Roger Ebert once called the Old Town Ale House “the best bar in the world that I know about”. The Ale House is also the setting for one of the true tales in Pat Colander’s Hugh Hefner’s Last Funeral and Other True Tales of Love and Death in Chicago. In this classic bar some 30 years ago, a regular customer talked openly about a certain type of poison that would mysteriously turn up in Tylenol bottles shortly thereafter. Naturally, this was the perfect setting for Pat Colander to stage a book signing for the book that tells that tale, “Hugh Hefner’s First Funeral and Other True Tales of Love & Death in Chicago”. Heck, she was even featured in one of the paintings on the wall.
The owner of the bar was there, the incredibly witty Bruce Elliot. He should charge people to come listen to the regulars offering their commentary during Bears games…especially during losses. At one point, my 13-year-old son looked at me and said “Are they allowed to say that?” I believe they are, although I’m also pretty sure what they were suggesting Jay Cutler should do isn’t technically physically possible.
The walls of the Old Town Ale House were filled with paintings (painted by Bruce) of celebrities and politicians, and the book signing drew a few literary glitterati as well, including the talented playwright John Lisbon Wood. Pat Colander was right at home in this setting, and she clearly reveled in the conversations with those who came out for the event. Thanks to everyone who came out for a great afternoon of conversation.
Leave a Comment