Sullivan's Tavern on Lincoln Highway in Dekalb, Illinois-- Part 2: Drinks and Art

Like I said yesterday, I sure wish we hadn't waited so long to go to this place.

Earl Sullivan, Jr., served in World War II in the Navy, and after he returned in 1948, he joined his gather working at Sully's (as it is also called). In 1952, they moved to their current location at 722 E. Lincoln Highway. They will be celebrating 60 years at this location in 2012, a long time for a bar or restaurant.

Not only do they serve food and drinks, but they also have a package store in the back. They can also take the show on the road with their "Port-A-Party" trailer parked out in the parking lot.

We talked with the 4th generation of Sullivans working behind the bar. We would have liked to try some of their food, but were too full from all the tailgating at the Northern game.


SOME REAL ART

I had been planning on asking about a charcoal sketch hanging behind the bar of a soldier cleaning his rifle that seemed to be a bit out of place in a drinking establishment. It appeared to be of a World War I soldier. I noticed something about it on the menu.

It was a drawing of Earl Sullivan, Sr., made by his tent mate over in Europe during World War I. That made a real piece of art, but what was even more interesting was that that drawing was made by an Iowa boy. And that boy went on to make a more famous painting he named "American Gothic." That tent mate would be one Grant Wood.

Having a Bit of History with My Drinks. --RoadDog