Title	Ken's Bar
Title-Alternative	Restaurants and Bars 9
Identifier	JPL10_647_107_a_A
Creator	Unknown
Contributor	Simpson, Leslie. Post Memorial Art Reference Library; Rocket Advertising Co., Carthage, Mo.
Publisher	Joplin Public Library
Description	Ken's Bar at 2409 W. 7th and Dutch's Top Hat Cocktail Lounge at 1818 W. 7th illustrate how Joplin's nightlife changed after World War II. With Route 66 running through town, taverns and night clubs moved out of the downtown district to the outskirts in order to attract travelers as well as local imbibers. Just about everyone had an automobile, and a trip to the cocktail lounge or night club represented a chance to escape and to socialize. Post-war drinking establishments made every effort to convey a more sophisticated image. The atmosphere at the new clubs was a far cry from the dark and dingy corner tavern. The new well-lit establishments boasted decorative color schemes, gleaming chrome fixtures, and hardwood dance floors. They preferred classier appellations like "cocktail lounge " or "night club " rather than saloon or tavern. Joe Mertz opened his cocktail lounge on Route 66 in west Joplin around 1950. The aptly-named Carnival Room, decorated with brightly-colored circus motifs, included something of a carousel ride for grown-ups. Although one might wonder about the wisdom of having a revolving bar in an establishment where the customers get tipsy anyway, Dutch's widely advertised its claim to fame as the only completely revolving bar in the state. Sources:Joplin City Directories, 1939-1964.
Subject	Ken's Bar (Joplin, Mo.); Bars (Drinking establishments)--Missouri--Joplin;
Language	English
Date-Creation	circa 1950
Date-Current	8/5/2004
Type	Postcards
Collection Name	Joplin Historical Postcards
Source	From the collection of Galen Augustus
Coverage	Missouri -- Jasper County -- Joplin; Missouri -- Newton County -- Joplin;
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Contributing Institution	Joplin Public Library (Joplin, Mo)
County	Jasper County (Mo.) Newton County (Mo.)
Copy Request	Contact Joplin Public Library at 417-624-5465, or email jpl@joplinpubliclibrary.org