Bob here, paddling my way into one of the most rip-roaring watering holes in the Wild West: Saloon No. 10!
Tucked away in the lively town of Deadwood, this saloon isn’t just your average bar. It’s a splashy dive into history, a true community hub where the spirit of the frontier still dances with glee! I had just a few quacking minutes, but I couldn’t resist diving into this legendary spot. Let me tell you what I discovered!
As I waddled through the creaky doors, I was greeted by the unmistakable vibe of the Old West.
Above the entrance, there hangs an iconic salute to history: the very chair where the famous Wild Bill Hickok met his twisty fate!
This place captures the essence of the frontier like no other!
Now, let’s splash around in the juicy backstory! Saloon No. 10 was born in the roaring 1930s. Its creation was thanks to a fellow named Stu Donavitz, who knew how to play the speakeasy game like a pro.
But what really makes this saloon sparkle is the teamwork between Stu and a creative cartoonist from Chicago, Elmer Kellogg. Inspired by the legendary Wild Bill, these two crafted a unique slice of the past. They included handcrafted doors and cozy barstools!
Zoom forward to December 1963, when the Keehn family took over this historical joint. Without needing a time machine, it’s clear that the Keehn family has been pouring their heart and soul into Saloon No. 10. For four generations, family members hustle every day to keep the good vibes flowing, and I couldn’t be more grateful for their dedication.
Thanks, Keehn family!
But hold on to your floaties, Saloon No. 10 is not just about filling your glass. It’s an entire experience!
Live music fills the air with fantastic tunes, courtesy of local legends like Vern Sympsy. I even caught an impromptu jam with Good Ol’ Keehn Dad on the “gut bucket.”
Plus, there are unforgettable grill sessions by the fireplace, where friends and strangers bond over sizzling steaks. Nothing like that camaraderie to make a rubber duck feel right at home!
When the fabulous 1980s rolled in, the Keehn family had an epiphany: why not add food to the fun? Enter Aunt Sally’s Fried Chicken! They whipped up a drool-worthy menu that hooked patrons faster than I can do a backstroke!
This culinary adventure led to the birth of the Deadwood Social Club in 1995. They broadened their tasty horizons while keeping that iconic Saloon No. 10 spirit alive.
And there’s more! The Keehn family is all about community. They’ve turned fundraising into a lively tradition, mixing a little quirky fun with heartfelt purpose, like their weekly Sexy Bingo, where every cent goes toward fighting cancer!
Their guiding mantras, such as “Keep the faith” and “Life is short,” float through the saloon. They remind everyone that laughter is the best medicine!
Here’s the scoop on what Saloon No. 10 offers:
Honestly, why go anywhere else? Saloon No. 10 has it all!
So, if you find yourself anywhere near Deadwood, make the hasty float over to experience Saloon No. 10. It’s a place that embodies the vibrant history of the Wild West while serving up heartfelt hospitality.
With a family that keeps the spirit of togetherness alive, it’s where legends come to life. Memories are made one clink of the glass at a time!
NEVER MISS A
