Flicklives


Plots / Story Lines - General Topics The Root of Shep's Tales

Bluebird Tavern

The Bluebird Tavern was where "the old man" would go for a few beers with his friends. It was a real tavern when Shep grew up but, it is now the Hessville VFW. (See photo) In three of Shep's movies for PBS, the Bluebird Tavern was featured. "The Star-crossed Romance of Josephine Cosnowski" "The Great American 4th of July" "Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss" For the movies though, another building was used. According to Terry Ruhs, the tavern was actually a store called Luchenes Record Shop. It appears that the same footage was used for all 3 films.

Where Shep Made Reference To This Subject

• Movies - August 6, 1988 - Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss

• Movies - December 23, 1976 - The Phantom of the Open Hearth

• Movies - March 16, 1982 - The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters

• Movies - September 23, 1994 - My Summer Story

• Radio - December 8, 1965 - American Myths [ 31:17 ]

• Radio - February 2, 1976 - Pepito the Monkey, Hot Polish Peppers at Blue-Bird Tavern, Paper Route

Links to Further Information:

• "The Star-crossed Romance of Josephine Cosnowski"

• "The Great American 4th of July"

• "Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss"

Photos:

The Bluebird Tavern

Courtesy: Brian Pearson

The "Bluebird" as used in Shep's Movies

Made in the USA

"Can you imagine 4,000 years passing, and you're not even a memory?
Think about it, friends. It's not just a possibility. It is a certainty." - Jean Shepherd - 1975