Old Sarge's Bar

In light of the recent political campaign, for some reason, I have had flashbacks to a place of my youth. My Dad would occasionally take me to downtown Akron where we would stop by the Mayflower Hotel and into the Plantation Bar. The Plantation was tended by a man named George M-something but who answered to the name "Sarge" due to his background as a cavalry drill sergeant. There was a large portrait behind the bar of Old Sarge in uniform mounted on Man-O-War, or something. Very impressive picture. Most distinguished.

We would have lunch there. I usually had sauerkraut balls, an Akron delicacy, and would marvel at all the words of wisdom on signs around the bar. Old Sarge was a bit of a joker, for instance if an unsuspecting patron would order his drink "on the rocks" Sarge would reach in the cooler under the bar and fill the glass with stones. Ha ha ha. Gotcha.

But perhaps most poignant was the number one rule at Old Sarge's bar posted prominently over the bar. These words have stuck with me my whole life and while hard to uphold, are important to remember. The Number One Rule of Old Sarge's Bar:
"ALWAYS BE SURE YOUR BRAIN IS FIRMLY IN GEAR BEFORE ENGAGING YOU MOUTH"