The Mercer County Historical Society

With the Christmas holiday fast approaching, it is fun to recall a much loved but now gone local holiday tradition story.

This story begins shortly after Prohibition when Hank Meyers turned his Celina pool hall into a bar. On Christmas Eve, Meyers would offer his loyal patrons one delightful holiday drink, something called a Tom & Jerry. It was free in appreciation for their yearlong patronage.

This tradition was also meant to promote Christmas cheer. The free drink was offered to all gentlemen who came in that day, not just regulars. Of course, if a patron wanted to, he could purchase a 2nd, 3rd etc. of the concoction. This tradition worked well for families coming downtown for last minute Christmas shopping as the ladies could do the shopping and the less shopping-inclined gentlemen could retreat to Meyers bar to get their share of holiday cheer.

This beloved tradition was kept up by all subsequent owners of the bar, this writer's father included, and lasted for over 50 yrs. Sadly, it came to an end when the bar closed in 1987.

An interesting sidenote to this story: this particular bar was what is called a “stag bar.” Ladies were discouraged (prohibited?) from entering. Why? The benefit of this practice was that the ladies would not have to worry about any alcohol-fueled indiscretion by their men. Significantly, all the past owners of this bar reported far less fighting or trouble than the mixed clientele bars did.