So, the Villan and I were talking about Americans drinking all night (or at least that's what the Brits think we do), and I got nostalgic about the neighborhood taverns back home in Wisconsin. Les thought that would make a good topic of discussion, and I agree.

I remember when we moved from Detroit to Racine, Wisconsin, in 1958 when I was 9 years old. As we entered the town, it seemed that every major intersection had three taverns and a gas station. This was in a factory district, and it was customary for factory workers to stop for a "beer and a bump" (beer & a shot of brandy, in separate containers) on the way home from work. In most states, bars close at 2 AM - but it was my understanding that some Wisconsin taverns stayed open until eight or nine in the morning to accommodate the night shift workers, who were on their way home and to bed.

Anyhow, can we dedicate this thread to the colorful history and customs of taverns? I suppose it might be better to have separate US and UK threads, but let's make this an exercise in shared culture.

And let's all get together for a Beer and a Bump in the Great Wherever someday, hey?

-Joe-