News: Owen – Kitze's Tavern Closes after 40 Years (Jun 1974)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
 
Surnames: Kitze, Smithles, Filtz, Stolp, Armburst, Larson, Gardner, Henke, Weddig

---------Source: OWEN ENTERPRISE (Owen, Clark County, Wis.) 11 Jul 1974

Saturday, June 29, 1974 was the last day of business for Kitzes Tavern, and as of July 1st the license he held for the last 40 years was purchased by Meadowview Country Club.

With the repeal of prohibition in the early 1930's, Clarence Kitz opened the door of what was then called :The Green Lantern" and all of this time the business remained in the same location, next to Weddig's Rexall Drugstore on Central Avenue.

Not only was he the oldest tavern keeper in the city in point of business tenure, but also the oldest tavern keeper in Clark County.

He and his wife, Evelyn, who has been associated in the business for many years, intend to relax and enjoy their retirement, fishing, gardening, and other projects about their home.

Here from out of town for the Farewell party, which was held Friday, June 28, 1974, were Dr. Lois Smithles and Mrs. Elaine Filtz, Madison, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Armburst, Medford, Mr. and Mrs. William Stolp, Fifield, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Larson, Chetek, Mike Gardner, Eau Claire, Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Henke, Mead lake, and the children of Clarence and Evie, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Kitze, Rhinelander, Phillip of Owen, and Margaret, River Falls.