The upscale Humboldt Ave. bar was anything but for its first 100 years or so.
The upscale Humboldt Ave. bar was anything but for its first 100 years or so. Back to the full article.
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This column is as enjoyable as it is important. In Michael Horne’s Milwaukee, every building and street corner is historic and strange. Love it. More please.
I was in this place for every incarnation going back to Erv Hauke’s. Erv also lived in the house directly to the west. Jacquelyn’s had a steady lunch business, that included a few city workers and a popular patio in back. Jacquelyn herself was an amazing bartender who could make drinks, cook and carry ongoing conversations with everyone in the bar, all at the same time. She was a sailing fanatic. There were graphics of sailboats on the side of the building and photographs of sailboats on the walls inside. Mary, who managed the place when it was called Baldy’s was a bartender during the time it was Jacquelyn’s and I think Jacquelyn was a bartender when it was called D’s. Mama Roux had a tasty “garlic cumin chicken sandwich” on their menu.
Building up to the pay off that is “Milwaukee Crap Beer Week” is truly hilarious. Well done, keep em coming.
As always, an informative and playful look at Milwaukee history. Keep up the good work Michael Horne and Urban Milwaukee!
Michael – Another great article! I would like to offer a correction -the intersection was actually East Kane Place and Racine (Humboldt) not Water Street. It was changed by the city a few years ago probably to avoid confusion. I know as I lived up the block for many years though I can’t say I frequented the establishment – spent most of my time at The Tasting Room. 😉
Kyle — You are correct that E. Kane Pl. extended some hundreds of feet west of the intersection of N. Humboldt Ave. until recently.
However, prior to the street renaming, when this building was constructed, what was then called N. Water St. extended east of what was then Racine Ave.all the way to Warren Ave. There was a Kane Place, where the eastern segment of E. Kane Place is today. To add to the excitement, the western portion of E. Kane Place had earlier been known as Dane Place.
You make these places come alive, and the neighborhoods they’re in too. Great column title too. Your motto could be “If these walls could talk.”
It’s history at the meticulous micro level. Thanks, Michael!
My Last name is Hauke as in Erv and Mary Hauke were my grandparents. Al Hauke was my Great Grandfather. Your time frame is totally off as far as ownership. I was raised in that bar. I have proof that Haukes had it dating back to the early 50s.
It was a working persons tavern as were many in the area. I have original entertainment and cigarettes license dating from 1950 an 51
I understand your reporting to promote Finks but to belittle and talk crap is just wrong. Erv and Mary’s house was located directly behind the bar that address was 1023 E Kane Pl no it’s Water st