Red Creek Tribune - July 1875

Saloons of Red Creek - Belly Up to the Bars!

by Silas Fergenson, Owner, Red Creek Tribune

     Thirsty? Well friendly readers, there seems to be no shortage of establishments here in Red Creek who would be more than happy to help you quench that thirst. Whiskey and beer are in ready supply here in our little town. We seem to run the gamete from upscale, high-end houses, to dark, dingy and dangerous. Let's take a tour shall we?

     The most popular bar in town would be Rosie's Saloon. Owned and operated by Miss Ruby Rose, who moved to Red Creek some 6 years ago and built her place from the ground up. Rosie's is the largest saloon in town and benefits from being pretty much on the dead center of Main Street. Well lit, boisterous, loud, and sometimes rowdy, it is one one the staples of our little community. Highlighted by a gigantic gold inlayed bar, and a well used raised stage where a parade of dancing girls, singers, and even from time to time a snake charmer entertain. Speaking of girls, Rosie's has no shortage. Sportin' women of all shapes and sizes can be found. Miss Rosie prides herself on her girls. And there doesn't seem to be much complaint from the overflowing crowds. There is also a large craps table in the back of the saloon where one can usually find Gus Tanner, Miss Rosie's house manager. Gus is a likable fellow most times, but is quick to toss out anyone who gets a little carried away with themselves. There is a kitchen in the back where you can get a nice steak, some potatoes, beans, rice, and sometimes even a slice of pie. While there have been reports of some dust ups at Rosie's, remember poor Walis Cotton who was shot in the back last year by the outlaw Russ Walker, the violence is keep to a minimum by Tanner and his staff. So if, kind reader, you are looking for a fun time, cold beer, a chance at the craps table, or just some nice, cheap sportin' women, Rosie's is your place.

      Near the north end of town is the Harlequin Honey Pot. Miss Scarlet Preston is the proud owner of this small, but beautiful house of ...fun. Catering to a more upscale clientele, you will not find any rotgut whiskey, or cheap beer here. Fine liquors from the East and the best cigars in the land await behind Miss Preston's bar. And a small bar it is. But then again the drinks are not the main draw at the Honey Pot. While Rosie's has many more girls and much more variety to chose from, the Honey Pot handles nothing but the best. Refined, educated, demure women of the highest quality are to be found. These are skilled artists in their chosen trade. And their time does not come lightly. Miss Preston will tolerate absolutely no rough play or unseemly conduct from anyone in her place of business. Her man Chancy, a large Negro with two well oiled peacekeepers on his hips enforces this policy with great determination.

      And dear readers, this brings us to the south end of town and the aptly named Broken Noose Saloon. Those of you who read this journal with any regularity will surely recognize the name of this establishment. For it seems to be featured in these pages quite often, and usually not for good reasons. The Noose is owned by Dan Bullard. A hard man to know, Dan was one of the first pioneers of Red Creek. His bar was to first to serve a mug to a paying customer here. And the place of the first murder. The Broken Noose is a dark, smokey den of hard men and hard times. Beer and whiskey are the only beverages of choice. There is usually a poker game in the back. Dan usually forgoes the sportin' women that frequent the other local establishments, but one can usually find Fallena, a Mexican dancer, haunting the place. Our brave Sherrif Barker is kept bust most nights at the Noose. But Mr. Bullard has assured this paper that he runs a safe, honest saloon. You be the judge dear reader.

   And there you have it my friends. As long as Red Creek is a frontier town it is a safe bet that saloons, and everything that comes with them, will be a part of the landscape.