Glendale Historical Society raises the bar

The Glendale Historical Society is toasting the Jewel City’s history of cuisines and libations with its launch of a yearlong series that will find the group spotlighting long-standing bars and restaurants across the city.

With “Raising the Bar,” the society plans to visit at least one bar or restaurant a month to bring together people interested in history and preservation in festive settings.

On Wednesday evening, more than 30 people convened at the Famous, a bar on Brand Boulevard named after the department store of the same name that was housed in the Huntley-Evans building decades ago.

Some drank Moscow mules that the bar’s general manager, Luke Leonard, serves in copper mugs.

“It’s mostly a social event designed to… bring people together who are interested in history and preservation…to let people know we’re around,” said Laura Crook, a member of the historical society.

Crook, who is also a docent at the Doctor’s House Museum, came up with the idea for the series with the society’s president, Greg Grammer.

“We’re not just a bunch of old fuddy-duddies,” Crook said with a chuckle. “We’re actually quite delightful.”

Grammer said the event on Wednesday brought out both new and familiar faces, and some chatted about their favorite buildings in Glendale.

“It was a big success,” he said.

The group will post upcoming locations on its Facebook page.

In September, the series will travel to Neat Bar, and rest of the year remains “open for suggestions,” Crook said.