Pictured from left, Ed Kretsch, Barbara Dunnigan (who along with husband Don are owners of the John Barleycorn), and Alycia Haus, assistant manager, stand in front of the building located at 216 Front St. in Owego, N.Y. Kretsch was one of three individuals who helped build a new sign for the establishment, the original had hung for forty years. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
A new sign has been hung outside the entrance to the John Barleycorn, located at 216 Front St. in Owego, N.Y. Although the sign looks the same as it did 40 years ago when it was first put up, it is actually brand new. The original sign had withstood weathering and natural aging, so special attention was recently given to replicate the sign to match the original design, as well as
A new sign has been hung outside the entrance to the John Barleycorn, located at 216 Front St. in Owego, N.Y. A local artist was able to replicate the details of the original design, which is significant since it is linked to well-known cartoonist, Johnny Hart.
keep its history intact.
“The new sign looks identical to the original sign,” shared Ed Kretsch.
Kretsch was one of three individuals who helped with the project and who has also shared his hand on several projects since the business was called The Stables in the 1970’s. Jon Boland had the honors of hanging the finished gem after a local artist was able to exactly match the details of the original design, which is significant since it is linked to well-known cartoonist Johnny Hart.
Hart, best known as creator of the comic strip, B.C., had roots in the southern tier. Hart passed away in 2007, yet his iconic characters live on, now drawn by his grandson with contributions from other family members. Also a friend of Don and Marguerite Adams, owners of the John Barleycorn from 1975 through 1995, Hart is said to have gifted the original sign to the couple when they first opened the establishment.
Going back a few steps in the story, Bob Tiddick, owner and artistic homemade pizza maker at Barleycorn Pizza, had a drop-down sign of his own made and ready to be hung below the John Barleycorn sign. It was then that current owners, Tom and Barbara Dunnigan, decided that a new sign was in order.
Barbara Dunnigan explained that if visitors look closely at the sign and are familiar with Johnny Hart’s work, they would recognize his clever style within the design of the letters. “It’s easy to tell that he had a hand in this,” Barbara said.
The Dunnigan’s celebrated ten years as owners of the John Barleycorn on Sept. 20. Built in 1861 and used by Defiance Hook and Ladder Fire Company #5, the fire company held dinners and entertainment in the upstairs of the property, which according to history, were very elaborate, and also invited village children at Christmastime to meet Santa Claus.
Defiance Hook and Ladder occupied the building until 1960 when it became Embers Restaurant. A gym and sauna took over in 1967, and in 1971 another eatery moved in called The Stables Restaurant. Kevin’s Place moved into the building for one year in 1974.
Don and Marguerite Adams named the business the John Barleycorn in 1975 when they purchased it, and in 1995 sold the business to three young Owego entrepreneurs. The most recent chapter of history features Tom and Barbara Dunnigan, who retained the popular John Barleycorn name and have since kept the well-established community-friendly tavern going since 2005.
John Barleycorn-Owego is one of many bars and restaurants who use the fictitious name, originally derived from the character of a British folk song but better recognized as the autobiography title of famous author, Jack London, and also used within a song title by the band, Traffic.
Barbara Dunnigan shared that people occasionally call in and question, “Can I speak with Mr. or Mrs. Barleycorn?” Perhaps the next twist will be that John Barleycorn himself stops by to inspect the new sign.
The John Barleycorn features live entertainment including Wednesdays with “Johnny and Lonnie,” and trivia on Thursday night as well as other special events. Barleycorn Pizza remains upstairs and turns out many varieties of thin-crust, hand-tossed New York style pizza, along with other take-out menu specialties.
For information, call (607) 687-6501 or find the John Barleycorn-Owego on Facebook. Barleycorn Pizza is also on Facebook and can be reached by calling (607) 327-0361.
