Tales

Told by Rob Ramsden on January 29, 2007

I moved to San Francisco in October 1994 to study at SFSU downtown. At the time I didn't know a single person in the whole of the United States. After much looking around I found an apartment at 1499 California street, right over the road from the John Barleycorn. It didn't take long for me to pop into the Barleycorn, and with the warm hospitality that Larry and Dan gave out, it became a relaxing Friday night venue to relax, play chess with friends and get to know some of the more colorful folk of the neighborhood.

John Barleycorn's is one of my best memories of the year and a half that I studied in San Francisco, and whenever I'm back in town, I make sure that I swing by for a couple of Anchor Steam's and a catch up on the years. I also make sure that I tell everyone that is visiting San Francisco to make sure that they swing by too. It's like the little heart of the city.

I sure hope that when I'm next back, I'll be able to visit again, share a couple of laughs and have a cold one with the same guys that were there when I was last.

Told by Jack Monroe on January 27, 2007

the Barleycorn was always a good place to drift into, with it's music, good company, and warm fire. There was always a game of liars dice on the bar, and someone like Ed O'Leary to tell an interesting story or two, and generally some good neighborhod gossip. Back in those days the drinks were reasonably priced and you could stay put for an evening charmed by atmosphere and the beauty of Judy or Martha or Ellen or Cathy or Alma or that brunette with the guitar. Can't say I ever stopped by because of any of the guys, but that's the nature of the beast. Haven't been there in a while. Can't imagine what could replace it, though. Shame to see it go.

Told by Martha DePersia on January 23, 2007

From the moment I arrived in San Francisco, September 1978, the John Barleycorn instantly became my home away from home....my livingroom extension, my family. All the great people I met and had the pleasure of calling my friends where there and could always be counted on. We, as a collective/eclectic group enjoyed river rafting trips, picnics, brunches, dinners and the likes for many, many years. Everyone was always included and invited. I brought family members and visiting friends into the Barleycorn so they too could witness the true meaning of a "neighborhood" pub. It would be a crying shame to see this establishment close. How can that be? Places like the John Barleycorn are few and far between and hard to come by. Please don't shut down one of SF's very own. We all have our piognant memories of the Barleycorn but it's the human factor that must go on for another 40 years. I am also writing this on behalf of all that have gone on before us (that frequented the Barleycorn on a regular basis) to the great watering hole in the sky for they would not want the Barleycorn to close either. I implore you to reconsider and keep the John Barleycorn doors open!

Told by Kathy (Pitt) Kennedy on January 22, 2007

In the fall of 1975 I found myself in SF with my sister, her husband and infant son. We found an apartment on Larkin Street, across the hall from the McGahon sisters, just 2 doors up from the Barleycorn. We didn't know anyone, but Julie & Marcella took us down to the JB one night and for the next 7 years it was an extension of my living room, no matter where my apartment was. I can't imagine what my life in SF would have been without the Barleycorn. Not just the evenings that turned into late nights hanging out with the usual cast of characters (you know who you are!) but the softball games, picnics, rafting trips and friendships that happened because of the warmth and friendliness of the JB that make it such a special place. Over the years when I have travelled back to SF I always stop in and get the same friendly greeting from Larry or Dennis or whoever is behind the bar. Since my whole family eventually found their way to a late night at the JB, we're all sad to hear that it might be closing. It would be a loss to the neighborhood for sure - but all the good times had there, and friendships made there, will last beyond hearing "last call for alcohol" for the last time.

Told by Maggie Ayres on January 15, 2007

In 1974 I met Gail Duggan on a stalled cable car. After chatting for awhile she said ?I know this bar...? and the rest is history! Came to the Barleycorn and met Schultz, John Valentine, Julie, Marcie, Ann Morning, Sheila Rollins, Tom Brown, Bill Walsh and so many others over the next 10 years. The music was excellent ? I still can?t hear Heart of Saturday Night without remembering Kenny Skelton. And talk about the service! In 1995, on my return after 9 years in Australia, Larry said, ?Welcome back! Lime & lager?? SAVE THE JOHN BARLEYCORN!