Old Reliable Theatre Tavern

The Old Reliable Theatre Tavern at two hundred thirteen East Third Street began its life as a gritty, working-class Polish bar. Its proprietor, Norman Hartman, was locally known as Speedy. He wore fedoras and carried himself with a flair that contrasted sharply with the rough-and-tumble nature of the surrounding neighborhood. For years, the establishment was a typical beer-and-a-shot haunt, complete with a dog named Cornflakes who spent his days napping on a floor covered in peanut shells and spilled drinks.