Nineteenth Century Saloons
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Brier's Cafe on West Markham in Little Rock (shown here in the 1960s) was built as a saloon in the 1880s by Angelo Marre. It featured an enormous bar the length of the room, adorned by bacchanalian papier-mâché figures gilded in bronze, and guarded by two alabaster lions. Photo courtesy of the Arkansas History Commission. |
Elaborately furnished saloons boasting quality materials and a fine stock of liquors were meant to appeal to both upper and working class patrons during the Gilded Age of the late 19th century. On the current site of the Little Rock Convention Center, brothers Angelo and John Marre operated the Senate Saloon and Billiard Parlor, one of the first of the twenty-four Little Rock bars to have electric lights.
The brothers secured a craftsman from their native Italy to add decorations to the long walnut bar. Plaster figures of Rip Van Winkle perched atop the bar, which was guarded on either end by alabaster lions. Ceiling frescoes depicted bacchanalian romps. An archway and all the windows were fitted with Venetian glass.
The Marres understood the advantage of their high-tone address. They ordered a shipment of the same marble found in the elegant lobby of the Capital Hotel across the street. One newspaper report concluded that the Senate was the finest bar and gaming establishment south of St. Louis.
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