The History of the Fireside Lounge
The history of the Fireside Lounge began back in 1962 when it was initially being built to be a two-story family home. Apparently somewhere along the line, plans were changed and what was suppose to be a family dwelling turned into a saloon and a barber shop. Yes! You read this correctly, a barber shop! The Fireside was the only bar in town where you could get a beer, bump & trim all at the same time! Let’s hope the barbershop staff wasn’t allowed to consume alcohol while they were on the clock! Though it would explain some of my old-timers hair styles : ) The structure was designed for a second story so maybe someday the construction project will be completed and a hotel will be constructed above the bar & restaurant for your late-night convenience. Oh, by the way please hold off on making any hotel reservations anytime soon : ) The inaugural Fireside owner was Wally Nelson.
In 1972 Wally Nelson grew tired of the bar scene and sold the business to Dick Henniger! Dick made some major changes to the Fireside Lounge shortly after taking over. The first change was taking out the barber shop and putting in a kitchen! The west side of the building, which was a game-room, was transformed into the new dining area! New tables were brought in and placed similarly to where they sit today, all enjoying a wonderful view of the warm and inviting fireplace! On weekends the downstairs became a piano bar where patrons would sing along as Dick played the piano! Rumor has it one of the favorite sing-a-long songs was, “Cab Driver once more Around the Block”. An oldie but a goodie! The conception of “Karaoke” took form long before the name was used. If only Dick had patented this wonderful, gimmicky invention! The Red Garter Girls also joined in on the fun and sang and danced the nights away! The old-timers swear there were never any rules broken and everyone was always out of the basement at closing time! Uh Huh! The next 6 years were a lot of fun with the Red Garter Girls, Dick wailing on the piano and this exciting new invention, which later became known as “Karaoke”!