I've never been inside the place, but looking at the outside, I'd expect this place to take thousands to bring it up to code to be a functioning business. Does anything think otherwise?
It really is in a bad way but what a treat to own it! I would jump in Scott. As far as I am concerned we could sell of the liquor license if there are no problems and net some $$.
That'll keep you out of trouble.
I always wanted to see the building brought to character by leveling the two "stay over" shacks to each side. Garbage in more ways than one. I would subdivide if possible and dump the acreage except to the immediate lot for the Lounge. But then, maybe keep the ground and let Scott build a fine deer stand off the back and get the best of both worlds.
There is a great taste of history tied to it and how 'bout owning that and restoring it. Great place along the highway for a look.
If I had my way I would get the small intimate dining area together for meals by reservation, and a "dry" setting so it was family friendly. Maybe bring your own wine or beer for dinner only setting. (I imagine that would keep Scott happy) No hard booze in the place, and take your beverage home and low lifes looking to come in to it to drag it back down.
With my idears I would probably go broke counting on the dining aspect. I would shoot more for a supper and dinner joint with lots of area history decking the walls.
Any that have been in there would admit to admiring the wonderous fireplace and to see it in fire again would be awesome. Oh,, to any that have been there and actually noticed, the bar itself, you know, the bar where you pull up your stool... it was a thing of wonder and a focal point. Probably alot of people never paid it any mind. Very nice quality.
Whetever happens, I will always remember as a young boy being taken out once a month or so for a "special dinner with mom and dad" It was a special time to feel like a grown up eating in a fancy place, and I remember Delores "I think that may have been her name" the stuffed ape sitting on a chair. I have always had a fondess for one of the landmarks of my home land of Elm, a place most people say "where is that" when you mention it and give it a glance and a nod every single time I pass it.
Sometimes my kids' friends ask about the place due to stories and I just have to smile.
I think about a place where you can almost feel the walls breathe, feel a heartbeat in that fireplace, and when you cross the lovely granite before the door that welcomes you, you feel as if you've stepped into the abyss.
Ultimatelty, I can say that for a time, just a time, in adulthood, I graced the place and within its walls,, wow, there's some stuff that can never be shared. In a lot of ways, what went on in the Fox, dies with the Fox.
I will be happy to know that as a boy, and as an adult, the Fox was part of my life, and maybe I got to share some of me with it.
For now, we wait, and we see if it becomes something, or gets leveled and one more little piece of history in the form of a gathering place just fades away to memory.
Ah well, I've gone on again haven't I?
g.
