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| First & Last Chance Saloon (St. Vincent, circa late 1800's) |
You can tell me I'm wrong, but I won't believe you.
What am I talking about? I'm referring to the fact that I firmly believe that what was once known as the First & Last Chance Saloon in St. Vincent, eventually became what was later known as Short's Cafe.
I base this on two main factors - location, and comparative known exterior architectural features.
First, location. I do not know, but I think I can safely assume, that the First & Last Chance Saloon likely and logically was so named because it was - depending on if you were coming from Pembina or leaving St. Vincent - the 'first' or 'last' chance of obtaining an alcoholic beverage. That would mean it was located near the bridge. What was later known as Short's Cafe was located at the foot of the old Red River Bridge leading from St. Vincent to South Pembina. Second, exterior features. Although my comparison photo for the Short's Cafe does not show it, the cafe did have a western extension off the side of the main business, with tall gables just like the photo of the saloon shows. By the time I knew the building, it had been greatly simplified, simple siding replacing the shingles on the face of the living quarters facing south. However, the tall second-story windows of the business side - also facing south - along with the chimney, large display windows, and door location - are exactly the same during the cafe period as during the saloon period. I think I can safely say, this is indeed the same building in both photos.
It is rare to see an intact buildling that evolved over that long a time period in my hometown. So many buildings either burned down, were torn down, were moved, and/or were repurposed, that such indentification of their former 'lives' would be impossible. Christ Church, the school building, even the jail house, are some of the few older buildings still surviving to this day in my little village. A few older homes are still there, albeit greatly changed since their salad days.
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| Same Building in 1940's, now known as Short's Cafe |
I remember Short's cafe well. As a little girl attending St Anne's it was a treat to go there after church for ice cream. I remember going back and finding St Anne's as a pool hall. What a shock that was. I grew up in Humboldt and that is a shock as well. So many villages and towns losing people. You have a great blog and bring back many wonderful memories so thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the very very kind words, Patricia (what a great name...*smile*) I love sharing my discoveries about my hometown and surrounding area and nothing makes me happier than to know that I have brought a smile to a face or a happy memory back to someone's mind. That's what I do it for. May I ask who your family was? I'd love to understand your connection to St. Vincent. (By the way, I know what you mean about the church being a pool hall - if you mean what I think you mean, it was during the 1970's and a family that was new to the area bought the old church and made it into living quarters and yes, I think I remember a pool table in there and it was semi-public, not a real pool hall, but people would come around and play...)
ReplyDeleteTrish,
ReplyDeleteThe front facade of the two cafes certainly look similar, particularly the narrow 2nd story windows. It would be fun to find fun to find more references to the first and last chance saloon. Any county histories that you can check? As to whether they are truly the same (and I would tend to agree with you on that) you can put that question to rest by researching the deeds. The land description in the deeds should be similar for both.
Great story!
Marian
Marian: Thanks for the tips, I will look into those records. Since I'll be organizing my town's 155th for 2012, I intend to make several trips to the county museum which also houses a lot of the county historical society records, so I'll be sure and see what I can find on one of my trips over the next two years...I appreciate the advice!
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