The Heel Kicker isn’t a large space but it’s comfortable. The first thing one would noticed when entering the Saloon is a large polished oak bar on the right side. Behind the bar are a large mirror and all manner of bottles and serving vessels lined up on shelves like soldiers. There are no stools but there is a long brass foot rest lining the full length of the bar. There are several spittoons for gentleman to spit their tobacco out in and a towel rack on the ends of the bar with towels so that a man can wipe his mustache or beard if he chooses.

Circular tables and rectangular tables with handsome leather chairs dot the main floor for customers to rest in. A piano high lights the far left corner just beside the stairs and a small make shift stage has been built to lift the entertainers and dancers high enough so that the whole patronage can enjoy the view along the left side wall. There are card tables in the front left and right side by the windows.

 

Mister, the bar cat will be seen chasing mice and enjoying an occasional scratch behind the ears on most days. Some days he’s content with staying upstairs, wrapped up in the girl’s soft silk and dressing clothes. He’s a large Tabby, a tough jawed boy with a piece missing from one ear and several bent whiskers. Darlene felt it was best to dress him up in a bowtie so he usually sports one unless someone takes it off out of pity or he manages to shake it loose.

 

The Saloon’s main decorative color scheme is gold and red. There are tassels and curtains behind the stage. There are also several oil paintings that Barnum picked up out of admiration and to add a class of finery to the establishment. One particularly stunning painting is a portrait of a fine lady in a crimson gown, she is sitting beside a vase of country picked flowers and the mirror behind her reflects the rest of her room with patterned wall paper and lush luxurious furniture. The strange thing about the portrait and the detail Barnum found interesting was the wasp that clings to the lace ruffle of her collar. There are some other smaller paintings that belonged to his dead wife; portraits, farm scenes, still life’s of fruit bowls and figs and cheese. The largest painting is a large mountain landscape. It is signed by Albert Bierstadt and was actually a painting that he had originally picked out in Massachusetts. It was on of the catalysts for him to come out and try his hand at business in the Frontier.

 

But as far as finery goes the rest of the bar is constructed of plain pine; pine planked floor, pine stair case….but, the Heel Kicker definitely puts the Fun in functional…

 

Please inquire within! Show girls and Saloon Girls wanted. Bartender and Croupiers needed!