Do you recognize this corner? For many years, this building stood at South Ave. and West Main in the village, at the former home of our beloved Barry’s Old School Irish.
I still walk by Barry’s regularly, and have noticed that Danny and Jessica have finally started clearing out their old establishment for the next tenants (and no, sorry, I haven’t heard who that might be). At the suggestion of a friend, and with lots of help from Webster Town and Village Historian Lynn Barton, I thought it would be fun to take a brief walk back through the building’s history.
The building was erected around 1830 by Dr. Oliver Reynolds. He was an author and inventor, and served as Postmaster from 1834 to 1849. He was also known for his “Reynold’s Lung Restorative, Nervine, etc.” a forerunner to many cure-alls.
The building’s next owner was Robert F. Hendee, who ran a general store there with his son (you can see the Hendee and Sons sign on the earlier photo). In addition to his general merchandise, he made and sold simple coffins. He also was Postmaster for many years starting in 1873.
The beautiful cobblestone building was eventually demolished to make room for a ESSO Service Station, operated by William Kielon, owned by Webaco Oil Co. Mark P. recently noted that the Esso station became a Cities Service station in the early 60s, adding, “I used to marvel at the ‘grease monkeys’ who stood underneath the cars that pulled into the garage, parking over the pit where the mechanics would perform an oil change and lube job.”
Later, the building became home to Living Water Plumbing, well known for the gardens, fountain and Ten Commandments just outside the front door. The shop was owned by Robert Richards, who passed away in 2009. Danny and Jessica Barry fell in love with the empty storefront and created Barry’s Old School Irish in 2011.
The rest, as they say, is history.
* * *
email me at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)
You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Follow Me” link on the right side of this page.
(posted 10/17/2023)
webster on the web 
great piece of history. i have a funny story from 87 year old who worked at gas ration.. I will tell you sometime. jan
Looking forward to hearing that story, and maybe including it in the blog!
The Esso station became a Cities Service station in the early 60s. I used to marvel at the “grease monkeys” who stood underneath the cars that pulled into the garage, parking over the pit where the mechanics would perform an oil change and lube job.
Thanks, Mark! I’ll add this to the blog!