HOME
©
Copyright 2004
Teddy M. Terstegge
All Rights
Reserved
"Elite of the elite."
|
BASE TOUR: THUNDER BAY INN
 |
The Thunder Bay Inn is a popular destination for off-duty base personnel.
Image Credit:
Flash Force Public Affairs Office
(Click image to see
enlargement)
|
THUNDER BAY INN
The Thunder Bay Inn serves as one of the most popular recreational facilities at Command Headquarters. Located upon the main floor of the Base Service Center, the inspiration for this comfortable retreat owes itself to the historic and traditional taverns and pubs of Great Britain.
| FIRESIDE SEATING
The pub is warmed both by the heat and glow of this inviting fireplace. The fine mahogany mantelpiece serves to display several of the units most prized treasures, including the flag that flew over Command Headquarters on September 11, 2001.
The mounted rhinocerous head above the mantel is all that remains of "Tank McReady", a beloved and legendary character who once trampled Theodore Roosevelt's safari camp upon the plains of Africa. |
| THE HOUSE GHOST
The suit of armor that stands against the back wall of the Inn is reputed to be the home of a benevolent but mischievous spirit named "Monty". Although he has yet to be seen, Monty is blamed for nearly every mishap in the pub and his suit is recognized as its unofficial Sergeant-at-Arms.
The vintage Wurlitzer jukebox shown in the first photo provides pub patrons with a wide variety of popular music from the 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's. Songs performed by artists like The Glen Miller Orchestra, Elvis Presley, and The Beach Boys are nostalgic favorites.
|
| THE BAR
The heart of the pub is, of course, its large wooden bar. This imposing structure is crafted from mahogany, features stained glass overhead panels and has a traditional brass rail. The bar is expertly tended by the barman, who provides his customers with only the finest of refreshments and spirits.
The door at the back wall of the bar leads to a kitchen where the inn chef and his staff prepare a variety of fine foods daily. Pub patrons highly recommend the Shepherd's Pie, Fish & Chips, and Buffalo wings.
|
| BAR CABINET
The mirrored cabinet behind the bar reflects only a
portion of the wines, ales, and other spirits that
the inn serves. Cabinets beneath the counter
house surplus glassware, cleaning supplies, and a
rather large refrigerated stock of bottled
beverages--both alcoholic and non-alchoholic.
The pub proudly serves a variety of fine ales, many of which are served draft-style from this array of old-fashioned taps.
|
| THE BARMAN
Having recently arrived from London, England, Ian Maxwell attained the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in the Special Air Service before retiring from the British Army. After spending over thirty years in service to Her Royal Majesty, "Max" now quite contentedly serves cocktails across the bar.
|
| BARMAN'S BELL
The barman rings the brass bell above the bar loudly whenever someone offers to buy the house a round of drinks. Upon hearing the bell, it is common practice for nearly everyone in the room to race to the pub door.
Once there, the mission is to prevent others from entering until the round has been served. This not only assures the benefactor's favor, but rewards the first person to the door by entitling him or her to receive a second complimentary drink. Minor disputes over this reward have been known to occur, but these are usually resolved through a quick and civilized "Sudden Death" toss of darts.
|
| FINE CIGARS
The barman maintains a sizeable stock of fine cigars behind the counter and does make them available to customers, but they come at a price. Those who wish to smoke must first best him in a game of "Liar's Dice"--and he rarely loses. At the price of a dollar per game, if you plan on smoking one of Max's cigars, you had best bring your paycheck and a credit card.
|
| OUR MASCOT
One of the large flock of Canada Geese that inhabits Thunder Bay wandered into the inn one winter afternoon, apparently seeking warmth and food. Content after cleaning up spilled popcorn from the floor, he soon settled himself by the hearth and fell asleep.
"Bruce the Goose" quickly became the inn's most frequent visitor and the regular patrons overwhelmingly elected him as the pub's official mascot.
|
| THE BARMAID
Katie is our inn barmaid and she works hard to please her customers with quick and friendly service. Many of our male visitors find Katie's flirtatious manner and British accent quite charming, but they would be wise to keep their hands to themselves. Her father (the barman) keeps a big club behind the counter and he is not afraid to use it.
We hope you have enjoyed your visit to the Thunder Bay Inn. We will always welcome the opportunity to serve you.
Before you leave however, we would like to offer you a virtual beverage of your choice--with our compliments!
|
| PLEASE REMEMBER
If you drink, please do so responsibly--and always have a designated driver!
|
|
