The Saloon

The saloon was a gathering place for white men and one of the centers for village social life. Here the men gathered to talk of crops, prices, weather, and politics. The saloon was one of the first businesses established in a town, and most towns had two or more.

Beer was the preferred beverage of the patrons, but the saloon keeper had a few bottles of wine, brandy, and cognac, and a varied selection of whisky. Some food, such as sandwiches or pickled eggs, was served in the saloon.