Bar stirs up some southern discomfort

redandblack ^ | September 04, 2003 | MATTHEW HUNT

[stainlessbanner]

 

Students are at odds over the arrival of downtown Athens' newest resident: General Beauregard.

But it's not just that the bar, located at 164 E. Clayton St., is named after the Civil War general, it's the Old South interior design that's causing rebellion.

Three flags hang over the bar, reflected in giant mirrors along the opposite wall: The Confederate First National Flag ("the stars and bars"), the Virginia Cavalry Jack ("the rebel flag") and the Bonnie Blue Flag, designed by Gen. Stonewall Jackson to represent the unified states.

It's a risky theme in a University community where minority enrollment is a constant challenge and in a state that recently dealt with Gov. Sonny Perdue's efforts to change the state flag.

Still, Daniel Simmons, owner of General Beauregard's, said, "It felt right."

"Athens is such a great Southern town," he said. "We're just trying to bring it back to life."

Gardner Dominick, co-owner of the bar, said they didn't give the bar's theme much thought and were just trying to provide an atmosphere Athens hadn't seen before.

And they succeeded.

The bar is half antebellum home and half Southern ballroom. It features rocking chairs, framed Cotton Planters Loan Association currency, a glittering chandelier and a painted statue of Jack Daniels that looks similar to General Beauregard himself.

The bar prefers Hank Williams Jr. to 50 Cent, and even has a signature drink: Dixieland Tea, which is Kentucky bourbon and sweet tea in a mason jar.

"I'm definitely surprised by (the theme)," said Melvin Hines, a black sophomore from Albany. "I thought that after all this time things would have changed. People don't see it actually offends other people."

Hines also said a bar like General Beauregard's does more to separate the University, and in the long run, the state as a whole.

However, separation isn't on the owner's agenda.

"We've heard nothing but positive feedback," Simmons said. "We're not trying to be racist."

Dominick added that it's not about racism, it's about giving Athens something new.

"(The bar) is really laid back and awesome," said Becca Taubel, a white sophomore from Gainesville. "The music is different, too ... you don't have to wear earplugs when you walk in the door."

And Taubel said she didn't even notice the flags.

"I believe in Georgia, especially, there's not too much that separates races other than the rebel flag ... and knowing it's here really just deepens the wound," Hines said.

[Texas_Dawg]

Sounds like the perfect place to go after work this Friday. I'm on campus and only 2 blocks away.

Go Dawgs.

[Constitution Day]

I can see how it would sneak up on you!

Surprsingly, I didn't have a hangover the morning after your party. I couldn't believe it!

[LTCJ]

51-7.

Ah, a Dawg fan. As your communications skills seem to be limited, permit me to be of assistance:

LOL. Actually, I attended UGA myself for one summer while I was in high school. My son-in-law just graduated from there. Add to that a sister-in-law, a sister, and her husband, so I can play both sides of the street. Actually, I've been very impressed at the quality of UGA of late, but don't quote me on that.

I spent a very enjoyable week in Athens for the 4th of July for my daughter's wedding. I wish I'd known about the place - I would have dropped in.

[Phantom Lord]

I was pretty surprised myself at how good I felt in the morning.

All I know is when the Jagermeister comes out after midnight its gonna get ugly.

[bullseye1911]

Have you ever tried Sleepy Hollow?

No, is it a small batch? Who bottles it?

[Texas_Dawg]

:-)

[Moose4]

Heh. Mr. Hines, to use a phrase we here in the South have been hearing for 138 years now...GET OVER IT!

}:-)4

[ladtx]

You and me both, brother! Have you ever tried Sleepy Hollow?

P.S...M1911A1 is the only way to go.

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

Used to drink Wild Turkey until I discovered the French own it, I've since switched to Maker's Mark.

Keep the newer M1991A1 next to my bed myself.

SCOUTS OUT!

[wku man]

It's a very small batch. I'm not sure who bottles it, but an old college buddy of mine in Bowling Green gets it quite often. I'll check with him then FReepmail the info to you. This stuff is so good, if you drink a shot in fewer than five sips, you're not savoring it enough.

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[wku man]

I LOVE your tagline! My first assignment was with B Trp, 1-2 ACR back in 1985-6. "Always Ready, Always First" was our motto.

If you like Maker's (also called Kentucky Champagne), you'll love Booker's, Blanton's, or the aforementioned Sleepy Hollow. No, I'm not a salesman, but I bartended my way through college in Kentucky, so I got to sample a lot of what the state has to offer. Beam, Turkey, Heaven Hill, etc...ugh! Mix that crap with iced tea just to kill the taste of the so-called bourbon.

Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!

[expatguy]

Simple question...

Are we as Americans expected to completely erase our past and heritage simply because someone might be offended?

Where is the logic in this? It will never end. Someone will always be offended by something.

What did the world have to say when the Taliban in Afghanistan was blowing up the Buddhist statues?

What would we have to say if Egypt tommorow decided to destroy the pyramids and all of their rich history and heritage because it is offensive to Islam?

[Vigilantcitizen]

"All I know is when the Jagermeister comes out after midnight its gonna get ugly."

You got that right. In more ways than one.

[ladtx]

My next to last assignment was B Troop 11/11th ACR 1982-85 in the Fulda Gap. It was a demanding but rewarding assignment. The Cav has a way of pushing you to your limits.

SCOUTS OUT!

[STONEWALLS]

Noachian wrote: "I see nothing wrong with an owner of a private bar outfitting it the way he wants. If some people are overly sensitive about the decor they have the freedom to patronize another establishment."

Amen brother!....blacks got no room to talk about this kind of thing.....when my daughter was at Chapel Hill, blacks had to have their own Student Union, supported at University expense of course.....had their own Black Law Student association too, funded by the school naturally....had their own prom dance too, funded by the school......at least these guys in Athens are expressing cultural pride on their OWN nickel.....I wish 'em well.

[bullseye1911]

This stuff is so good, if you drink a shot in fewer than five sips, you're not savoring it enough.

That's the way I feel about Bookers'. If you spill a little on your forehead, your tongue would beat your face to death trying to get at it!!!Regards.......

[PAR35]

An unforgivable mortal sin is defined as adulterating sweet tea like this .

You ain't from around these parts, is you?