By any name, taverns are vital to communities
By Joe Tropila
Former tavern owner and state legislator
They are known by many names: Bars, taverns, saloons, lounges, casinos, and yes, even joints. They serve drinks, food, snacks, and some even sell eggs and other edibles produced by the locals.
They also serve hospitality, camaraderie and friendship. And they are gathering places, homes away from homes, meeting places and eating places. They are a place to relax, enjoy friendships, companionships, a little libation and sometimes a bit more than a little.
They exist by large numbers in more populated towns, and by threes, twos, and maybe even one in smaller towns. In small towns they are not just bars, taverns, saloons, lounges, casinos or joints. They are community centers where people gather to find out what's happening, who died, whose visiting, who left town, who is getting married, and other interesting news, and perhaps even some gossip.
They are places where people from the country drop off their kids to catch the school bus and pick them up when the day is over. During inclement weather, these places provide a warm, sheltered, social gathering area.
They are establishments that become our companion in times of need by providing for charitable services whether it is for donations or for providing food or shelter. They are the local business exchange for the selling, buying and trading of livestock, crops and machinery.
They are the local sponsorship, from Little League teams and bowling teams to community benefits, auctions and school fundraisers.
They really are our friends, without whom we would be at a staggering loss in our communities across this great state of Montana.