food by Addy’s Sandwich Bar. 3-8 pm Tuesday through Thursday.”
Rooftop Patio on the Canvas Building – Migration reopened its rooftop patio on the ninth floor of the Canvas Building across from Providence Park where the Portland Timbers and Thorns play. It’s a wonderful patio with spectacular views that opened in 2020 during the summer months until 2022. After a year hiatus, it reopened this July.
“We’re excited to get the Rooftop back in action,”says MigrationCEO and Co-Founder McKean Banzer-Lausberg, in a June 11 Brew Public article: “As a company we really value local partnerships and have always enjoyed working with Urban Renaissance Group. This will be a truly unique craft beer experience.” (#13 – #14)
And That Gets Us Back to Porchello
Originally the Porchello concert was to be held at the Canvas Building patio, but the weather turned sour and it was relocated to Migration’s Williams Pub – also a wonderful venue for a musical event with a large, heated patio.
Now my perception of cello numbers was from esoteric and non-melodic classical scores such as 18th century famed cellist and composer Ridolfo Boccherini, but Porchello had its audience captivated the entire evening – first with upscale classical music, but then offering a diversified mix of classic rock, Big Band favorites, Beatle tunes and movie showpieces. (#15 – #16)
And the good news is that you also have the opportunity to see them even later this month as they will have a repeat performance at Migration on November 30th and then Christmas shows on the Willamette Shore Trolley on Dec 19th and 20th.
Who Are These Guys?
Since my Beerchasing journey began in 2011, I have been to over 400 bars and breweries throughout Oregon, in many regions of the US and even a few internationally. Although I haven’t heard a lot of music during these visits, the groups I’ve heard have usually been amateur musicians – garage band variety.
Well, Porchello pleasantly breaks the mold – the four musicians (three cellos and an upright bass) are all classically trained and collectively have almost a one-hundred years of performing experience. I’ll briefly describe them below, but first a bit about the group itself and the leader, Dieter Ratzlaf.
And I might add that Porcello and Migration Brewing have a lot in common. They are both involved and giving to their communities, creatively entrepreneurial evoking memories of reading “The Little Engine That Could” – a story of optimism and hard work. Migration was the first brewery in which Porchello performed.
Porchello was formed in May 2020. Dieter and his wife Erin, were freelance musicians, cello instructors and performing with the Vancouver Symphony (where they both met in 2006).
All of their scheduled performances were canceled so to give back to the community, they gave a spontaneous porch performance. (I didn’t ask Dieter if he and Erin or the attendees wore masks…)
This well-attended “concert” and the thanks of their neighbors for some joy during the darkest days of the pandemic, motivated them to do more and even live-stream. (#17 – #19)
Realizing that they could attract larger audiences, they recruited another cellist and a contrabass and formed Porchello. Rather than just offer classical pieces, their repertoire included pop, movie and rock numbers.
“We believe the cello and Porcello can bring great joy to many with its versatility, virtuosity, soulfulness and deep expression.”
Before I tell you about the others, let’s look at Dieter’s history and why I asked him how he got along with what had to be only three or four hours of sleep each night starting in high school. (#20)
He was an athlete at Portland’s Grant High School, not only playing basketball, tennis and golf, but concurrently a member in the prestigious Portland Youth Philharmonic – the oldest youth orchestra in the United States – conducted by the legendary Music Director Jacob Avshalomov. He went on tour with the PYP in 1989.
An Amazing ExperienceSan Francisco Conservatory of Music
Dieter was appointed principal cello of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 2005 and the Hood River Philharmonic in 2012, positions he currently still holds. And to ensure that he does not sit idle, he also has a practice as a residential realtor for Prudential.
Erin Ratzlaf, although a member of Porchello, did not play the night we were at Migration, but is also a professional musician playing in the Vancouver Symphony and instructing at the Ratzliff Cello Studio. She graduated from Northwestern University and received her MS in Counseling at Portland State.
In addition to her musical work, Erin is an outpatient crisis counselor and provides crisis counseling, urgent intake assessments, mental health evaluations, individual therapy and access and referral to adults. She also served on the Board of Portland Chamber Music. Erin and Dieter have three children. (#24)
And to complement the musical pedigree of the Ratzlafs, let’s look at the other two members of Porchello:
I assume the auditions for these ensembles based on his training – he attended the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and the Cleveland Institute of Music – were not nerve racking. While studying at Oberlin he was appointed as 3rd chair bass with the Canton Symphony (OH). He plays an Alessandro Gagliano double bass made in 1713, generously on loan from Mr. Bill Ofstad. (#25)
Jonah Thomas – He also performs with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and as a chamber musician for Portland Chamber Music. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in cello performance from the Juilliard School. Jonah is also a composer of chamber and solo piano works. (#26)
Just reviewing the abstracts of their careers, I was amazed at how close knit and connected the community of classical musicians is in the Northwest. Before the music began at Migration and seeing that he and his wife played with the Vancouver Symphony and his association with the Eugene Symphony and the Portland Ballet Orchestra, I asked him if he knew my oboe instructor, Kelly Gronli.
Kelly was one of my Beerchasers-of-the-Quarter and put up with my attempts to master this double-reed woodwind for over six years. I texted her a picture of Porcello getting ready to play and Kelly had a one-word response “Dieter!” (#27)
To Finish!
Perhaps because of all the other background, I didn’t adequately cover Migration’s Williams Pub, but suffice to say, the food was great (wonderful hamburgers), the beer selection robust (try the Cannonball Northwest Red), the environment was family and pet-oriented and bright and the patio was a superb setting to listen to music for which there was no cover charge. (#28 – #30)
Now you also have a chance to see Porchello perform in both November and December with three dates scheduled currently and look for others during the Holiday Season. We will probably try the Willamette Shore Trolley trip – which is a great ride in December even without good music. (#31)
Migration Williams Pub on November 30
Several new pieces including Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and others.
Witness some holiday film magic. Porchello will be debuting several new pieces including Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and others. Migration is a family friendly venue, serving beer, wine, cider and food. Arrive early for best seating.
Willamette Shores Trolley on December 19 – 20 (Make your reservation now) (#32 – #33)
#16. Wikimedia Commons (Music_cello_note.JPG (156×81) (wikimedia.org) The copyright holder of this file allows anyone to use it for any purpose, provided that the copyright holder is properly attributed. Redistribution, derivative work, commercial use, and all other use is permitted. Author: The original uploader was Ofeky at Hebrew Wikipedia. 12 June 2005.
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In my last post – Part I of this series, I reflected on a past antic by some friends and me when I was in my mid-twenties. It caused me to both laugh and wonder what I (we) were thinking when we undertook it. (In that case it was crashing an Electrical Union Apprentices’ Graduation Ceremony at a high-end motel.)
My crazy dentist and I receiving our motorwinder diplomas.
The next incidents occurred over ten years later when I was married and my wife, Janet, exerted at least some influence to keep me from making a fool of myself. And during these, I was working in legal management, so I also was a bit more restrained.
The Tie That Binds
I left local government in 1979 to work as the Business Manager at the Oregon State Bar – starting three days after Janet and I got engaged at the Top-of-the-Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco.
The Bar was both a public corporation and an arm of the State Judicial Branch – responsible for the Bar Exam, admission and lawyer discipline and ethics for what was then about 7,000 Oregon lawyers. (It’s now over 12,000) (#2)
The Bar also serves as a professional association for attorneys and provides Continuing Legal Education (CLE), an excellent magazine as well as activities and events which are intended to mentor lawyers and improve their practice management.
Each year, ASAE has an Annual Conference in a major US city:
“The ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition is where thousands of association professionals and industry partners gather to exchange knowledge, resources, strategies, solutions, and more.
Over three days of learning, growing and finding inspiration, attendees are equipped with a year’s worth of support in their daily responsibilities as leaders in the association industry.”
It was a big deal and proposals for presentations for the 50-minute breakout sessions were to be submitted and screened about nine months before the Conference. In 2024, the event is in Cleveland and in 2025 in LA.
At the Bar, we encouraged managers to get involved in civic and professional activities, so I thought I would propose a session at the Chicago conference in what I think was 1994.
Each of the break-out sessions has about 100 + attendees. I had not presented before that many people (other than a failed effort campaigning for Oregon City High School Student Body President in 1965…)
As a masterstroke, I decided to ask my Oregon State SAE Fraternity brother, Jud Blakely, who lived in Chicago to co-present with me. Jud graduated five years before I did at Oregon State and made his mark as ASOSU Student Body President in 1965. I was going to be somewhat nervous; however, Jud was an accomplished and charismatic speaker.
After graduation, Jud served heroically as a USMC Platoon Leader in Viet Nam for thirteen months and subsequently opened his own very successful consulting firm Jud Blakely, Ltd.
He wrote speeches and publications for CEOs and top corporate executives and coached them how to make presentations. His clients included Shell Oil, Sea First,Rainier Bank and Lonestar Gas.
Jud as Student Body President
Every association executive has to present an annual budget to his or her board to adopt, so I would propose a session on “How to Make a Boring Budget Proposal One that Your Board Will Both Enjoy and Approve.”
I called Jud and he agreed and we both acknowledged that we wouldn’t have time to rehearse prior to “launching.” I said I’d draft the outline and do the submission paperwork and Jud said:
“Don, you can do the fundamentals. I’ll be your wingman and periodically chime in with some words of wisdom on presentation tactics and strategy.”
Jud was a high-profile consultant and I knew that one of the reasons he was so successful was his creative and brash approach.
Evidence dated back to his senior year at OSU when Jud and three other OSU seniors went on what was to be a stealth mission and lit the traditional “Rook Bonfire,” the night before the planned lighting ceremony in 1964. (#4)
A Night Early?
In what became OSU historical lore known as “the bonfire incident,” Jud and two of the others got caught and arrested for “Maliciously and willfully starting a fire.”
Fortunately, the Municipal Judge, one Helmut Schreima, could not find that specific provision in the Corvallis Municipal Code and our boys were only charged with “burning without a permit”and fined $15 each (Jud’s beer money for the month but he also had to forfeit his student body office.)
A column from the OSU Daily Barometer (written by Editor, Rich Hansen) expressed sentiments about Jud’s leadership talent and his ability to arouse (?) students:
“….Seldom has the office of President been so alive in campus conversations or has the President’s name been so often repeated. I’m convinced that it has been a long time since OSU has had a president so well suited for the office as Jud Blakely.
Blakely is not only an intellectual and dynamic leader but retains those school-boy qualities that make him a human being – the zeal for school spirit and his subsequent bout with municipal authorities (bonfire incident) is a recent example. He drew enormous criticism and even more teasing for that stunt, but in the end it achieved its goal. It revived spirit and got students participating again.
Nevertheless, for the first time in my memory the student body is excited, or at least aroused, about what’s going on. From the hand-made sign that someone carried to the game reading, ‘Ban Blakely’ to the chants of ‘We want Blakely’……”
I wasn’t sure that our goal was to “arouse” attendees, but I would have an “intellectual and dynamic” wingman by my side to assuage my nerves during the ASAE presentation.
To reinforce that, I knew that even though we didn’t have time to prepare together, I could be confident that Jud would approach this mission with the same vigor and grit that he commanded his platoon in Viet Nam which resulted in two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star with Combat V while serving with India Co, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines.
The Result
We had a full-house in the large conference room. Fortunately, it was not a late afternoon session, when many attendees, rather than listening to presentations on budget and management topics, would go out drinking at the nearby Chicago bars.
I gave about a fifteen minute introduction and then Jud came up to the stage and the dialogue went something like this.
“Don has given a good introduction on the foundations of a good budget presentation, but you should remember that revenues/expenses and balance sheets aren’t the most stimulating topics for any Board to hear.
As Don stated, you need to have a good strong underlying message or theme that your budget conveys, but for them to absorb and retain that theme you need to get their attention.” (#5)
Now Jud was impeccably dressed in an impressive suit and a fancy silk tie that he had probably purchased at an exclusive shop on Michigan Avenue. He then walked down from the stage into the audience
and
To everyone’s astonishment – including mine – pulled a pair of scissors out of his pocket, cut his tie in half and give the lower part to one of the attendees stating:
“I’m confident that all of you will remember this session and the point I’m making about getting your audience’s attention.”
Well, he did get their attention and then I continued with my presentation with Jud periodically interjecting to emphasize a point or add some of his own thoughts for the remaining thirty minutes including a question and answer period. (One of these was from the woman to whom he gave the lower half of his tie, who asked him if she could keep it.)
Afterwards, we were having a drink(s) in the hotel bar and I said to Jud:
“I’ve always thought you resembled Coach Bobby Knight (see below), but I’m glad you didn’t throw a chair across the room to get their attention.” (#6)
A resemblance to the Coach – especially in later years
I was therefore a bit concerned about the participant evaluations which always are collected at the end of each session and subsequently tabulated.
I figured that this was the last time that we would be asked to share our knowledge in this environment. To my surprise (although not Jud’s) we got excellent ratings both for the content and the delivery.
And I learned a few things from that session:
First – A Marine Corp infantry officer – even though he wasn’t a military aviator – could be a superb wingman.
Second – In future presentations, one key to getting your message across and retained is to be bold and innovative in your delivery strategy although it’s probably best to do that without using furniture to convey your point. (My next blog post will give you an example.)
In my 2013 blog post where I named Jud my Beerchaser-of-the-Quarter, I described Jud’s character and routine as:
“He’s an amazing guy. Jud will take a twelve-mile run, break to read a 600-page non-fiction book such as John Maynard Keynes, “The Theory of Money,” then play full-court basketball for three hours before coming home to work.”
(I should have added that Jud was a three-sport athlete in high school, but I had a better elbow jumper….)
In Seaside, Oregon marathon before reading “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu
Jud hasn’t worn a coat and tie for fifteen years. I’m also pleased to report that Jud’s precious granddaughter, Nylah seen in the picture below, has had a profound and positive influence.
Now his daily routine consists of walking three miles (although at a rapid pace) and then coming home and reading Dr. Seuss books (although not One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fishwhich is too political…..) and doing puzzles with Nyla. (#7 – #8)
As we celebrate Veterans’ Day next week, cheers to Jud and to all veterans – especially those who served in combat arenas.
Cheers
External Photo Attribution
#1. Wikimedia Commons (File:Lol question mark.png – Wikimedia Commons) This is a smiley from the Lol collection of high quality PNG smileys licensed under the CCØ license! Feel free to use.
It seems that more often than I’d like to think, I say to Janet, my wife of forty-three years, “What were they thinking?” Many of these reflections involve political issues or coaching decisions during professional or college athletic events. (External photo attribution at the end of the post – #1).
My wife, however, reminds me that she is now making the same query about my actions more often!
And as I’ve gotten older, in moments of introspection, I think back on some of my younger escapades and based on what I hope is more maturity and better judgement, ask the same question.
This and the next post are descriptions of three such incidents that make me shake my head. That said, I also laugh while contemplating each one and cherish the memories.
The Graduation Celebration
After college and the Navy, I moved back to Oregon City in 1972 and lived with my parents initially. I had lettered in golf in high school, but had not played in six years.
That changed when I started golfing every weekend – sometimes on both Saturday and Sunday mornings with three other guys – a group that lasted for about ten years.
McGarvey, Gesley and Chester on the links
Unfortunately, none of these wonderful gents is still with us, but here’s the group:
Chief Bob Chester – The Oregon City Police Chief and the step-father of my best friend in high school, Gary Kestler, who was killed while serving in the US Marine Corps in Viet Nam in 1967. Bob was also the Best Man in our 1980 wedding and he and his family lived across the street.
Bob was admired and respected by fellow law enforcement professionals and was also a percussionist – often playing the drums on weekend gigs at various nightclubs.
Dr. Ed Gesley – An Oregon City dentist who lived with his wife and four kids, in the house behind ours and was my dentist from the time I was in seventh grade.
Eddie was one of the brightest, most humorous and cordial people I’ve ever known. He was also an excellent golfer who amazed us with how far he could hit his drives.
Best Man Bob, Eddie and Thebeerchaser at our 1980 wedding reception
Len McGarvey – a police equipment salesman who was a friend of the Chief’s – a cigar-smoking Irishman who loved whiskey and was also a good golfer.
I was obviously, the youngest of the group and when we started golfing, I kept score. Our home course was Arrowhead Golf Club – a picturesque rural public course along the Molalla River about fifteen miles south of Oregon City.
We’d usually tee off at around 8:00 AM, play eighteen and then have lunch and beers. (#2 – #3)
I had not interacted with these guys as an adult and at age twenty-four, still initially viewed them as authority figures. This was evident by our conversation after three holes the first time we golfed together:
Beerchaser: Mr. Chester, what did you have on that hole?
Chester: Williams, if you call me Mr. Chester, one more time, I’m going to throw your clubs in the river.
Gesley: Don, unless we are drinking beer, I would prefer that you address me as Dr. Gesley…
We didn’t take the golf too seriously and had wonderful comradery for many years. About twice each year, we’d take an overnight “field trip” to a golf resort and play two rounds with robust eating, drinking and card playing in between.
Over the years these included a number of outings to Sun River and Black Butte in Central Oregon.
But our most memorable was the trip to Tumwater Golf Course – a beautiful course, at that time owned by the Olympia Brewery and adjacent to the historic brewery building.
Olympia Beer’s motto was “It’s the Water,” because the source of its water was purportedly artesian wells. These same wells kept the fairways emerald green. (#4)
An historic Oly label
Although for weekend golf we always walked, on field trips we rented carts (both to save our energy and to accommodate the large jug of screw drivers Eddie fixed to quench our thirst along the way). (#5)
Aside from the good doctor nearly capsizing the golf cart (and spilling the contents of the jug) when he was trying to refill our drinks, we had a raucous and entertaining round – typical of all of our outings as you can see from the montage below:
After finishing our round in the early evening, we returned to the motel to first, find its bar and then, eat dinner in its excellent restaurant. The motel hosted events and we heard a clamor, of sorts, behind double-closed doors as we walked through the lobby.
Of course, the Chief barged in and we found ourselves standing at the back of a large banquet room with about 150 couples in casual business attire finishing what appeared to be a very nice banquet meal.
There was a stage in front with a podium and the guy who looked like he was in charge emerged and walked to the microphone. We asked a waiter about the occasion and he responded, “This is the graduation dinner for the apprentices in theWashingtonElectrician Union.”
At that point, the emcee welcomed everyone and said that diplomas were now going to be awarded. So he began calling the names individually in groups of ten and the graduates proceeded to the stage, standing in a semi-circle, for the first round of diplomas.
Eddie, or I should say, “Dr. Gesley,”noticed that during the first two rounds, about 1/3 of each of the first two groups, didn’t respond when their names were called (non-attendees) and the emcee paused before going on.
So as the four of us stood there, on the fourth name of third round, nobody initially walked up. Eddie, without hesitation, confidently strode from the back of the room and joined the partial semi-circle on the stage!
I couldn’t believe it and was loose enough that when the eighth name of that group was called and Ronald Pearson, did not walk up, I found myself compelled to also head for the stage and stand in the semi-circle opposite Eddie Gesley waiting to receive my diploma. (Also trying not to look at Gesley, knowing both of us would crack up.)
I received Ron’s diploma as a Certified Motor Winder(“As a motor winder, your responsibilities entail taking steps to assemble, repair, and maintain electric motors.”)
At the end of the third round, we both walked back, only then realizing that if one other person in the banquet room knew Ronald Pearson or the Gesley stand-in, we might have not exited the ceremony unscathed.
But that didn’t happen and we then proceeded to mingle and congratulate the other graduates. The President of the Union with Chief Chester and yours truly is shown in the photo below.
I kept the diploma for a number of years, being too embarrassed to return it and feeling a bit sheepish about the entire episode, thankful that we didn’t get humiliated or beaten up.
Also rationalizing with myself that in no way were we trying to demean or diminish the accomplishments of the people in that group.
We were just having a semi-intoxicated spur-of-the-moment “adventure” which was followed after dinner when we accompanied the female vocal group “Thunder Mama” in the Tumwater Lodge Lounge – but that’s another story……
Fellow graduates with Williams and Gesley holding their diplomas.
Bob Chester passed away at the age of 93 in 2007, Eddie in 2019 at the age of 87 and Len in 2008 at the age of 90. I attended the memorial services of both the Chief and Dr. Gesley,
Although I didn’t share any golf stories, I chuckled when memories of these two wonderful friends were related. I lost track of Len after he retired.
Did We Really Do That? – Part II
When I look back, there are two more such incidents where I pose the same question. Fortunately “The Tie That Binds?”and “Weekend Update” occurred after I was married and had matured in addition to having a wife with very good judgement who I knew would admonish me if I went over the edge. Stay tuned.
#4. Public Domain – Wikimedia Commons (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia_Brewing_Company#/media/File:Olympia_Beer_label_1914.jpg) This media file is in the public domain in the United States. This applies to U.S. works where the copyright has expired, often because its first publication occurred prior to January 1, 1928, and if not then due to lack of notice or renewal. Author: Olympia Brewing Company. Copyright 2014.
Welcome back to Thebeerchaser. If you are seeing this post through an e-mail, please visit the blog by clicking on the title at the top to see all of the photos and so the narrative is not clipped or shortened. (External photo attribution is at the end of the post.)
Claudia’s Sports Bar and Grill – We’ll never forget you!
I’ve filled you in previously on some noted bars and breweries that have closed – most pandemic related – but I’m heartsick since Claudia’s poured it’s last pint on October 9th.
Sarah, my server in 2012 with the former Beerchaser logo
“Claudia’s Sports Pub closed its doors after 65 years in business. Claudia’s, on Southeast Hawthorne Blvd., was the city’s original sports bar, established in 1958 by restaurateur Gene Spathas.
It remained a family-owned business, taken over by Gene’s youngest son, Marty, who ran the place for the last 35 years.”
I have been in many sports bars and pubs – not only in Portland – but across the country. None had the historical ambiance and interesting regulars one encountered at Claudia’s.
The bar was named after Gene Spathas’ first wife. As I stated in my 2012 blog post:
“According to Gene’s Washington High School classmate and SAE fraternity brother at OSU, Oregon City attorney, (and my family’s attorney since the 1960’s) Don Bowerman, ‘Gene was a gifted businessman and Claudia Mickelson was an intelligent, classy and beautiful lady.'”
Upon reflection, naming a bar after a wife named ‘Mildred’ or ‘Gertrude’ would not be a good thing regardless of her attributes. Claudia was different.
The Annual Willamette Week Bar Guide has always been a valuable resource for my Beerchasing research and this excerpt from 2011 was no exception:
“Claudia’s is the best sports bar in Portland…..Every year it seems like more new, hip sports bars open, but at the end of the day, there’s only one place I want to go when the game is really close.”
And the trophy case was unforgettable. Claudia’s’ was like a mini-Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. The gigantic trophy case, in what was the poker room, was stuffed with hardware from the victorious AAU Basketball and other sponsored teams which were a hallmark of the pub for decades.
You can also see basketballs signed by John Wooden and legendary announcer, Dick Vitale.
The Basketball Team
The sports bar was known for it legendary Claudia’s AAU basketball teams, which had numerous former college hoop stars and Portland Trailblazer alums including Greg Smith, Dale Schlueter, LaRue Martin, Leroy Ellis, Jim Barnett, Phil Lumpkin, Cincy Powell.
Don’t forget Steve and Nick Jones, Frank-the-Flake Peters, Steve Pauly, Jimmy Jarvis, Ray Blume and Mark Radford (the last five, all former Oregon State stars.) (#1)
Dale Herron – No. 34 – Coach Spitznagel – Back right
And a key factor for the team’s success was it’s coach – Walt Spitznagel – labeled “a character”by everyone who knew him. “Spitz” coached the team for twenty-three years:
“Spitznagel’s career included stints working as a longshoreman, as a pari-mutuel clerk at Multnomah Kennel Club and operating a grocery store. But his avocation was coaching….
Spitznagel’s credentials are shiny. Under his direction, Claudia’s won 14 city league (Portland Basketball Association) championships, eight state AAU titles and one Northwest Regional crown… (Kerry Eggers Column 9/28/22)
He was an incredible recruiter and gifted in handling the egos of multiple stars competing for playing time.
In addition, my high school basketball coach at Oregon City in 1966, Dale Herron, who starred at the University of Oregon,played for Claudia’s (see photo above).
Coach Herron, who passed away late in 2022, led the Ducks in scoring in 1959 and was inducted into the University of Oregon Hall of Famein 1997.
As a testament to his athletic prowess, after his basketball eligibility ended, he accepted a one-year football scholarship and played in the 1960 Liberty Bowl. (#2 – #3)
When he was in his mid-twenties, he coached us to the OC’s first TYV League Basketball Championship in twenty-one years in 1966. He pushed us hard, but he and his Assistant Coach, Dick Arbuckle, were great motivators and made the most of the talent they had.
Arbuckle (photo below) was also a 1960 U of O grad and football letterman and coached varsity football at OCHS besides being the JV Basketball Coach. He had an outstanding career in high school and college coaching. (#4 – #6)
“…..we should mention Spitznagel’s propensity for landing free tickets to sporting events. There may never have been a bigger freeloader at Blazer games in Memorial Coliseum, or anywhere else.”
I heard the same sentiments from another prominent Oregon sportswriter and broadcaster recently who told the story of how Spitznagel fabricated a press pass at a professional playoff series to gain admission.
Dale Herron After Athletics
Coach Herron had a remarkable career in both athletics and secondary education as a coach and principal and was known for mentoring students with great skill and compassion. (#8 – #10)
I reached out to one of my OCHS teammates, John Davidson (#30!) for some recollections as I knew he was close to Dale Herron .
And as evidence of Dale Herron’s influence, John, who is now retired, had a long and very successful career as a teacher, coach and school principal – similar to his mentor!
He offered me this quote on the impact of Dale Herron:
“We all have people in our lives who are very influential. At the top of my list is Dale Herron because of his kindness, guidance, leadership and for being an amazing role model.
He was an inspirational basketball coach who went above and beyond in helping me in many ways. Mr. Herron guided me to his Junior College (Grays Harbor). I shudder to think what my life would be like without his influence.
I’m sure that I am one of many that had the great fortune to have Dale Herron in their lives.”
And he also mentioned Spitz:
“He would always yell at refs and call them ‘Stripes.’ I knew Spitz well as we worked on the Portland waterfront for years as checkers for Longshoremen.” (#12 – #13)
John shares my drink of choice – gin martini – up with olives
In Closing
Gene’s son, Martin announced on social media:
“’It has been a privilege to be a part of the community all these years,’ Spathas wrote. ‘While this difficult decision marks the end of an era, the spirit of Claudia’s will live on in Portland lore. The stories, bonds, and history made within these walls will never be forgotten.'”
And I will close with this thought – one that hit me initially, but had to modify slightly after some more research. Not only is it distressing to see Claudia’s closing, but a 10/11 Oregon Live headline announced:
“Wild’ Portland karaoke bar set to replace 65-year-old Claudia’s.”
The hallowed space at Claudia’s, which was a favorite bar for athletes, coaches, announcers, sportswriters, referees, fans and Walt Spitznagel, will now primarily host intoxicated bad singers.
This seems simply incompatible with the legacy of the bar.
That said, the 2009 Willamette Week Bar Guide did reveal that there is some history with sing-along at the bar:
“When all the (athletic) contests are concluded…how do they keep the beer-sodden spectators in their seats….? Claudia’s, the dowager of Portland sports pubs has devised a resourceful solution:
After the last out, the bar switches to karaoke, projecting lyrics onto its largest screen. It’s an ingenious idea, not least because it allows crestfallen fans the chance to constructively vent.
Claudia’s needn’t worry: It continues to pack ‘em in with high def TVs, cheap pints and its claim to fame – high-backed green captain’s chairs lining the bar.”
I don’t think Claudia’s followed that practice for very long and notwithstanding this history, I cannot envision athletes such as those mentioned above belting off-key versions of some of the Top 45 Karaoke songs such as “I Will Survive”, “Dancing Queen”, Billy Joel’s “Piano Man”and “Sweet Caroline”. (#14)
The Piano Man
And to give some additional context, can you imagine now 73-year old, 6’11” – 208 pound – former Trailblazer, Larue Martin, crooning Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off?’
I stay out too late Got nothing in my brain That’s what people say That’s what people say I go on too many dates……
Now John Davidson owes me a steak dinner and onion rings at Portland’s famous Ringside Steakhouse on his next trip up from California. After finishing martinis and dinner, we will head to Suki’s Bar and Grill in Claudia’s former space.
One of John’s best games in high school was against the Tillamook Cheesemakers – I think he had a triple-double. To acknowledge this memory, I’ll get up on the stage and give an off tune rendition of “I Will Remember You.”
For seven years, Migration took the hard road of self-distribution, but in 2017 they partnered with a major distributor to take over distribution and opened a 20,000 square foot production brewery and pub in Gresham. 
Thebeerchaser 
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