It’s my Dad’s 70th birthday on Nov 19th, so we are having a fancy cocktail / dinner party all based around the bar my grandfather built in his basement in 1966 (the base is made out of flagstone from Wiarton, Ontario).

The bar i’m talking about is below and this photo from the 1970s features the following people:

• My grandmother (Omi) who is looking right at the camera in that fantastic yellow dress
• The woman with the incredible back on her dress is my MOM! Dang! Wish I knew what the rest of the dress looked like
• My grandfather (Opi) is behind the bar
• My mom’s brother (my uncle) is to the right with my Aunt (his wife).
• Man on the left, unknown.

What a fun photo!!

For today’s post in honour of the home bar pictured above, I wanted to showcase people enjoying themselves IN cocktails bars, taverns, pubs and of course home bars. These could be vintage photos or vintage ads but they are all from the 1940s to the 1960s.

Cheers!

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 

A Look Back At Life In 1940s-1960s Drinking Establishments & Home Bars

The Vintage Images

“Photo time! Everyone head behind the bar!”. Late 1940s / Early 1950s fun photo of a group of young people at this incredible bar, packed to the top with cool things (including the front of the bar).

From what I can see from zooming in, a Cheeseburger & Hamburger are $0.25 and ‘Iron City’ is the beer of choice.

Source: Etsy-JakeRoebucks

This 1950s, maybe early 1960s photo will live in my memory for as long as I live because of the leopard print purse our stylish lady is holding. Dang everyone looks so good at this pub night!

Source: Flashbak

1950s vintage photo of the bartender reaching over to shake someone’s hand that is not in the image. Looks like everyone is a good mood. Love the little glasses.

Source: Etsy-iloveyoumorephotos

1950s vintage ad for Schenley Whisky featuring actor, Raymond Massey enoying finer entertainment (like hanging out at his home bar).

“Acting is tense work. That’s why Raymond often relaxes at home with friends. Schenley stars at those gatherings. Its mello taste pleases everyone.”

Source: eBay

Everyone is welcome at the Bar! Cheers! A 1950s vintage photo.

Source: Etsy-JakeRoebucks

1960s Photo: Ben and Frank did not get the memo…Hawaiian shirts must be worn when working the bar at the social club! Looking good Ralph!

Source: Etsy-iloveyoumorephotos

Two barmaids at a pub in London, 1949.

Source: Flickr

Members of the Capetowners Club in a bar in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver(early 1960s).

Source: Pinterest

1960s Schlitz Beer Ad. “Invitation from your Tavern Keeper: COME AND WATCH THE RACES!” Looks like a fun time!

Source: Etsy – EdenKitschVintage

1940s or 1950s vintage photo of Tiki Bar, ‘Trad’r Sam’ in San Francisco.

Trad’r Sam was opened in 1937 by a man named Sam Baylon, large stalks of bananas hung from the ceilings and bartenders took the Tiki-theme thing in full stride, donning beige outfits and Safari caps ready to take you away in a rum rhapsody. The most popular order was the Banana Cow (blended rum, brandy, Benedictine, banana and cream) (Source).

Source: SignsUnited.com

The college bar. 1940s photo. How dapper is our young man in the front of this image? Soooo dapper!

Source: Etsy-JakeRoebucks

One night in 1947 a group of friends, got all dressed up and headed out to their favourite bar for a night of fun.

Source: Etsy –JakeRoebucks

Bartender in action in this 1960s photo.

Source: Etsy – QsVintageImages

Happy 70th Birthday Dad!

(1970’s photo of my parents in Jamaica. My mom is doing the leap frog, while my open shirt dad looks on)

Question time! Please share in the comments section below, what you favourite photos or ad was. Also please let me know if you have a favourite drinking establishment that you enjoy.

Further Reading:

• The Vintage Advertising of a Canadian Beer Brand-Labatt’s
• Let’s Have A Beer! Vintage Beer Advertising
• Are you hosting a cocktail / lounge party? Then you must take a look at my party guide!
• Vintage Photos 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)

Thanks for dropping by and spending some time at the Vintage Inn. I look forward to welcoming you back!

Liz