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Laura in Northport
12/22/2002
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I know I was in there before this, but the first vivid memory of going to the Bluebird was with my "new" boyfriend, probably Nov 1994. I was pretty nervous as it was, but then his high school sweetheart was our waitress. My radar dectors must've been on, because I just knew it was her before he even introduced us. Do you remember that, Shari?
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wendy from the desert
12/22/2002
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Recalling for Tad as I have been only going there for 35 years. His earliest memories are of shuffleboard,Jim at the soda bar and of course Eloise's beauty parlor all under the same roof Also doing the hokey pokey in the back bar. That must have been a sight. Anyway Keith thanks for all you do for so many of us and Merry Merry.
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Stacy in the CA desert
12/22/2002
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I don't remember the exact year, but I know it was in the mid 70's as a child with my parents. My favorite part of going were the awesome rolls you got with dinner. I am looking forward to introducing my son to these rolls this summer.
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Chris
12/22/2002
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Sy was there the first time I ever came to the Bird. He, and many other people, is the reason why I now live here. Hospitality is not shared everywhere and welcomed I felt I would be!
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Jane Evans
12/22/2002
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I remember black & white soundless movies shown on a sheet draped next to the 'ice cream parlor' on the east side, and Eloise cutting my hair on the west side, and fish net, floats and starfish inside on the south side with an upright piano (where the dining room is now) and holding my father's hand to peek into the "bar". Must have been about 50 yrs ago or more. To everyone -- a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us retired folks who love to live in Leland!
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The Mar
12/22/2002
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My parents probably remember my first trip to the Bird better than I. I have faint memories of the game room where the pool table is now. And, Sy? Well, I learned some bartendin' from Sy and Dave Noble, and I have to admit, Sy was my best tipper (it helps when you drink $5/shot porto...see Sy, I remember...!).
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Jane Evans
12/22/2002
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....oops, must be 60 yrs ago -- guess I'm older than I like to think I am.
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SANDRA STRAPLESS MOOSE
12/22/2002
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Tell me if I'm wrong (brain atrophication is now a continual companion) but I swear in the early 60s I played pool in the now "seating area" just west of the bar. Either that or I swilled too many brewskis when there. Quelle Horreur!!!!
Now a question to all of you. Who was the youngest patron there? Could Rachel Fisher be the wee-est one?
Editor's Note: In the early 60's the bar was on an inside south wall and the barroom was to the north and had at times a bowling machine and later a pool table. Rachel Fisher in her timeline might have been the "wee-est" as well as most everyone else in there's.
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Jimmy from Speedway
12/22/2002
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Yes there is a memory challenge. I do remember entering the bar when Martin was bartender, but, strangely, I don't remember leaving.
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Jean - Hutchinson Island, Fl.
12/22/2002
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Sandy Tietje and the Bluebird
are synonymous. What a greeting she always gave everyone that entered!! I have asked before and never got a reply -- is she still hostessing? That was a beautiful picture of "The Bird"
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy & Healthy New Year one and all!!!
Editor's Note: Question #3: Does anyone remember when Sandy wasn't the hostess?
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Pete in Miss
12/22/2002
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My only trip to The Blue Bird was as a kid of about 5 or 6. My grandmother wanted to take my little sister and I to a nice restaurant for a nice lunch. But, she also wanted us to learn how to eat chicken off the bone with a knife and fork. That lasted about 5 mins before she gave in and the waiter brought extra napkins. :)
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Wayne Kahrs
12/22/2002
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I went to the location (named Bluebird back then?) in the early to mid-50's. It was a Soda Fountain then, and Sandy was probably in diapers.
Great place to hang out then and meet girls.... sort of like Happy Days.
Editor's Note: The "Bluebird" was the bar and next door was the "Soda Bar" which had a soda fountain.
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Anne in Palm City, FL
12/22/2002
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When was the first time you went to the “Bluebird”? Question #2: Does anyone remember when Sy wasn’t a bartender there? Question #3: Does anyone remember when Sandy wasn't the hostess?
Had to be July 1962 for me. So many changes we've seen in those 40 yrs -- some yrs we found a new addition or remodel job every single summer, or it seemed that way.
Sy is certainly a fixture and a great friend.
Ditto Sandy, and yes, Jean, (southern neighbor) she is definitely still at her post!
I can remember playing that old upright piano while my guys were playing pool. Another vivid memory is walking back to the cottage in December because the party, courtesy of Bonnie, repaired to Mrs Telgard's and went on into the wee hours. Gorgeous frigid night with a full moon over the lake.
Our boat takes mixed gas and the Bird, or Charlie's Mobil/Leonard/Total had a pump right there at the dock. I still don't get it why we have to mix the oil in now.
Long live our beloved Bluebird! "Cheers" couldn't begin to compete.
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David in Brooklyn
12/22/2002
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I remember ice cream cones from the Bluebird soda fountain and watching the sunset in the park (now the parking lot for the marina) in the early 60's... Surely I'm not that old!
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mds
12/22/2002
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I'm sure I don't remember my first visit because I know my parents took me to Leland shortly after I was born, but I do remember the soda bar, and when the area in the bar where the booths are were an outdoor walkway. Sy has always been a bartender as far as I can remember. The question I have is do you remember the first time you left the Blue Bird for an after hours Waterboy cruise? Do you remember this last time?
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Nikki in Cincy
12/22/2002
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I remember going there with my grandparents years ago. We would drive up from Honor just to have dinner. I miss it up there so much! I haven't been able to visit for the past few years. Will someone please eat a Superman icecream cone for me! No matter where I have found it, it just doesn't taste the same if it doesn't come from the ice cream shop across the street!
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Janie
12/22/2002
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Sandy is the best hostess in the world - always so kind and gentle even in high season. I can just taste the prime rib now....
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laststrawstudio
12/22/2002
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I first visited the Bluebird in l969, Sy and Skip bartended and I drilled with questions about the area, bought property in 1986 andnretired here 2 yrs. ago. Sandy is one of the many prize employees. cheers to our local pub and to all who work there.
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here in wi
12/22/2002
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The Bluebird is one of my favorite places to eat in Leland. Thanks for showin' it!!!!
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C. Telgard
12/22/2002
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First visit: In utero, winter or early Spring 1951. I spent the summer of that year with my Mom, waiting on table, washing dishes, cleaning, etc. and waiting to be born. Thoughtfully, I think, I waited until the busy summer season was over to make an appearance. Thanks Queenie.
I remember the time before Sy very well, as I hired him in at the 'Bird. I think he was working at Sugar Loaf at the time. Careful scientific analysis indicated that a gap-toothed, smart-ass, expert mixologist with some magic tricks was required for the bar to reach it's utmost potential, so after an exhaustive search (but no swimsuit competition) we selected Mr. Symons. And the rest is history.....
Might I suggest to the exalted lensman that an occasional "vintage" photo would be of interest? Might get you off the hook during some of the grim winter days....(???)
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C. Telgard
12/22/2002
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Julie (last straw) Actually that handsome young Telgard behind the bar in those days was me or my father..I started slinging drinks in '71, working with Ken Tietje, the wonderful Jeanetta Gibson and Joan Hausrath. Sy started a few years later AFTER the remodeling when the Soda bar went away. In '69 brother Skip was a high school freshman, I think. You probably meant '79?? Glad you're here, by the way...
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Amy Evans Rullo
12/22/2002
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The Bluebird goes hand in hand with all my Leland memeories..the soda bar thru the drinking bar. Leland would not be the same w/out it or w/out Sy! His drinks and service..always top-notch and I'll never forget his patience with my dear Mother when she tried to order The Grand Marnier Cheesecake without the Grand Marnier.(still a family classic story). The Bird really is a part of Leand "home" to me. Thanks Telgards!! Happy Holidays!
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Lowell Cate, Cedar, Mi
12/22/2002
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I remember when "Jim's Soda Fountain" first opened, around
1945 believe!! Jim Graduated from Leland High School one year before I did!
My Graduating Class has had several Class Reunions at the "Bird", Class of 1947!! Long time ago!! The Bird has change in size and shape a lot over the years, as have I!!!
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judy in cinci
12/22/2002
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My first time in the Bluebird was the summer of 1964 when my father moved us to Leland.
I am praying that you have sunshine by the 27th so I can see the beauty all around when we arrive!
Merry Christmas to all!
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N717 Vermont
12/22/2002
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I remember going to Jim's Soda Bar in the late 50's and early 60's after watching the boys play baseball or after our girls' softball games. There was always a crowd of teenagers there. Since I was the same age as Patty, Sandy's sister, I remember when she was in school and not hostess. Did she start first as a waitress? Of course, the highlight of every meal was the cinnamon rolls made by Sandy's mom.
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Penny Channer
12/22/2002
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First time that I recall going to the Bird was when I was 10, but believe I was there as an infant, which would mean close to 60 years ago. The Blue Bird had deer heads on the wall, a wooden dance floor and a nickelodeon. I used to sit on the kitchen counter in the mornings sometimes and watch Leona make cinnimon rolls. It was all a lot smaller then and it did seem to me that everyone knew everyone. Lots of changes since then!!
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Judy
12/22/2002
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One of my first jobs was working in the Soda Bar in the early '50's. Then I worked there again shortly after being married in 1955. I talked Leone into giving my hubby, Cliff, a plate lunch as part of my pay. Before that, in the late '40's, I also loved the free shows on the east wall on summer evenings.
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Penny Channer
12/22/2002
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Thanks Jane, I had forgotten about the piano!!
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S. Telgard
12/22/2002
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So many great stories, so many fond memories, we are humbled by the ways the Bluebird has affected so many people, in so many ways. It is our way of life, and to hear stories about Martin, and Leone, the founders of this gathering place, and how it affected your lives, brings home the truly important things in life. Thank you for your comments, Skip Telgard
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Bearcat In Cincy
12/22/2002
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I think my first time in the Blue Bird was 1969, but I was always most impressed with the framed Detroit Free Press hanging on the wall, announcing the trade of the Indian's Rocky Colavito for the Tiger's Harvey Kuenn
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Raoul Sneaky Legbone
12/22/2002
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Ugh, me think that Sy guy work Bluebird right after initiation into tribe. Many many moons ago. Like maybe the year of chipmunck - in non native American terms, about 1975. Him push GOOD firewater!!!
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Ken Channer
12/22/2002
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Funny, my memories are much like my sister Penny above. A much much smaller Bird with a wooden dance floor and table all around it. You could play a song for a nickel and my Dad tried to get me to dance with a girl I had never meet. He tried to tell me because it was Leland you could do that. I also remember getting chunks of smoked chub at the salid bar and cinnamon rolls that I still smell to this day. Not that they are not good now, but they must have been much better then or was it because I was just a kid and it was the 50s
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The prodigal son
12/22/2002
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Before returning to Leland four years ago for the first time in eleven, one of the most vivid recollection I had was of sitting on a barstool at 6 or 7 and peering excitedly up over the edge at the man who was to furnish me with my cheeseburger, french fries and chocolate milk. Stocky and larger than life with a mischievous grin, a twinkle in his eye, and a sharp remark for any who cared to challenge and many who didn't. Enjoying my last dreadnought and a beer before departing a week or so ago, the same bartender gave me a mischievous smile and a wink, and sent me off with a delightfully sharp farewell. Sy is truly a symbol of what Leland is, was and ever shall be - friendly, comforting, and a damn good time.
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Barbara in Texas
12/22/2002
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I still remember the peppermint ice cream at the soda bar- it was so wonderful! My grandmother, Lucy Gould, loved the chocolate sodas. After the soda bar closed, she loaded all of us grandchildren in her old Rambler for the trip to Suttons Bay for chocolate sodas. Great memories!! Merry Christmas Keith and also to everyone!!
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Phyllis
12/22/2002
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We first went to the Bird in 1956, and it was wonderful. Fish nets draped on the walls and ceiling, the old upright player piano on the west wall, the screen door that opened onto the river side, and the paper placemats that challenged one to fill in the capitols of the states on a map of the USA. Happy, happy memories.
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Kathy,Louisville
12/22/2002
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Sandy was our waitress, 14 years old she was. My dad, Bob Williams loved Sandy...loved teasing her, would talk to her forever! My son grew up playing baseball with her son Chris and we would watch Stephanie swing in the hamock behind their house on our way through the river to "The Bird". Whitefish, porkchops, cinnamin rolls, peas and peanuts...the Telgards and Sandy...what a delicious day dream for a cold December day!
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Larry
12/22/2002
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Bill, aka Sy:
Sy graduated from H.S. in 1961 from A.H.H.S in Saginaw, Bill and I where in the same home room and shared the same locker. Guess how old Sy is -- Sy spend 3yr in the Army and then attend NMU for a while. I would guess that Sy started at the Blue Bird in 1970. Bill and I go back a long way -- Check with Bill/Sy and ask him to tell the story about attending class in Pinconning High with Jim H and Larry R -- Just plan on ponying up to the bar for a while.
Now I have not heard from Bill in a while -- How is he?? The last time I saw Bill was at our 40th class reunion. Tell Bill to e-mail me and I will send him the same gift that was send to him a year ago. Would like to hear from Sy
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Clean
12/23/2002
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Donaldson's, Ted's Amaco, the snack bar, all fond memories of the pre harbor days of my 60's youth black chery ice cream and pinball,even when Sy worked the pit down at the loaf before his Bluebird days started
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Amy DeLille (Sparks)
12/23/2002
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My first time in the Blue Bird was in the kitchen in the spring of 1971. I was hired to join the staff of dishwashers and bus girls. I continued to work at the "Bird" for the next nine summers, working my way through college as a waitress. This was a great place to work and the people were the best. I have great memories.
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STAN THE PAPERMAN
12/23/2002
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Jim's Soda bar was my first memory. 1966. Better yet it was the first time anyone ever gave me credit (at age 15). End of summer they called in my note for a ten weeks of hamburgers. True story, some waitress by the name of Judy Weckwert collected my 80 dollars that was 'hardly' earned at Van's Garage. (1.00/hour)
Met some great people there.......Judy, Bo, Scooper, JT, Jamie, Linn, Margaret, Chris T., Skip, Rosie, Malcolm, Mary, Chris, Kathy, Boomer, Tom, Harlan, Enid, Francie, David, Kit, Charles, Lana, Peggy W, Chrissy, Sheldon, Vicki, Georgia, Bish, Bob S, Arden, Danny and who could forget Eddie Jullian. Of course,I have forgotten someone very important but Merry Christmas to everyone of you and let's remember our friend(s) this New Year's that are still here in spirit. Afterall, heaven just might be Leland, Michigan.
See you on the 27th.
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Gayle
12/23/2002
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Thanks mom.. Now I know what year you were married. Hmmm.. only a couple more years and it will be a really huge anniversary. I better start the party planning now. I must also admit. .I enjoyed my 11 plus years at the Bluebird serving in the line of duty !!
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David Cordes
12/23/2002
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Family reunions - we used to gather there for dinner the night before the actual reunion. I always remembered enjoying the view out on the river. I was last there the night of my great Uncle Oswald's wake - I got the chance to spend time with some of his grandchildren and some of our other cousins reminiscing about him and my own Grandfather. Good times, good family! Merry Christmas to all my Cordes kin, near and far.
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Craig
12/23/2002
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This seems like a perfect time to relate my favorite Bluebird story. A couple of years ago we were up for a quiet early December weekend. As we were heading into Leland for dinner on Saturday night, we realized our two year old daughter was coming down with the sniffles and we didn't have any cold medicine. When we arrived at the Bluebird, we asked the hostess (Sandy, I learned today) if she knew of any place that was open. Shortly thereafter, she came to our table and said that she had called and the gas station/carryout in Lake Leelanau was open until 10, but she was getting off work soon and would be happy to drive over there for us. We thankfully declined, assuring her we would make it to Lake Leelanau by 10. A little while later, a waitress (not ours) approached our table, said she heard we had a sick daughter, and offered to drive to Lake Leelanau for us. Again, we thankfully declined. As it turned out, we were late getting over to Lake Leelanau and were very happy the store was still open at 10:05. When my wife got to the counter with the medicine, the girl said, "Oh good, you're the lady from the Bluebird. They called and I stayed open until you got here." The people truly are as beautiful as the land in Leelanau. Merry Christmas to everyone at the Bluebird and to all of you.
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Chicago Dan
12/23/2002
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After reading through the nostalgic commentary, I am convinced that there is something magical about Leland aside from its natural beauty. I have never before observed such affinity for a town/region before. From a Chicagoan's perspective, I will add that the bird feeders and the expansiveness of the window vistas add an irresistible charm that compliments your renowned whitefish dinner.
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lynn lou
12/23/2002
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My dad (now 80) tells the story of his first trip to the Bird. His family stayed at the Swiss Inn with cousins. One evening his two older brothers went to the Bluebird and took young Tommy and Billy (both about 12 yrs old) with them. They neglected to tell mom. She didn't know the whereabouts of the young ones and was franticly about to have the lake dragged. When she discovered that they were not in the water but at the local watering hole....she hit the ceiling. Dad recalls this as the only time he heard his mother raise her voice. This is the tale told everytime our family enjoys a Labatts at the Bluebird Bar.
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Caroline in the Village
12/23/2002
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My first visit to the Bluebird was in 1942-wartime! We did not have a phone so--in order to call my father in New Jersey to find out what time he was arriving--we walked to the Bird pulling my little sister Barbara in a wagon. But mother said we could not go inside because they served LIQUOR ! Plus there was a pinball machine. Wicked! Gambling? Mother went inside to use the phone and I stayed outside guarding the wagon. I still have a fleeting flinch when I am in the bar today-- that this was the place of my awareness of original SIN. I also remember the excitment in town, perhaps a few years later, when movies were shown outdoors, projected against a sagging sheet strung between two trees. I think this was on the east side of the Bird...???
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J.CLARK
12/23/2002
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I KNOW WHAT THAT PLACE IS,,,,MINIMUM JOHN'S WATERING HOLE!!!!!!!!!
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Jim Burnham
12/23/2002
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I remember playing video Pong for the first time there in the early 70's.
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davidb
12/23/2002
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I was blessed to join the "Bird" crowd in 1965. One evening a few years later "Queenie" sat next to me at the bar after a gruelling evening crowd. In frustation she told me that she's sell the place "for a nickel". Best investment I ever made. Those were the times when Jim, Ginnetta, and Julie worked the bar at night. In July 1974 I brought a rather large Air Force transport plane into TC as a static display for the Cherry Festival. That was the most fun trip I ever had. We toured the county in that huge airplane from an altitude of 100-200 feet, what a blast. We even woke "King" up when we flew over Leland @ 8:00am. During that trip we had the chance to give Nancy and Skipper a "cook's tour" of the airplane with all four engines running. They enjoyed their morning. Two weeks later I tore up a knee and wound up in a full-lenghth cast for 8 weeks. For the first time in history, BlueBird cinnamon buns were sent through the U.S. mail to an appreciatetive "wounded airman". Oh what fun I had with my "ancient family recipe" buns. The ladies were impressed. The real beauty of the place is the enormous number of "stories" that the inmates can sit and relate. That is the real testiment of a truly wonderful place. And the best part? The tradition lives. See you all at the Bird next time.
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Shari
12/24/2002
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When I started my "career" at the Bird, Jim was behind the line!!! I have never had better bosses than the Telgards!! I am glad your here this Winter Nancy! I always look forward to seeing you! Miss you much Jim(the sweetest Grump I've ever known) And you can always count on a big ol smile from Lynn and Skip!!!!!
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Lucie
12/24/2002
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Ok, remember the footprints all over the soda bar? Somebody stepped in paint and "walked" all over the walls and ceiling. I have a picture of my Uncle Bud{Claude}Johnson sitting on the wall on the Bird porch...1940? As to Sy, he started working there, maybe 1972, about the time Rob Raymond won the first Chub Festival!...:}....
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Joan, now in Massachusetts
12/26/2002
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Linda Sarvis Roth introduced me to the Telgards in summer of 1962 and I waitressed and tended bar at the 'Bird for the next nine summers. They were some of the best summers of my life! What a disappointment Cape Cod is after having experienced the Leelanau Pennisula! Thanks, Chris, for remembering how to spell my last name! Greetings to all.
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Barb from Carolina Beach,N.C.
12/31/2002
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I remember Sy when his name was Bill.
We both grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, but
(as I'm sure Bill would agree)the best part of our childhood were the summers at Pt. Lookout, AuGres, Michigan. His cottage was three doors away and the Symons' family was so fun. Can you imagine 7 more clones of Bill, including his parents and 5 siblings. Beach parties, Cap Walker, grave digger, song writer on Richard Speck, his talents were endless. No doubt our upbringing around the water played a big part in drawing us to the areas we both now live.
I love you Bill and am proud of you....Barb
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sailor
1/5/2003
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We first came to the Bird accidently in July, l951,sightseeing along the coast for the day from
Pentwater. Any time we were "close" (like Lake City? Charlevoix?) we came to the Bird so by l961
we decided it was easier to buy the property across the street. The Bird had fishnets,Fishtown
pictures, a screened porch on the s. end which
is now part of the dining room and I remember
wondering where everyone went when the crowded
bar suddenly emptied at midnight.Answer:to go smelt fishing (led by Jim).
I also couldn't understand Eloise's beauty
parlor being filled at 7:30 a.m. with ladies
who were anxious to get beautiful before playing golf. Back then, I thought vacations were for sleeping in!
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