A Philly Landmark

After several years being shuttered, we learned that Old Original Bookbinders Restaurant is scheduled to reopen under new ownership. This landmark in Olde City was a favorite watering hole for steamship people, particularly after John Taxin the produce man took over in the 1950s. We had many Christmas Eve luncheons there with an accordionist serenading the crowd in the bar. My colleague, Big Mike, tried to con the accordion man to visit our pier to play for the longshoremen. Back in those days we at USLines were entrusted to carry U.S. Foreign mail to Europe. While entertaining Post Office employees was officially taboo, we found that their New York superiors were amenable to a few perks. Late in the season Notre Dame came into town to play Penn and this was a hot ticket and we invited our Postal friends to attend. The night before there was a heavy snowfall and the stadium was frigid at game time. With Johnny Lattner and Notre Dame running away with the game, by the third quarter Big Mike hustled our guests into taxis and off to "Bookies" they went. The brandy flowed and the lobsters clawed and at banquet's end the waiter dropped the "tab" on the table. A New York hot-shot picked it up - looked at it - and quickly dropped it. Big Mike called the waiter over, gave him his business card and a twenty dollar bill and held his breath. With smiles all around they headed for the exit and the train back to New York and Monday morning Big Mike had his first credit card from Old Original Bookbinders. Those were the days!
tjs