Ben F. Goe's Cowboy Bar and Moore's Cafe, approx. 1941. As indicated by the next photo, Moore's was later replaced by the Silver Spur. The Goe Family traces back in the west to the 1850's. Ben Goe, himself, received a patent to his homestead in 1913 and was appointed as the first postmaster of the village of Kelly. . To the right of the Cowboy Bar is Moore's Cafe, which at the time was regarded as "upscale." See next photo. Jackson, Cache looking South to Broadway, 1956. To the right of the Cowboy Bar is the Silver Spur. Some years ago the writer took his son into the Silver Spur for lunch. What the son wanted was not on the menu, but the waiter remembered that the item was available at the Cowboy Bar and went next door to get it. That was service above and beyond the call of duty. The Silver Spur is now gone and has been replaced by the Cadilac. The Cadilac has such items on its menu as Rack of Lamb finished with a raspberry demi glace and wonton wrappers stuffed with goat cheese and spinach. Times change. Jackson, Cache looking South to Broadway, approx. 1960. The Cowboy bar is famous for its elaborately carved bar built by Jack Kranenberg and Nels Elder. In its top are embedded approximately six-hundred silver dollars. Bar in Cowboy Bar, prior to 1973. The bar allegedly has at least one bullet hole in it, not, however, from any Old West shoot-out. Supposedly, a night watchman, Cyrus Ray Ferrin, was scared by either his own shadow or the shadow of his pet poodle. Ferrin, the brother-in-law of Goe, was originally a stockgrower, but fell on hard times during the Depression. Thus, he took employment at the Cowboy Bar as night watchman and occasionally at the gambling tables. Originally, the bar had ordinary bar stools. In 1973, the bar stools were replaced by saddles. The bar now features various trendy micro-brewery style bottled beer including Snake River and Moose Drool, although on the day the bottom photo was taken, they were out of Moose Drool and most of the customers appeared to be on their way to Sturgis. Additionally, one may dine on buffalo burgers. Jackson, Frontier Saloon, approx. 1939 The Cowboy Bar was not the only to violate the law. The Frontier Saloon was open during Prohibition. In 1931, there were but two federal prohibition agents in the state. Allegedly, when the federal agent covering the western part of the state, Louis Jones, would leave Rock Springs, the owners of the saloons there would call ahead to alert their counterparts in Jackson. Friendly ranchers along the route would keep Jackson informed as to Jones' progress. Thus, the booze could properly be stowed by the time Jones arrived in Jackson. On one occasion, however, the word did not reach Jackson until about the time Jones reached Hoback Canyon. Thus, the owner of the Frontier Saloon found it necessary to press passersby and his customers into service in a relay similar to a bucket brigade to get the offending product safely put away in time for Jones' arrival. After the danger had passed everyone was given a free drink on the house. Like many western towns, saloons were an early fixture in Jackson. One early saloon was Reuben Monroe "Rube" Tuttle's and Theophilus W. Lloyd's saloon. Scene in Tuttle and Lloyd's Saloon, undated. Left to Right: Wagon coal miner named Johnson, Josiah "Si" Ferrin; Charlie Harvey; Bartender Frank Peterson; Link Jameson; Unidentified; William L. "Billy" Stilson; unidentified. There is disagreement as to identification of persons in photo. They have also been identified as: S. L. Spicer; Bar Proprietor Reuben M. Tutttle; Willard Miner, Sr.; Bartender Theophilus Lloyd; Walt Spicer; Frank LaShaw; Jack Gray, and Alva Simpson. Jackson, Cache looking South to Broadway, 2003, photo by Geoff Dobson Music this page: A Bar With No Beer (Very Loosely inspired by a “Pub with No Beer by Dan Sheahan”) By Music and Lyrics courtesy of Horse Creek Cowboy 1. It`s lonesome on the trail with the cattle and all by the campfire at night, where the coyotes call. But there`s nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear, than standing at the rail of a bar with no beer. 2. The barkeep is anxious for booze trucks to come, Completely filled up with beer, whiskey and rum. The hookers have gone daffy, cook acts mighty queer, A dangerous job, keeping a bar with no beer. 3. A cowboy rides up with his dry, raspy throat, Rides to the cantina, pay check in his coat. Out from the Laramie Plains, so arid and sere, Rode the old cowpoke, seeking a bar with some beer. 4. It`s lonesome on the trail with the cattle and all by the campfire at night, where the coyotes call. But there`s nothing so lonesome, morbid or drear than standing at the rail of a bar with no beer. 5. The cowboy spoke, his brow all covered with grime, “A cervesa por favor, sans twist of lime.” The smile on his face turns so quickly to a sneer, when the barman says sadly, “The bar with no beer.” 6. In the cantina, a quiet hush filled the night, The old cowboy spoke, “Pard, did I hear you right?” And to the crowd he roared, “What is this I should hear? I rode from Rawlins to here, for a bar with no beer!” 7. It`s lonesome on the trail with the cattle and all by the campfire at night, where the coyotes call. But there`s nothing so fearsome, morbid or drear than standing at the tap of a bar with no beer. 8. The bartender, named Fred, responds with a retort, “Sorry, Sir. All we have is a two-day old port.” A shot from a Colt put Fred in his final bier. Something I’ve grown to dread, is a bar with no beer. 9. The sheriff declared, “Self defense. It is a crime To serve a cowboy sweet wine after past its prime.” Not a thing without fail a cowboy oughter fear After a day on the trail but a bar with no beer. 10. Old Tommy, the smithy, the first time in his life, has gone home cold sober to his lovin’ wife. When he got home, she cried: “Yer early darlin’ dear,” Tom broke down and replied, “’Cause, A bar with no beer.” 11. It`s lonesome on the trail with the cattle and all by the campfire at night, where the coyotes call. But there`s nothing so fatal, morbid or drear, than standing at the tap of a keg with no beer. Next Page: Jackson Continued.