Central Beer Hall / Central Bar • 118 South Main
Once
Helena's Oldest Bar ~ Demolished by Urban Renewal in 1971
PHOTO
BY JAN BROWN, COURTESY OF RICHARD ALBERTS • CLICK
ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
Pictured
above shortly before Urban Renewal demolition in early 1971,
the Central Beer Hall / Central Bar operated for many decades.
According to old fire insurance maps, the building was constructed
as a saloon between 1884 and 1888.
The Central was operated for years by German native Henry Rossmann
(1865-1942). His name is usually spelled "Rossman"
in newspaper references. During Prohibition, 1920-1933, the
business was listed in the city directory as "Henry Rossman,
Soft Drinks". |
Footprint
of 118 S. Main Superimposed on a Recent Satellite Photo
Pre-prohibition Central Beer Hall Trade Token
Pre-prohibition Central Beer Hall Match Safe
Prohibition
Era Trade Token
Post-Prohibiton
Newspaper Ads
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Reopening after Rossmann's 1942 Death...
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| The Central
changed hands several times after World War II. Owners included
Mike Dragnich; Robert P. O'Brien and Owen J. Bailey; Emil Othote
and Leo G. Pocha. |
Demolition
of 118 South Main, 1971
Photos by Jan Brown, Courtesy of Richard Alberts
CLICK
ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
CLICK
ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
CLICK
ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
CLICK
ON IMAGE TO OPEN A BIG VERSION IN A NEW WINDOW
|
Callously
destroying the bar's wonderful "The Central" sign
would be unthinkable today. Perhaps that's a sign that we
have made some actual progress.
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