I recently read a feature story on Rogers City’s Cash’s Lakeside Inn.

The local watering hole, which was in operation for decades, closed in 1959. Historical accounts stated it was a well-known dance hall featuring big bands from Chicago and Milwaukee.

Last year, the bar’s contents were purchased by a Florida reseller, which, in part, included an ancient jukebox and a massive, 56-foot bar with wooden, insulated refrigerated compartments.

The 2022 article stated the structure, located at Third and State streets, would be demolished for future development.

The Lakeside Inn’s description and history reminded me of numerous Northeast Michigan “dive bars” I frequented with many dear and once-youthful friends.

My image of a “dive bar” is cheap drinks, basic bar food and snacks, a crowd of patrons who seem to blend together, and an environment lacking any level of ambience.

However, I needed to establish a true “dive bar” profile. I conducted a Web search and found Drink Nation. They stated a “dive bar” tends to be a hole-in-the-wall establishment with cheap booze.

Steve Vensen, of a California-based group called Dive Bar Connoisseurs, stated, “Every dive bar is like a snowflake: diverse and unique. You always get local subculture and every visit is an adventure.”

Researcher and author Todd Dayton added, “The ideal dive bar is run by a beefy guy named Frank, where the aroma of yesterday’s beer still hangs in the air. A bottle of Bud costs two bucks, a shot of Jack, $3, and PBR is served in a can. The sign outside says steaks, dinners, cocktails — but there hasn’t been any food served there since FDR was president. The prevailing decorative elements are red Naugahyde, wood-toned Formica, and cinder blocks.”

Dayton concluded, “The owner or a family member is often working the bar. Dive bars usually have a clientele from all walks of life, including some locals who have been drinking there for decades.”

After acquiring professional “dive bar” profiles, I pursued researching Northeast Michigan residents for their favorite watering holes and personal insight.

In part, the “dive bar” list included the Bolton Bar, the former Globe Hotel’s Erin Room, the Bluebird Tavern (later named Chiefs), the Friendly Bar, Hubbard Lake’s West Shore and Cedar Grove taverns, the Three Pines on West Long Lake Road, the Dry Dock, Widow’s Roost, Rogers City’s Brooks Bar, Ike’s Bar, Atlanta’s Wedge Inn, Slanted Shanty, Diamond’s Point, Pal-o-Bar, and the Side Door, located at the former Fletcher Motel on U.S.-23 North.

Appearing on the list — but several steps above being a “dive bar” — were the Club 32, Twin Acres, Maplewood Tavern, Hide-A-Way, and, overlooking Thunder Bay, the Thunderbird.

Those establishments were recognized for their live music and performers, as well as dating sites, which has led to numerous marriages, divorces, nasty break-ups. and a few fights.

Bruce Michaud, Bob Greene, Larry Peplin, and Sidney Urbanowicz all commented on Czolgosz Bar. The legend behind that watering hole is that President William McKinely’s assassin, Leon Czolgosz, frequented the establishment (see online The Alpena News’ Sept. 6, 2018 edition for a feature story on that 1901 assassination).

Finally, in conducting my research, Robert Rings stated he proudly has the neon sign once displayed at The Pump. Rings commented it needed fresh neon to again operate. Bob, I do hope you can again bring the sign to life, and hoist a brew when you plug it in.

Two of the best “dive bar” summaries I received were from Paulette Cruise, who commented, “You could end up with a whole book on dive bars,” and Suzanne BC observed there are more bars in Alpena than churches.

Now and well into the future, Northeast Michigan’s current and future “dive bars” will continue to be part of the region’s tapestry.

Bring on the happy hour chicken wings and beer specials!

Jeffrey D. Brasie is a retired health care CEO. He frequently writes historic feature stories and op-eds for various Michigan newspapers. As a Vietnam-era veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Naval Reserve. He served on the public affairs staff of the secretary of the Navy. He grew up in Alpena and resides in suburban Detroit.