HISTORY
The Old Town has continued the tradition of being a bar or saloon at the present location since 1898. In 1972 Jerry Pawlicki bought Merkel’s Friendly Corner and renamed it the Old Town Tavern. Jerry built the bar, bar cabinets, tables and booths. He laid the hardwood floor and preserved the original tin ceiling. In the early days of Old Town it was a blue collar bar, opening at 6am to accommodate the 3rd shift workers from area factories. For 40 years the Old Town has welcomed the Old West Side residents and all of Ann Arbor as well as University of Michigan students, faculty and staff.
In 1998, the business was passed to sons Chris and Steve. The Old Town is the last survivor of the of the “Townie” bars. Gone is the Del Rio, Mr. Flood’s Party, the Second Chance, and the Full Moon.
CHRONOLOGY
1860s
Buildings on the west side of Liberty Street were constructed by harness makers, Adam and Anton Schaeberle, along with German masons.
1870
John G. Laubengayer opened a flour and feed store.
1898
John Berger opened a saloon called “The Bismark.”
1917
The business was sold to William Seagert, who dodged Prohibition by selling home brewing products, “near beer” and bitters.
1935
The property was sold to Richard Kearns and became known as “The Union Bar”.
1972
George Merkel sold the bar, named “Merkel’s Friendly Corner” to Jerry Pawlicki.
Jerry Pawlicki undertook an extensive renovation of the bar, building the bar, bar cabinets, tables and booths himself. He laid the hardwood floor and preserved the original tin ceiling. Upon reopening, the bar was christened the “Old Town Tavern.”
1998
The business was passed to Jerry’s sons, Chris and Steve.