Tales

Told by aidan from dublin on September 21, 2007

having lived in san francisco between 1978 and 1982 the memories? of time spent in the john barleycorn with related events are some of my lifetime favourites.It is wonderful to read the names of so many people from that period and remember others.Monday night was always set aside for washing our clothes in the local self service laundromat.Tuesday night nearly always had to be set aside for collecting them as inevitably the doors of the laundromat closed with our clothes still spinning as we drank talked and watched monday night football.

Larry,thank you for supplying the quarters for the machines but mostly for your patience and company together with Leslie in the bar and as neighbours on Sacramento.

Told by Gary Towery on August 12, 2007

Thomas Wolfe was wrong. Last night I actually DID go home again. Quaffing a few with Rich for the first time in 28 years, while Larry held court in his usual way. Comfortably falling back into the conversations with other kind souls, I felt like a prodigal son. I can't imagine another place like the Barleycorn. This new building owner must have no idea how much of a loss this will be.

Told by Rich Olmstead on August 11, 2007

8/10/07. Gary and I stopped by after the attending the Giants loss to the Pirates last night. It was the first time I have ventured inside in many a decade. The fact that I moved to Napa in 1976 has a lot to do with that.

Over the years I would make it a point to drive Napa folks by J.B. when in The City, and discuss what it means to so many good people. I thank I later became afraid to go in, as I had a hang up about "reliving the past."

Last night showed how foolish that hang up was. Larry's good nature, and a for me, a new cast of good folks has become the present, not the past.

To the good people of San Francisco, please don't let this landmark of warmth pass a way.

Love and Peace,

Rich

Told by Gary Towery on July 21, 2007

I "discovered" the Barleycorn in 1969 as a young sailor, closing the place on many a night between trips to Vietnam and other exotic locales. The conversation between Rich Olmstead, Bill Rice, Wolfgang Haas, a lady named Devin, myself and several others was always stimulating. Dean Corlett delivered an itinerary of folk, protest, etc that one could easily lose oneself in. Watneys Red Barrel, McEwans Stout, and several versions of Pimms Cup flowed freely. This was also my first experience with Mr Harvey Wallbanger.

I learned "liars dice" here, playing against a guy they called "Big John". The cost of the lessons being numerous shots of "Old Overshoes" rye.

Upon my return in 1979 from a 7 year hiatus, the JB was a priority first stop. It was comforting just to check in with Larry, behind the bar, dispensing his usual wit and wisdom. It felt welcoming that Larry remembered me from the earlier days. They still had live entertainment and a jukebox in 1979, although the machine played less of John Stewart, Gordon Lightfoot, Judy Collins and others of that genre while someone had slipped in a few more Fenian anthems.

Whenever I'm in that part of the city, I try to drive by the place, as it's comforting to see it still stands, mostly as I remember, as my refuge during so many nights away from home. I've pointed out the place to many people who've commented on how, in my moustache days I resembled the character on the sign. People back then would ask if Larry and I were brothers.

I've recommended the JB as my favorite pub to many friends visiting from all over the US and elsewhere around the world. I've taken visitors there on several occasions.

Larry; I don't know if you would remember me nowadays, as it's been quite a while. Living up in Marin doesn't make it as easy a stop, particularly with my schedule and lifestyle. I want you to know that you and the JB are some of my fondest memories. As the Neil Young song goes "Long May You Run".

Told by Anne Mourning on July 06, 2007

How does one sum up 25 years of being a patron and employee of the Barleycorn? I could write a book, but will refrain for everyone's sake. I became a regular after moving into an apartment next door in 1974 and from there out my tabs were a part of my monthly budget! Larry was always the gentleman, scholar and probably best employer I've ever had, not to mention an amazing wit. Upon return from many vacations or now since being in Denver, the JB is always my first agenda stop. Amazing friends and intelligent conversation, both of which I deeply miss. We lost several friends and loved ones over the years. I will never forget the kindness extended my family when we lost my sister in 1989. But I remember most the happy times of river trips, softball games, picnics, our "ladies nights" just to name a few. Remarkable 49er/Joe Montana games during their decade of the 80's. Truly a "home away from home pub" in every sense of the word. It would be a shame to let this end. Where would I go to meet and gab with Sandy on my return visits?? Nothing better could possibly replace this neighborhood icon. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again as soon as possible.