Chamber Mixer/Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Fifty Years of the Buccaneer

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting and mixer at The Buccaneer Lounge to celebrate Fifty Years of the Buccaneer.  Mayor Joe Mosca, Council member Josh Moran and Police Chief Marilyn Diaz were on hand to represent the City, and members of the Chamber mingled with Buc regulars through the celebration.

The Buc, as it is known locally, originally opened in the 1940's as Club 60, taking its name from the address of the establishment at the time. 

The owner at that time, Roger Miller, changed the name to The Buccaneer Lounge in 1960, and moved it to its current location at 70 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. in 1984.  For twenty years now, the Fraser family has owned the business. Brian, who was also a volunteer firefighter in town, passed away in 1998 and the bar is now run by his wife, Gerri. She has two daughters, Jennifer Higdon and Robyn Tapert, who also participate.

Well known artist Frank Bowers, whose murals can be found at several locations in Southern California, created the 30 foot long mural that depicts pirate scenes and provides the backdrop behind the bar at the Buccaneer.  Several other Bowers pirate paintings adorn the walls at the Buc.  Legend has it that Bowers, who also painted sets for Gone With the Wind, did this work to pay off his bar tabs.

The Buccaneer, with it's "Cheers-like" atmosphere, is a favorite watering hole for locals and non-locals alike.  The big screen TV (and 2 smaller ones) are hooked up to a satellite dish and sports are always on tap.  Since there is a well-established race crowd from nearby Santa Anita, horse racing is frequently on the screen.  In addition, the dart board hosts several league teams, and the internet juke box is state of the art.  The well maintained pool table in the back is also a popular draw.