Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-11-01

The politicians always focked to tho
place. and around election time, before
the reformers got In their deadly work
ana made 1t crime to wager the bet
ing was very active. The late Colonel
George A. Williamson, who presided
over the mahogany bar with dignity,
frequently held large stakes placed
with him by rival politicians.
one OF the most unique wagers ever
made In Shoes was the outcome of an
argument between two well-known
Washingtonians as to whether a ham
cooked In Ink was a palatable as one
cooked In champagne. The hams were
cooked in the rear of the place. eieht
quarts of ink being required for one
and twelve quarts OF champaEne for
the other. The contention of the man
betting on the ink proposition was that
the outer shell Of the ham made 1t i'm
pervfous to any liquid In which It
might DE cooked. The bet was declared
draw as the Ink" ham was cooked
100 long and broke open. allowing the
ink to seep in. Portions of it were
eatable. however and many people
who tasted both hams declared they
were unable to tell which was which.
Some years ago when the reform
wave first set in Washington tho
health authorities conceived the idea
that the cobwebs that adorned tho cell
ing and walls OF Shoes were unhealthy
and ordered their removal. The accum-
ulations OF years were ruthlessly swept
away, much to the chagrin OF the pro-
prietors.
Some Of the hotels have closed their
bars. while others will continue them
In operation by serving soft stuff. The
Willard will turn it's bar into q dining
room, while the Shoreham and Raleigh
will have soft" bars. The Bellevue
some time ago installed an elaborate
soda fountain In order to accustom it's
patrons to the new order of things.
It's sales up TO the present time, how
ever, have been rather light.
The Losckam. long the haunt OF nu-
merous admirais and other navy off,
GERS. has transformed its bar into
dining room. Kirbys located on the
site Of tho famous old Riggs House.
which was established by several mem-
bers Of the exclusive Metropolitan Club.
has closed its doors The rent was too
high to experiment with soft drinks.
PASSING WILL BE
REGRETTED ny VETERANS
The passing OF old king Alcohol"
will be felt by the old veterans in the
Soldiers Home. located on the outskirts
OF Washington. The selling OF liquor
within ono mile OF tho home has long
been prohibited. and the old vets had
to come all the way into town to wet
their whistles. They always made
bee -line for Nander's, which was tho
first saloon on their way down town.
Its passing will be regretted by many
veterans.
John Pcrreard's French Castle, whore
tho fall OF the Bastile was celebrated
each 18th Of July by the genial
Count" Pcrreard. and his hosts Of
friends with many glasses OF red ink"
Will not be closed, but much Of It's gia-
mour will pass without the soothing
influence Of red wine.
Almost under the shadow OF the Cap
itol on lower Pennsylvania Avenue, Is
ono of the landmarks of Washington-
Madcs' Tavern. For years :. has been
the favorite haunt of Senator's and
Congressman. who mock there for tho
tasty sea food for which tho place IS
famous. The closing OF It's bar will
have its effect, Of course. but tho place
will continue to be run.
In other days Harvey's. where tho
succulent steamed oyster originated.
was n name to conjure with. The late
George Harvey was a restaurateur OF
the old school, and his bar was not the
least of tho places attractions. When
he died Harvey's went into other hands.
while still retaining the name. but
when Harvey went the place lost much
OF it's charm. 1t will continue to he
operated az a restaurant with soft
drinks as side line.
For n numbe: of years the number
OF saloons has gradually been deoreas-
ing in old Georgetown which is now a
Part of Washington. so the dry law
will not have much effect in that part
OF tho town. One place that will be
missed by the crowds attending foot
ball games on Georgetown Field is
Sullivan's. located near Georgetown
University. One or two places located
near the Observation-Disclosures Ca
nal and frequentcd by canal men will