Keeping up with past and present happenings in a remarkable small town.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Ernie's Esquire ~ Rt. 8 South
Was once a select, elegant restaurant for Butlerites.
33 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Enjoy tableside cooking, early bird specials, and steaks cut to order. They offer fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and pasta. Weekend entertainment is available. There are nine banquet & conference rooms available for up to 900 people. Catering is available for any event at any location
Anonymous said... "I don't know if it's still operating but back in the 70's it was a center for gambling, prostitution and organized crime!"
Aw shucks, I knew I should have stuck around longer...it's all Dave Campbell's fault...he was the one who probably was involved in shutting the joint down. Damn do-gooders!
Amen! Charles I so enjoy this blog. Comments positive and negative are part of the program. It means different things to different folks to see Butler in many lights. I am the past,the now and future is up to others,they can sit and whine or forge ahead with new ideas and the energy of youth. As Jean Luc says " make it so".
Dear Anonymous Troll: To follow up on the posts of June 28 by Bob Dorcy and the other poster, it is tiring to read the negative and cynical posts that continue to clog these threads. You don't have the originality to even use some type of pseudonym or the decency to sign your name. I'm not sure if there are one or maybe several of the Anonymous Jagoffs (a Pittsburgh reference).
Butler WAS a wonderful place to live and grow up, filled with good people and happy, safe times. It was a reflection of America in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. This is reflected by the numerous folks who post there fond memories of their experiences and remembrances. Former residents and friends view this site to recall and connect with their past.
The current depressed condition of our town is unfortunate. That there are problems is both undeniable and unavoidable. But I do not believe that this is the forum for general negativity and unsubstantiated dissing of the past.
I loved our hometown and I miss those times and our friends. It was as good as it gets for most of us, a place where one could get an education and participate in activities with little regard of economic status or ethnic background. I can name 100's of successful people from Butler who came from all parts of town, and who made their life based upon their drive and initiative.
Sorry to wax on but I have wearied of the (unnamed) negative person or persons who feel the need to criticize this attempt by Charles to provide a link to our past.
I'll post this to several of the archives and I'll sign my name. To all friends and fellow Butlerites, best wishes. How yinz bin'?
Before it was Ernie Esquire's, it was the Phillips mansion. My mother had to quit high school to help support her family. She earned $2 per week as a housemaid/cook in one of Butler's households. She said she was loaned out by her employer to work big parties at the mansion. When it turned into Ernie's Esquire, she visited to see the changes. She wasn't allowed to go to the area where she worked -- the kitchen.
It is simply known as "The Mansion" and it is used for wedding receptions, gatherings, etc. I am from Butler, PA originally and I am going up for a visit next month to see my folks.
My father (Jack Jenkins)got his start there, he was the chef during part of the 70's when it was Ernie's. He still knows Ernie who I believe has a restaurant somewhere in West Virginia.
It is now owned by a former employee. It is a beautiful place that is used for weddings, banquets etc. The mansion has a rich history. On the property all the types of trees native to America were planted. The mansion was built in 1927.
I worked there as well during the late 70's and believe I remember Jack Jenkins mentioned above. While I was there, Dick D. was the head chef. I started out there as a dish washer and moved to just about every part of the kitchen and finished as one of the line cooks. I also remember some of the other cooks; Tim (wife Shelly was a waitress), Al, and Joe and I think another Al, and in the salad dept; Sherry, Jeanie, Shiela, and another Sherry, and other kitchen folks Brutus, Jeff and many others that came and gone while I was there.
I was working there part time while going to High School, I often had 40 to 60 hour weeks. It was amazing - The Friday night Smorg and Sunday Brunch was fantastic. I remember some of the nights I didn't get out of there until 3 or 4 in the morning. It was a great experience and definately the best (most fun) job I have ever had.
thank you mel m. and especially bob v. for your positive comments. ernie's was an enjoyable place to work even though ernie himself sometimes could be difficult. to those who think it was a center for prostitution, gambling and organized crime, i never witnessed any such goings on but am familiar with these fabrications typically made by small minded people who usually know of "a friend of a friend who's uncle said his buddy once... (insert your favorite accusation here).". i instead remember a great bunch of people who were fun to work with and were integral in shaping my character. i started as a busboy and eventually became a waiter and remember many of the people bobby v. referred to as well as others. it's currently owned by the lassinger family (owners of associated ceramics outside saxonburg) and is used for banquets, events and private parties. i still make the caesar salad from time to time that i learned to make at ernie's. and thank you charles c. for bringing up the topic of ernie's esquire. gary m.
Ernie is still alive (barely) and lives in Wheeling, WV. Unfortunately all of his businesses (nightclubs, restaurants, etc) are now closed. At one point, Ernie had his fingers in a lot of pies, including gambling and prostitution, though organized crime would be seriously stretching it. He can be difficult, but if you were one of the few who earned his respect, he treated you well.
Hello people- I worked at Ernies Esquire in the early 70's to 81- I was 15 when I started. I was set up girl for Grace Clemente(80 yr old waitress), Jeannie, Audrey and Neicy. I had the time of my life! They eventually trained me for barmaid/waitress. I knew Dick Dayton and Jack Jenkins well! Made a few hundred a weekend. I was Ernies pet( I was considered jail bait) he was sooo good to me and the best boss I ever had. As far as gambling, prostituition and organized crime- VERY BIG LIE. My father personally went there because my mother told him I was to start working there. He checked it out and had it checked out too- NOTHING WENT ON! I would like to know how gossipers get their lame info! He employed alot of us local school kids.
Update. The Lassinger family, owners of “The Manson “ former Phillips Home have just sold the 140 acre property to the Concordia Nursing Home group. Surly to mow down the gardens and stately collection of American trees to put up a parking lot. Truly a sad day. The only fate worse, would be if it was going to be a Walmart. I hope you’ll respect the Grand Home, gardens and lush grounds.
Update. The Lassinger family, owners of “The Manson “ former Phillips Home have just sold the 140 acre property to the Concordia Nursing Home group. Surly to mow down the gardens and stately collection of American trees to put up a parking lot. Truly a sad day. The only fate worse, would be if it was going to be a Walmart. I hope you’ll respect the Grand Home, gardens and lush grounds.
I also worked at Ernie's and parked cars on the weekends ( made some good tips ), it was a wonderful place to work. we all new Ernie and shock in are shoes when we heard he was coming and laugh behind his back when he needed help to his room at night. His managers made the place they did a good job. I too lived at the bottom of the hill on top the garage oh the parties and the good times we had. Wonderful times at Ernie's, WONDERFUL....
I have two of the most fond memories of my life at Ernies Esquire. I will never forget it. It turned out the man I had dinner with there in the 70’s is now the man I live be in 2020❤️
Was once a select, elegant restaurant for Butlerites.
33 comments:
Enjoy tableside cooking, early bird specials, and steaks cut to order. They offer fresh seafood, veal, chicken, and pasta. Weekend entertainment is available. There are nine banquet & conference rooms available for up to 900 people. Catering is available for any event at any location
I don't know if it's still operating but back in the 70's it was a center for gambling, prostitution and organized crime
Where was it located? I am thinking route 8 south somewhere?
Where the ''Mansion'' is presently located, on 8 south just past airport rd on the left
"Matches Ernie's"?
Dude, you've been in Germany too long.
Anonymous said...
"I don't know if it's still operating but back in the 70's it was a center for gambling, prostitution and organized crime!"
Aw shucks, I knew I should have stuck around longer...it's all Dave Campbell's fault...he was the one who probably was involved in shutting the joint down. Damn do-gooders!
Charles is just getting desperate on this blog now. Has been resorting to match books. Just pitiful.
If you are so smart, start your own blog. There is a link on the upper right part of his home page.
I think Charles does a great job.
Amen! Charles I so enjoy this blog. Comments positive and negative are part of the program. It means different things to different folks to see Butler in many lights. I am the past,the now and future is up to others,they can sit and whine or forge ahead with new ideas and the energy of youth. As Jean Luc says " make it so".
Bob Dorcy
I didnt know you had to be smart. Boring
Dear Anonymous Troll: To follow up on the posts of June 28 by Bob Dorcy and the other poster, it is tiring to read the negative and cynical posts that continue to clog these threads. You don't have the originality to even use some type of pseudonym or the decency to sign your name. I'm not sure if there are one or maybe several of the Anonymous Jagoffs (a Pittsburgh reference).
Butler WAS a wonderful place to live and grow up, filled with good people and happy, safe times. It was a reflection of America in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. This is reflected by the numerous folks who post there fond memories of their experiences and remembrances.
Former residents and friends view this site to recall and connect with their past.
The current depressed condition of our town is unfortunate. That there are problems is both undeniable and unavoidable. But I do not believe that this is the forum for general negativity and unsubstantiated dissing of the past.
I loved our hometown and I miss those times and our friends. It was as good as it gets for most of us, a place where one could get an education and participate in activities with little regard of economic status or ethnic background. I can name 100's of successful people from Butler who came from all parts of town, and who made their life based upon their drive and initiative.
Sorry to wax on but I have wearied of the (unnamed) negative person or persons who feel the need to criticize this attempt by Charles to provide a link to our past.
I'll post this to several of the archives and I'll sign my name. To all friends and fellow Butlerites, best wishes. How yinz bin'?
Mel Miller, San Diego
BHS 1963
your the biggest jagoff. Learn some proper verbiage before you bore us with your drivel.
Before it was Ernie Esquire's, it was the Phillips mansion. My mother had to quit high school to help support her family. She earned $2 per week as a housemaid/cook in one of Butler's households.
She said she was loaned out by her employer to work big parties at the mansion.
When it turned into Ernie's Esquire, she visited to see the changes. She wasn't allowed to go to the area where she worked -- the kitchen.
Does anyone know who owns the property now and what the mansion is being used for?
It is simply known as "The Mansion" and it is used for wedding receptions, gatherings, etc. I am from Butler, PA originally and I am going up for a visit next month to see my folks.
My father (Jack Jenkins)got his start there, he was the chef during part of the 70's when it was Ernie's. He still knows Ernie who I believe has a restaurant somewhere in West Virginia.
It is now owned by a former employee. It is a beautiful place that is used for weddings, banquets etc. The mansion has a rich history. On the property all the types of trees native to America were planted. The mansion was built in 1927.
I worked there as well during the late 70's and believe I remember Jack Jenkins mentioned above. While I was there, Dick D. was the head chef. I started out there as a dish washer and moved to just about every part of the kitchen and finished as one of the line cooks. I also remember some of the other cooks; Tim (wife Shelly was a waitress), Al, and Joe and I think another Al, and in the salad dept; Sherry, Jeanie, Shiela, and another Sherry, and other kitchen folks Brutus, Jeff and many others that came and gone while I was there.
I was working there part time while going to High School, I often had 40 to 60 hour weeks. It was amazing - The Friday night Smorg and Sunday Brunch was fantastic. I remember some of the nights I didn't get out of there until 3 or 4 in the morning. It was a great experience and definately the best (most fun) job I have ever had.
Bob V.
Was a prep cook there in the late 70's. Fun place to work. Hours were long, but the stffwas always fun to work with.
thank you mel m. and especially bob v. for your positive comments. ernie's was an enjoyable place to work even though ernie himself sometimes could be difficult. to those who think it was a center for prostitution, gambling and organized crime, i never witnessed any such goings on but am familiar with these fabrications typically made by small minded people who usually know of "a friend of a friend who's uncle said his buddy once... (insert your favorite accusation here).". i instead remember a great bunch of people who were fun to work with and were integral in shaping my character. i started as a busboy and eventually became a waiter and remember many of the people bobby v. referred to as well as others. it's currently owned by the lassinger family (owners of associated ceramics outside saxonburg) and is used for banquets, events and private parties. i still make the caesar salad from time to time that i learned to make at ernie's. and thank you charles c. for bringing up the topic of ernie's esquire. gary m.
I worked there in 81, lived down at the bottom of the hill, in a old house which is torn down now, but i had all the land as my yard
Ernie is still alive (barely) and lives in Wheeling, WV. Unfortunately all of his businesses (nightclubs, restaurants, etc) are now closed. At one point, Ernie had his fingers in a lot of pies, including gambling and prostitution, though organized crime would be seriously stretching it. He can be difficult, but if you were one of the few who earned his respect, he treated you well.
Hello people- I worked at Ernies Esquire in the early 70's to 81- I was 15 when I started. I was set up girl for Grace Clemente(80 yr old waitress), Jeannie, Audrey and Neicy. I had the time of my life! They eventually trained me for barmaid/waitress. I knew Dick Dayton and Jack Jenkins well! Made a few hundred a weekend. I was Ernies pet( I was considered jail bait) he was sooo good to me and the best boss I ever had. As far as gambling, prostituition and organized crime- VERY BIG LIE. My father personally went there because my mother told him I was to start working there. He checked it out and had it checked out too- NOTHING WENT ON! I would like to know how gossipers get their lame info! He employed alot of us local school kids.
No it wasnt, I worked there. Jerks dont even know facts...
Omg, I knew chef Jack Jenkins and he was great! I waitressed.
Update. The Lassinger family, owners of “The Manson “ former Phillips Home have just sold the 140 acre property to the Concordia Nursing Home group. Surly to mow down the gardens and stately collection of American trees to put up a parking lot. Truly a sad day. The only fate worse, would be if it was going to be a Walmart. I hope you’ll respect the Grand Home, gardens and lush grounds.
Update. The Lassinger family, owners of “The Manson “ former Phillips Home have just sold the 140 acre property to the Concordia Nursing Home group. Surly to mow down the gardens and stately collection of American trees to put up a parking lot. Truly a sad day. The only fate worse, would be if it was going to be a Walmart. I hope you’ll respect the Grand Home, gardens and lush grounds.
I think it may be turned into a hospice by Concordia.
I think Concordia is turning it into a hospice.
Who was the very old pianist back in the 70s. Loved him. He could play anything?
I also worked at Ernie's and parked cars on the weekends ( made some good tips ), it was a wonderful place to work. we all new Ernie and shock in are shoes when we heard he was coming and laugh behind his back when he needed help to his room at night. His managers made the place they did a good job. I too lived at the bottom of the hill on top the garage oh the parties and the good times we had. Wonderful times at Ernie's, WONDERFUL....
I have two of the most fond memories of my life at Ernies Esquire. I will never forget it. It turned out the man I had dinner with there in the 70’s is now the man I live be in 2020❤️
My Dad was a State Trooper. It had mob ties.
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