Last updated December 10, 2019
Who can forget St. Boniface’s Lyceum? Pennsylvania liquor laws did not allow for the serving of alcohol on Sundays except at private clubs. The Lyceum was such a club run by the church and only members of the parish could be members. The club had a beer bar (no wine or spirits) and two bowling lanes. The club was open seven days a week, and if I remember correctly, after 5 PM on weekdays and noon on Saturdays and as soon as the last Mass was over on Sundays. Many men were at that Mass standing in the back of the church, near the sacristy, across from the door to the club. As soon as the priest declared the Mass over, the rush began.
The bowling alleys, which were used mostly for league play could also be used when available by other patrons. There were travelling and home leagues including mixed (male and female) leagues. The pins, both standard 10-pins and Duck pins, were set up manually by two boys unless only one was available. The first four Hartmann boys were among those able to make a little extra cash. Not only did the pin setters get paid by the number of bowlers, but often when a bowler had a good day , a couple of coins would be would put in the holes.
Sep was often the bartender and clean-up man at the Lyceum, especially during the steel strikes.
I knew about the Lyceum. I didn’t realize that dad sometimes worked as a bartender and clean-up man. 🍺