Tag: Tony’s Bar

215 N. 8th St.

Owl Saloon – circa 1915. On the far right is Lawrence Fuka, Sr. who ran this tavern from 1910-1919 until the start of prohibition when it was converted into a restaurant. This photo is courtesy of Stan Fuka, the grandson of Lawrence. He mentioned that his father’s boyhood duty at the saloon was cleaning the spitoons.

Lawrence Fuka, Sr. was born in Prarie du Chien in 1875. He operated taverns in Norman and Two Creeks prior to moving to Manitowoc in 1910. Shortly after his move to Manitowoc, he took over the Owl Tavern and operated it until about 1933.  During Prohibition, he operated the business as a restaurant only. He passed away at the age of 78 in 1953 after a brief illness. In this photo, taken in 1939, Lawrence is standing on the left next to an unidentified friend. Image: Courtesy of John Fuka, a grandson of Lawrence.

Tony’s Bar – circa early 1950’s. Matchbook, front.

Tony’s Bar – matchbook, back.

Sportsman’s Bar – 1971. The bar is on the right corner. This photo was taken looking east down Buffalo. Photo courtesy of Manitowoc Police Dept. files.

Uncle Thirsty’s – Friday, December 17, 1971 – ad. Image used by permission of Herald Times Reporter/Gannett.com

Uncle Thirsty’s – T-shirt, circa early 1980’s. Photo courtesy of Louise Henderson

Uncle Thirsty’s – T-shirt, circa early 1980’s. Photo courtesy of Louise Henderson.

Chewy’s – circa 2000 – matchbook.

Chewy’s – 2009.

Chewy’s – 2011. Photo courtesy of Michael Novak.

Chewy’s – In memory of Chewy Piaskowski who passed away on February 15, 2012. The photo was taken in 2009 before the Badger Helmet was removed due to licensing restrictions.

Chewy’s – Article from the Manitowoc Herald Times by Charlie Mathews – February 18, 2012. Article courtesy of Herald Times Reporter/Gannett.com

Chewy’s Bar – November 2012. This photo shows the newly remodeled front. Photo courtesy of Michael Novak.

1144 S. 21st. St.

Royal Tavern – circa 1940’s. This bar was called Royal when the Witczak’s took it over in the early 1940’s. They changed the name to Felix the Cat’s in the early 50’s. Thanks to Joe Gauthier for the image.


Royal Tavern – circa 1940’s – bar token, front.

Royal Tavern – bar token, back.

Felix the Cat Bar – This photo is circa 1950s and appeared in the Sunday, January 10, 1988 edition of the Herald Times. Photo courtesy of Tom and Mary Witczak/Herald Times/Gannett.com.

“Felix the Cat” Witczak with his wife Lucy, circa 1970’s. Photo courtesy of Tony Poklinkoski.

Felix the Cat’s Bar – Coin purse, circa 1960.

Felix the Cat’s Bar – circa late 1950’s – Matchbook. Photo courtesy of Bob Witczak.

Felix the Cats’ Bar – Ad – 12-29-56. Manitowoc Herald Times.

Felix The Cat Ad - 12-29-56

Felix the Cat’s & Papa’s Joes – circa 1960’s – Bar tokens. Photo courtesy of Bob Witczak.

Felix the Cat Bar -1957 – Bowling team. Front row: (l to r) “Shivers” Zutz; Felix “The Cat” Witczak; “Bud” Budnik. Back row: “Papa Joe” Witczak; Ervin Wicklacz; “Butch” Kohls; Stan “Sweeny” Tomchek. Photo courtesy of Tom & Mary Witczak.

Papa Joe’s Bar – 1962 – Bowling team. (l to r) Stanley Becker; Joe Becker; Felix “The Cat” Witczak; “Papa Joe” Witczak; Ervin Wicklacz; Stan “Sweeny” Tomchek. Photo courtesy of Tom & Mary Witczak.

Papa Joe’s Bar – At Christmas time, this label would have been attached to gift bottles of Brandy for the men, and wine for the women. Photo courtesy of Tom & Mary Witczak.

Papa Joe’s Bar – circa 1960’s. Exterior shot near entrance which was below street level. Photo courtesy of Tom and Mary Witczak.

Papa Joe’s Bar – circa 1970’s. Papa Joe Witczak on left, wife Ruth, and Felix “Skates” Zigmund. Photo courtesy of Tom and Mary Witczak.

Papa Joe’s Bar – circa 1970’s – matchbook. The inscription reads: “When you’re tired and thirsty – Rest your old ass here.” Image courtesy of Tom and Mary Witczak.

Papa Joe’s Bar – circa 1970’s – Polish sticker. Image courtesy of Tom & Mary Witczak.

Papa Joe’s Bar – 1976 – notepad. Photo courtesy of Tom & Mary Witczak.

Papa Joe’s Bar – 1966 – Ladie’s Bowling Team (L to R), Papa Joe; Dolly Gleichner; Vivan Novak; Marie Herzog; Irene Schmidt; Lorraine Oswald. Photo courtesy of Tom & Mary Witczak.

Papa Joe’s Bar – Bowling shirt. Photo courtesy of Tom & Mary Witczak.

Tony’s Bar- circa late 1970’s. That’s Tony behind the bar on a New Year’s eve. Photo courtesy of Tony Poklinkoski.

Tony’s Bar – circa 1970s. That’s Tony on the right with one of his favorite bartenders Felix “Skates” Zigmund. Photo courtesy of Tony Poklinkoski.

Tony’s Bar – circa early 1980s. In memory of Donna Becker (1926-2011). She was a well known bartender and over the years worked at a variety of taverns in Manitowoc. Photo courtesy of Tony Poklinkoski.

Mustang Sally’s – 2008. This location closed in 2009 and briefly reopened in 2010.

Happy Hour Bar & Grill – This tavern was opened in late 2010 replacing Mustang Sally’s. Photo courtesy of Michael Novak.

Buzzy’s Happy Hour – November 22, 2011. That’s Shirley Basken (Buzzy’s mom) standing behind the bar.

Happy Hour Bar – September 2013. Closing and move announcement. Image courtesy of Michael Novak.

M & B Happy Hour – A new bar that opened in fall of 2014. Image courtesy of Michael Novak.

M&BHappy Hour 1144S21st St 2014