Join Elgin's oldest bar and grille in celebrating 90 years April 29
In July 2015, Elgin's oldest bar and grille Olde Towne Inn took new ownership.
For 84 years, pints and memories have been shared around the hand built bar. This small bungalow of 1,600 square feet sits on the ramp of Route 25 south and Route 20 with an address of 412 Bluff City Blvd.
Six years prior to pouring that first drink in 1933, it was a BBQ, painted a simple white with an ice machine out front. To many the old pub always remained Smitty's though it is Olde Towne Inn today and 15 years prior was Southside Annies for a few years.
The bar still sports the arches that once held garage doors and a prominent U-shaped bar with matching cabinetry. The new owner Patsy Maple, a single mom took ownership as a way of support for her daughter that has Type 1 diabetes to be there for her after school and provide her nursing care. What the new owner did not expect was the energy, the stories and the memories shared with her. These stories helped Patsy connect to Elgin and become a part of its story.
A year and a half later, the bar has had some much needed updating. The flooring was replaced, windows replaced, new heating and air installed, new furnishings, updated bathrooms, an indoor/ outdoor covered seating area and a fresh new menu to compliment the updated kitchen and restored landscaping.
The greatest compliment to the city is the fact that on Saturday, April 29, the neighborhood landmark is turning 90 and with permission of John Smitz (grandson of the original owners) the name Smitty is being added back to the sign. The new sign will read Smitty's Olde Towne Inn Elgin's Oldest Bar and Grille.
"The news has spread quickly and I can't believe the excitement the city feels," Patsy said. "Every day people from all different cities to different states send messages with stories about Smitty's. This isn't just your average neighborhood pub, this is a piece of Elgin history and the Smitz family deserve to be remembered as part of that history."
On April 29, Patsy and her team will be serving BBQ style food and 68 cent drafts just like Smitty did 1927 and 1933. Many stories and laughs are sure to be shared as the rededication takes place.
"This pub is a part of Elgin and I am happy to now be a part of this great city as well" states Patsy. "I hope everyone can continue to legacy as Smitty's Olde Towne Inn continues to support its tagline, 'Still making memories'."