After that great show at Meehan's on Jun 15, a bunch of us made the trek to -- where else--Finnegan's, where all REAL 56ers ultimately wind up.

The gaggle included: Allan and Judy Johnson, Jack Provenzano, Maggie Cedearholm, Sheila Ehlinger, Jane Asbury Hills, Susie Protter, Walt Fried ,Ricky Griffiths, Larry Hynds ,and me--that prince among kings--Jack Downing. Attached find photos.

Mostly, Finnegan's hasn't changed much--the stuff hanging on the walls is still there, including Andy Finnegan's picture and a photo of the '56 Blue Devils team. And college kids still show up whenever they're in town.

But, especially for those who haven't been around in many years, there are
changes:

- Sadly, Bill Finnegan and Roger Casey have passed away. I particularly
missed Casey, who once threw me out for doing college math
homework at the bar while not buying enough beer (I do admit that this
was not the only time he threw me out).He was the dean of barmen.

-For the first time, I guess over the past couple of years, there are lady
bartenders--actually very pretty college kids. They're great--I spent
some time talking with them--but somehow it just doesn't seem like
Finnegan's without the bartenders wearing that great white apron
that Casey had pulled up over his belly to his chest.

-Charlie Forte's brother Tommy is head bartender--he fits right in with
tradition! Maybe we could get Charlie to work there as well.

-No more sawdust on the floor--and, while it's still very much Finnegan's,
the green&white checked tablecloths are gone.

On balance, though, it's still very recognizably Finnegan's, and damn well  worth the pilgrimage!-----------Jack

FINNEGAN'S REVISITED

Shots from after the Mini Reunion
from Jack Downing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above FROM FRONT RIGHT: Judy and Allan Johnson, Jack Provenzano, Maggie
Cedearholm, Jack Downing, Sheila Ehlinger, Jane Asbury Hills, Susie Protter, Walt Fried ,Ricky Griffiths, Larry Hynds