RON’S PUB

Not long ago I wrote an essay about morning coffee groups, those who meet in large and small towns all across America to discuss a variety of subjects among good friends. But also, there are similar pals that gather after work in various venues to wind down and relax in casual atmospheres in restaurants and watering holes in the late afternoons and early evenings. Such a place is a Westside Houston establishment simply called Ron’s Pub.

Now, this writer has been a resident of Houston since 1965 and I had traveled up and down Fountainview Avenue for countless times barely giving a casual glance to the small shopping strip which contains this small pub nestled in the midst of a large apartment complex, unaware of the activity which was taking place within its doors.

However, several years ago I renewed a friendship with an old geological acquaintance by the name of Brian O’Brien who invited me to slip in to Ron’s to share a libation with him and some of his friends. Brian and I had been both working geology in the Gulf of Mexico back in the late 60’s in the same building and we would often have lunch together and trade oil and gas exploration information. And since both of us lived on the far west side of Houston in those days, I would occasionally have to bum a ride to downtown with him since we worked in the same building.

Now Ron’s is actually composed of two separate rooms with dual bars that are served out of a common area separated by a wall but with access openings for the bartenders to work either side. The left side is actually called the White Horse Inn and is a larger room with tables and chairs, some video machines, a large screen TV and dartboards. Sketches of some of its long time customers hang on the wall just inside the doorway. It is closed during the day hours, but opens up for the afternoon and late crowds. The right side is actually labeled Ron’s Pub and is decorated in the tradition of a typical English establishment that is emblazoned with various plaques, flags, smaller mounted TV’s and portrays a more cozy comfortable atmosphere. A large photo of the deceased Ron Towne himself, the founder hangs in honor behind the bar. Of the ones I know, Molly, Nikki, Jacque and Al, the manager are the purveyors of the fine beverages served there and have always been most hospitable towards this person. . The friendly proprietor is Edie Simmons.

The real story behind Ron’s is in its people. Not unlike the TV series” Cheers”, a steady group of the faithful regularly stroll in and out at various time during the week and weekends perhaps  reminiscent of very early times where friendly residents of  Paris gathered in small the bistros in  Montmartre to be memorialized in paintings by the legendary Toulouse Lautrec. The pub is almost continuously occupied by local inhabitants, and it is probably rare for a casual tourist to drop in.

The late afternoon patrons here regularly play golf together, have group cookouts, travel on cruises, hunt, and make short weekend trips. Their personalities are as diverse as their professions, but they seem to remain as good and almost inseparable friends in all these endeavors. The pub has an annual “Astros Game Trip”, “Ron’s Pub Golf Tourney”, The weekly “Sunday Morning Golf Tour”, and “Ron’s Lushes Golf Tournament” that features an anchor crest with an “SH” or “W” to properly brand the Shankers and Wankers. Also the “Dart Bitch Tournament” where male members compete with female members dressed elaborately in some chosen theme. A “Cactus Open Mystery Dart Out Tourney” is featured monthly, sponsored by Perri and the Dude. The Houston Press has named the establishment the best dart house in Houston, but it has often been called the smokiest bar in the city. It must also be mentioned that the pub is a member if the British-American Business Council and is a host to many charity fundraisers, among which are cancer and spousal abuse programs. Ron’s features a website with photos and blogs of many of the above events.

Although I am recognized by many in the pub and warmly greeted, I do not actually count myself in as an insider, because I am truly not considered a true regular. The smoke filled atmosphere is somewhat a nuisance, and the air here has to be unhealthy so my attendance is erratic. But it’s always a pleasure to see familiar faces upon entering. Personally, I continue to get a never-ending amount of flak about working out because I truly often stop there before heading to the gym. As a footnote, I am not sure the afternoon group really believes this. And to add insult to injury, I shall always be known as the great white hunter that depleted the sparrow population of Maverick County while trying to match flash cards to the mourning dove population. However, I do have an unofficial sparrow-hunting license that many say is suspect.

First, there is Mike and Steph, who seem to be the chief organizers of any function or outing involving the group. This couple always seems to be in a good mood and very knowledgeable in just about everything happening everywhere. Nancy and Marlen are usually there to add great humor and stories to the assemblage. Their amiable personality would be welcome in any group. Then there is Pat from Wewoka, Oklahoma, a wonderful silver haired lady that seems to be deeply loved by just about everyone she comes into contact with. She is often hugged and kissed more than any other patron of the establishment, and has her own gold nameplate on the bar at the Beverly Pub, an authentic Irish establishment across town. Mel and Charlie, from Beaumont, are noted for their positive exuberance and always seem to have smiles on their faces and Charlie’s laughter often fills the room. Regulars Pat and John are a hard working couple that always show kindness to everyone and often come in later than the others but are firm members and often host to the core group. Jerry and Donna come in when Jerry is not working miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Jerry is a consummate Cajun from Louisiana with the accent to match and always has an opinion about LSU sports and often prepares delicacies for the bunch. Then there is big Steve who knelt down on his knees and proposed to Joanne at the Beverly Pub in front of the assemblage. Steve sees to it that The Marine Corps birthday is never missed without a proper “Semper Fi” celebration. The most faithful Kathy from New York, very affectionately known “Kat” shows up almost every day after work and probably knows everyone that has ever darkened the door. She always warmly welcomes newcomers, and the place would never be the same without her presence. Dave and friend Leslie are regulars and are older friends of mine because of past associations in the oil business. . Dave has helped me immeasurably in the past in my work as a geologist and also in providing me with some of the inside information in this essay. This hard working fellow can definitely handle the Ron’s Pub calories better than anyone I have ever known. Friends Burt and Ted are also business associates and we often break away to discuss details of our joint efforts in the exploration for oil and gas. Ronnie and Nedra drop in often, and Ronnie and I have been known to share a love of Burt’s Port wine on at least one occasion. Another good pal is Rance, a knowledgeable and generous guy who has admirably overcome some great adversity. Last but not least is Brian, who I have known all through most of my Houston career in the oil business. I could never say enough about his perception of geology or his kindness and generosity to his fellow man. I personally know that everyone he has ever met thinks him of in the same way.

There are those who I have enjoyed knowing there that are not as visible at Ron’s anymore, such as slender geophysicist DJ and Mike “Where ya Been?” and his lovely Diane. I know Tom and Linda and Jack who are normally at the bar, and there is "Kissing Hal" and Diane and several others who I often exchange pleasantries with, but I cannot be sure of many names that surely perpetuate the place as steady patrons. I have heard of the older legends that have special names like “Wee George”, “PR Dave”, “The Dude”, “Moose”, Tall Bud”, Big Country Dan”, “Big Sexy Paul”, “Large O’Brien” and the deceased “Liverpool Dave”. Knowing that there are faithful folks that I have not discussed, I must truly apologize for any omissions. One can be sure there would be much more to say about many of these, but since my knowledge is limited and in the interest of brevity, this essay must be kept shorter.

It is well known that we are all creatures of habit, but there is a mysterious draw to Ron’s that makes a person want to come back and back again. To my knowledge, there has never been a serious disturbance between patrons of the afternoon group. There is a completely different assortment of people in the later hours and I am sure the sequence repeats itself with another huge band of friends in this popular establishment, but from my experience, it is always a pleasure to see the warmth and camaraderie that exists there in the late afternoon or early evening hours.

I may not be truly labeled as regular at Ron’s, but I will always consider my visits there as memorable in that I have met a truly unique group of people that enjoy being together, and I remain sincere in saying that my own life has become richer for knowing all of these folks.

Jim Richards

July 2005