Comments on: Mixology Monday: Hard Drinks for Hard Times http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/ Dismantling the patriarchy...one drink at a time! Thu, 02 May 2013 21:12:57 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: Sue B http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/#comment-3766 Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:55:17 +0000 http://lupecboston.com/?p=681#comment-3766 My grandma was friends with Dirty Helen, owned a tavern and when stock was down she went to Dirty Helen who happily sold whiskey to grandma, who incidentally was an entertainer in a special roadhouse near Milwaukee (a whole other story)

]]> By: Keith McKinley http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/#comment-1600 Sun, 05 Dec 2010 17:22:11 +0000 http://lupecboston.com/?p=681#comment-1600 When I was a student at the University of Wisconsin in the early 50′s we used to make periodic trips to Milwaukee and on one these occasions we ended up at the Sunflower Inn. It was an experience that has stayed with me for over 50 years. Recently I discovered your father’s book and finally got a copy on loan from a library in California. I just finished it yesterday and it confirmed all of my recollections of that evening. Fortunately, I didn’t order a martini.

Helen related the story of stepping on the women in the toilet.

Are there any pictures of Helen. I would love to see one.

Can you imagine a movie of her life? Who would they ever find to play the role.

Keith McKinley

]]> By: catherine cappel http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/#comment-1467 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 23:47:06 +0000 http://lupecboston.com/?p=681#comment-1467 Robin -
Please read my reply to Jane about “Dirty Helen”. If you want to talk, email me.

- Cathy

]]> By: catherine cappel http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/#comment-1466 Fri, 15 Oct 2010 23:44:59 +0000 http://lupecboston.com/?p=681#comment-1466 Hi -
My brother Tom has been in contact with you. I just wanted to say “hi”, and let you know that I’m meeting with my aunt JoAnn (Helen’s grand daughter) this weekend to go through the photos, notes and other personal things that she has about Helen. When my grandfather (Phil, her son) died, JoAnn took most of Helen’s things and they are stored in her attic. One thing I remember that might help you is an autograph book that we found that was quite full of notes and stories.

I’ll be in touch again soon.

- Cathy

]]> By: Mike V http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/#comment-1404 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 17:29:24 +0000 http://lupecboston.com/?p=681#comment-1404 I am a collector of Illegal gambling chips from old clubs,taverns,etc. I was wondering if she had gambling at the Sunflower Inn and if anyone found any chips from here. I live in Wisconsin. Also my Father-In-Laws dad used to keep the books for Dirty Helen if that is anything anyone wants to know.

]]> By: Jane http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/#comment-981 Tue, 05 Jan 2010 04:29:45 +0000 http://lupecboston.com/?p=681#comment-981 Greetings Robin!

I’d love to hear more about your project. Feel free to try my new email address: jane@dirtyhelen.net

And, to LUPEC et al,

“Stir the eggnog, lift the toddy, Happy New Year, everybody.”
-Phyllis McGinley

Cheers and Happy New Year 2010.

–J.

]]> By: Robin Kinney http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/#comment-936 Sat, 02 Jan 2010 00:08:04 +0000 http://lupecboston.com/?p=681#comment-936 Jane
I live in Milwaukee and have been following the tale of Dirty Helen for many years. It took a while to find an affordable copy of your father’s book, and I’ve read it repeatedly. I’m working on a project about Helen and would love to speak with you.
Robin Kinney

]]> By: Jane http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/#comment-639 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:12:57 +0000 http://lupecboston.com/?p=681#comment-639 Greetings!

I just found your blog post. It’s hysterical…and true about Dirty Helen too.

FWIW, my dad wrote the only authorized story of Dirty Helen’s life in 1966. He was one of the unsuspecting USN boys who dared order a martini at the Sunflower Inn. Dear Lord, what ensued was indeed a spectacle and they remained friends for the rest of her life. I met her many times as a child and even have a few stories myself.

I am following up on her zany story where my father left off and have found many unpublished adventures (written in her own hand!) including more tales of rum-running for Al Capone.

If any dear readers know more of Helen or the Sunflower Inn please do contact me. I would love to hear from you as I explore ways to re-ignite interest in the tale of this survivor’s life.

Cheers!

]]> By: jacqueline http://lupecboston.com/2009/02/16/mixology-monday-hard-drinks-for-hard-times/#comment-332 Sun, 22 Feb 2009 05:42:43 +0000 http://lupecboston.com/?p=681#comment-332 Here’s to Salty Broads!

Your suggestions are excellent. It’s just like I tell people about the value of a good butcher. They can direct you to inexpensive but delicious cuts and tell you how to cook them. (e.g. pot roast from a very inexpensive chuck roast.)

Good bartenders and wine purveyors can do the same.

Good article!

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