Greetings and Salutations my friends,
In today’s fast-moving society, it seems that bars are continuously trying to change their style to keep up with the latest fads. To some, this is a good thing because they want to be with the times and keep things modern; for me, well, I’m all about the stories behind a bar, and when you keep changing, the memories that come along with it tend to die. This week’s bar went against the grain and has kept up their ways ever since their humble beginnings back in 1987. The building itself has been here since 1890 and has played the tavern role ever since the early 1900s. When you look up “tavern” in the dictionary you should find a picture of Thurman’s 15. Yes, this tavern fits the complete picture of a Milwaukee dive.
Join us as we travel out to this dive on Thursday night. Members can look forward to enjoying $3 taps of Lakefront and $3.50 double tall rail mixers. Please remember to bring cash, as Thurman’s is a Cash Only establishment. Thurman’s doesn’t hide their quirks, the second you walk in you notice that this bar has been around for a while. Whether it’s the avid amount of love for the Grateful Dead on the walls or the faded yellow life size sticker of Milwaukee’s own Robin Yount, this tavern is special and I for one cannot wait to experience all its glory and wisdom this Thursday night.
There are a few things to notice about Thurman’s that many may casually miss, for starters the number “15” below the name. The name itself “Thurman’s” is actually named after Thurman Munson, a catcher for the New York Yankees in the 70s. His number was 15. Munson died tragically in 1979 after a plane crash and the bar is named in his honor. It was purchased by a New York Native William F. Lennon Jr. in 1987. Don’t get too excited about the neon Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream sign in the window, as far as I know, that was put there as a joke – only drinks are served at Thurman’s. If you get a chance take a peek outside, look at the neighboring house to Thurman’s: it is completely covered in green and gold. This my friends, is the “Packer House of Milwaukee”, which is owned by the Thurman’s owner, and has been used to hold parties for the staff.
Cheers my friends!
Your Co-Founder and Friend,
Jeremy Blandin
*Keeping your glass filled and spirits high one Thursday at a time, this is Welcome to Thursdays: a local social group determined to make your Thursdays more fun. Each Wednesday, The Squeaky Curd features a (generally) fictitious story of a Milwaukee County bar that we gather at on Thursday evening. Join us this Thursday, October 26, 2017 at Thurman’s, 1731 N Arlington Place (Brady Street) at 7:30pm.*