Times Are Changing

In reading Facebook recently, I came across posts that noted that, for the first time anyone can remember, there are no taverns in Marshall.

What?! I remember when Marshall had more taverns than churches. It seemed like a perfectly okay balance all the years I was growing up. One that worked and that no one seemed upset about. I even thought it might make a good tag line--a little more colorful than the "highways crossing and porch lights burning" one.

Although I do remember as a kid being a little intimidated by all the taverns. I would sometimes peek inside when I was walking to the dime store or the library, and they were always dark and a little mysterious. And occasionally a man, slightly tipsy, would walk out just as I walked by and I probably ran. But overall, they were fine. Because I was a fast runner.

They were even a little fun--as I discovered when I got old enough to go in, or at least to have a fake ID. Not near as dingy as I thought. And beer was cheap. It didn't even bother me that they put ice in my wine.

So what happened? Sure, the town didn't much like the adult bookstore and got right to work on that. But the taverns seemed safe. The town seemed to leave them alone. So I was left wondering. I find it hard to believe that the whole town quit drinking.

And in all fairness, I guess I do need to note that the American Legion and the VFW are still there and still serving drinks. Maybe even bringing out those illegal slot machines on occasion. I'm guessing they're both going strong. Maybe even thriving. Parking could be a problem. It's probably not a bad idea to get there early. Because, like I said, I can't believe that people have just quit drinking.

Although I guess they could be drinking at the Iron Bridge or on the 8th green of the golf course. I seem to remember stories about some drinking going on in those places. Some other places too. But I don't want to give away any secrets in case those places are perhaps being run as private clubs or something. That might explain the lack of taverns, particularly with warm weather coming on.

Still, it's all had me a little worried about what's happening in my little town. What's going to go next? Could we lose the State Farm office? Is this some grand plot of Walmart? First they surpersize and then they open up a tavern? Followed by an insurance office? I was coming up with all kind of frightening scenarios. I even foresaw the possibility of a name change.

Until I went back to Facebook and read about a new place that opened up where the Corner Tavern used to be. I think it might actually be a tavern. Even though it's called a Bistro.

Times are changing.