RebuildTheMineFund

On February 16, the unthinkable happened when a portion of a wall collapsed at the historic Mine Tavern on the Public Square in Nelsonville, Ohio. The building and half of the City block were closed while emergency crews got to work. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and both businesses on either side of The Mine have reopened. 

Though The Mine has a storied 180-year history, the Norway family purchased The Mine only a short time ago, and it is truly a family affair! Even with a fundraiser and donations coming in, they are now not only dealing with insurance, supporting their out-of-work employees, and carrying on with all that life brings, but they have no income coming in and are in immediate need of $20,000 to complete the work of shoring up the building to save it. 

The Mine Tavern, established in 1842, is the longest-running tavern in the continental US, and folks say that it used to serve as the lobby for Stuart’s Opera House. It also served as the lobby/bar for The Dew House, the hotel on Nelsonville’s Historic Public Square. The Mine was so-called so the men could say they were “at the mine” without lying. According to former owner Tim Koker, "During Prohibition it was a confectionery and bus stop," Koker said. "Then it went back to being a bar."

The Mine Tavern is a Sole Proprietorship currently owned and operated by Ron and Becky Norway, who began management of the establishment in 2023.  With Ron and Becky behind the helm, a great manager, their son, Patrick Norway, is building an incredible community of patrons.

There are many stories to hear and tell about a place so special to our community, and we need to support not only this place but also our people.