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1930's
On November 6, 1933, Prohibition was repealed. A State College resident,
"Pop" Flood, owner of the Greenroom Restaurant, saw the perfect
opportunity to expand his business. Three days later, on November
9, 1933, "The Rathskeller & Gardens" opened for business, becoming
the fourth, oldest licensed bar in the state. At this time, no liquor
was sold anywhere in State College, and according to the law, only
beer was allowed to be sold in public taverns. Also during this
period, Rolling Rock got its start in Latrobe, Pa.. "Pop" thought
it was a logical choice to bring together a local pub with a local
beer, and so began the tradition of rock ponies at the Skeller.
A year after giving birth to the "Rathskeller & Gardens", the Floods
decided to turn their full attention to the Green Room Restaurant.
So in 1934, C.C. "Doggie" Alexander bought the bar, and changed
the name to the "All American Rathskeller".
1940's
The 1940's saw the arrival of two of the most famous "Skeller Rats"
of all time. Spider, the ever-smiling cook, and without a doubt,
the most famous "Skeller Rat" of all time, Harry Neideigh. Spider
first introduced the Reuben to State College, and also started his
own creation, the "Spider" burger, loaded with swiss cheese and
grilled onions. Both of these tasty items still appear on the Skeller
menu. Harry Frank Neideigh first arrived at the Skeller in 1948,
and ordered two pony bottles of Rolling Rock. Several years later,
Harry became an employee. He has never left, and can be found perched
upon his signature stool at the bar everyday. Click to read Harry's
entire story.
1950's
In 1955, Harry, a.k.a. "Spaghetti" or "Coach", began working at
the Skeller. In 1958, Doggie Alexander sold the Rathskeller to Dean
Smith of Potter's Mills, who became "Dean" of the Skeller. He instituted
the real "Dean's" list for the everyday patrons, and conducted a
much different school of learning. His picture can be found at the
end of the bar by the men's room.
1960's
During the early 60's, the Skeller expanded into the back room,
and added the back bar. The back bar originally sat where the band
stage is today. Once the bar was moved, the stage became an early
stomping ground for several of State College's original and successful
bands. In 1965, Doggie Alexander passed away, leaving behind him
smiling photos, unmatchable memories and tons of friends. At the
end of the night, when the last of the staff locks the doors, you
will often hear them whisper, "Goodnight, Doggie." In fond remembrance.
Then in 1966, the Pennsylvania State Congress passed a law, thirty-three
years after the repeal of Prohibition, allowing the sale of liquor
in public taverns.
1970's
The 1970's marked the arrival of two Skeller bartenders, Bo and
Rabbit. They still show up faithfully for all of the home Penn State
football games. From the time Rolling Rock ponies were sold at the
Skeller until 1972, it was customary to order them two at a time.
Then on a football weekend, a customer, after numerous trips to
the bar asked owner Dean Smith if he could just buy a case instead.
Dean sold him a case for $4, and so began the tradition of Rock
cases at the Skeller. It is always interesting to ask long time
customers of the Skeller, what they used to pay for cases. Also
during this decade, two unknowing future Skeller owners gained employment,
Fast Eddie and Duke.
1980's
In 1980, John Patrick O'Connell, a.k.a. "Johnny O", bought the Rathskeller
from Dean Smith. Not only did John perfect the "Case Study" during
his tenure, he also set an unbeatable record which earned its way
into The Guinness Book of World Records. On November 9, 1983, John
decided to throw an anniversary party to celebrate fifty years of
Skeller tradition. "Come on down early," John said, "we'll try to
set a case drinking record." Little did he know his customers would
pack the bar by noon. At 2:00am, the case sales had reached 903,
beating the existing record, held by a bar in Germany, by over 200
cases. And so, the case races began. In 1986, ownership changed
once again. The Skeller was purchased by Duke Gastiger and "Fast"
Eddie Hill, both former "Skeller Rats". In 1988, Duke and Eddie
bought the Old Main Restaurant above the Skeller and renamed it
Spats Cafe & Speakeasy. The Skeller kitchen was dismantled and lunches
were prepared in the Spats kitchen.
1990's
In the 1990's, "Case Day" broke the record three times. The record
reached 943 in 1991, 1003 in 1993 and in 1996 reached the 1053 mark,
which stills stands. In 1993, Fast Edddie sold his interest to Duke,
and is now the owner of the Mount Nittany Inn atop Centre Hall Mountain.
In 1994, sadness hit the Skeller once again with the passing of
former owner "Johnny O", who is now included with Doggie in our
goodnight wishes upon the locking of the door. In 1996, the Skeller
became completely computerized. The old fashion cash registers were
replaced by touch screen monitors. Drastic efforts have been made
to clean up the Skeller without disturbing any of the original artifacts.
After all, the greatest part of the Rathskeller is being able to
return to an unchanged tradition which spans the better part of
a century.
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