I LIVED WITH MY GRANDPARENTS ABOUT A BLOCK FROM THIS CORNER ON PINE ST. WORKED AS A BUSBOY AT THE SOUTH TOWN GRILL WHEN I WAS JUST IN HIGH SCHOOL – FEITSHANS. WENT TO BOOKER’S TAVERN WITH MY GRANDPA AND LATER WHEN I WAS AT SJC. IT BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TODAY. IF THIS IS WHAT WE CALL PROGRESS – I FIND IT HARD TO FATHOM.
BARRIE, this was also one of the first taverns to open after prohibition was repealed. Your mom and dad lived in the apartment above the tavern for 5 years, from 1957 to 1961. Before it was a tavern it was a savings and loan and was the first roberry of a bank in Springfield.
To Bill Schwarz from Clark Mefford [FHS '61]
I too worked at Southtown Grill as a busboy. It was during 59-60. The owner was Chet Kwiet or Qwiet…don’t recall the spelling but when he wanted his wife he would yell “Kwiet please”
They were good employers and I enjoyed the experience.
My parents owned the So. Town Grill. I virtually grew up in the restaurant and the neighborhood. They sold the grill in ’69 and retired to Florida. I live in Oregon now. I would love to hear from any and all of you that have memories of the grill and the neighborhood! My e-mail address is lscarlton49@live.com.
I know Linda K. from Vachel Lindsay Grade School. Greetings Linda. My grandparents, James and Antonella James met on this corner in the early 1920′s. My grandmother was working at Miss Miranda’s selling thread, and my grandfather worked at the Sugar Bowl, which I think was on the corner at the time.
The Southtown Grill………YUMMMM. I especially remember going there every Sunday after church with my parents and the very famous “Lite Out — Pie Out” sign on the wall!!
Marcia Pehlman Ramsey
Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors
Dallas TX
214-632-5225
mramsey680@aol.com
When my parents were first married (Dutch and Flo Pehlman – 1-15-1938) they lived above the South Town Grill.
MPR
mramsey680 | Dec 12, 2007 | Reply
It looks so much nicer back then, I’m completely surprised that Skanks Skates was a restaurant.
Ryan Capranica | Jul 14, 2008 | Reply
I remeber the large hill that was here between 9th & 11th. I was just learning to drive (a stick) and I had to go up this hill from a dead stop.
Mike | Sep 5, 2008 | Reply
I LIVED WITH MY GRANDPARENTS ABOUT A BLOCK FROM THIS CORNER ON PINE ST. WORKED AS A BUSBOY AT THE SOUTH TOWN GRILL WHEN I WAS JUST IN HIGH SCHOOL – FEITSHANS. WENT TO BOOKER’S TAVERN WITH MY GRANDPA AND LATER WHEN I WAS AT SJC. IT BREAKS MY HEART TO SEE WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TODAY. IF THIS IS WHAT WE CALL PROGRESS – I FIND IT HARD TO FATHOM.
bill schwarz | Dec 25, 2009 | Reply
Love this pic! My grandparents owned Butcher’s Tavern which you can see right down the side of the building. Thanks.
Barrie | Jan 26, 2010 | Reply
BARRIE, this was also one of the first taverns to open after prohibition was repealed. Your mom and dad lived in the apartment above the tavern for 5 years, from 1957 to 1961. Before it was a tavern it was a savings and loan and was the first roberry of a bank in Springfield.
YVONNE BUTCHER | Jan 27, 2010 | Reply
Does anyone know how I can get a print of that pic of Southtown?
Barrie | Jan 27, 2010 | Reply
To Bill Schwarz from Clark Mefford [FHS '61]
I too worked at Southtown Grill as a busboy. It was during 59-60. The owner was Chet Kwiet or Qwiet…don’t recall the spelling but when he wanted his wife he would yell “Kwiet please”
They were good employers and I enjoyed the experience.
Clark Mefford | May 15, 2010 | Reply
My mother was an office manager for Cable TV on South Grand in the 1970′s. I remember going with her for lunch at this restaurant.
Mike | Jul 1, 2010 | Reply
My parents owned the So. Town Grill. I virtually grew up in the restaurant and the neighborhood. They sold the grill in ’69 and retired to Florida. I live in Oregon now. I would love to hear from any and all of you that have memories of the grill and the neighborhood! My e-mail address is lscarlton49@live.com.
Linda Carlton (Kwiatt) | Jul 10, 2010 | Reply
I know Linda K. from Vachel Lindsay Grade School. Greetings Linda. My grandparents, James and Antonella James met on this corner in the early 1920′s. My grandmother was working at Miss Miranda’s selling thread, and my grandfather worked at the Sugar Bowl, which I think was on the corner at the time.
Laurel Coutrakon Rice | Feb 13, 2011 | Reply
The Southtown Grill………YUMMMM. I especially remember going there every Sunday after church with my parents and the very famous “Lite Out — Pie Out” sign on the wall!!
Mary Wheeler | Feb 14, 2011 | Reply
laurel are you related to the coutakons of 8th and north grand’s fine little soda shop?
ed kienzler | Mar 21, 2011 | Reply
Sorry I misspelled your last name Laurel!!!
ed kienzler | Mar 21, 2011 | Reply
My mother Esther Durr worked at davis cleaners next door too , remember her talking about the Coutrakon family fondly
R Burton | May 28, 2011 | Reply
My home away from home.
Marita Brake | Jan 29, 2012 | Reply