For those of you not up to speed, or asking to see this again, Burton’s (located in Thornton Park) "For Sale" sign and the idea it could be bulldozed had me on the pulpit a few weeks back:
From Feb. 2, 2008 column:
"Historic bar should stay that way
Speaking of football, this past season, my friends and I spent a lot of time in our neighborhood bar catching the game. Living in Thornton Park, it's hard to find a down-to-earth, cheap (especially cheap) spot to grab a beer and talk with friends.
With the addition of plasma TVs and an expanded beer selection, Burton's in Thornton Park was the ideal place to hang out many a night. New owners and their new management made it appear as if the bar had a very promising future. Finally, someone in this town was embracing history instead of bulldozing it -- with 81 years under its belt, this bar has plenty of backstory.
But then rumors started swirling about the bar being sold or closing. And with the revolving door of a staff, and beer running out and not being fully stocked, it made me wonder.
It turns out the bar (as well as the rest of the properties on the half-block at East Washington Street and Hill Avenue) is for sale. The bar is going forward with business as usual unless someone buys the place. What I hope is that, regardless of whether it's the current owner, Robert Bonnewell, or a new owner, they keep Burton's Burton's. Hang some old pictures of what it looked like back in the day. Embrace its history, and the locals will, too. Do it right, and in no time it will be a popular attraction for locals.
For a town with residents who like to complain that we have no sense of history, it's important we protect what little we do have."
It was enlightening when one reader responded with the idea of a co-op mission for the property.
From Feb. 9, 2008 column:
"It takes a bar-going village
I really wasn't expecting anything after last week's rant about Thornton Park's Burton's. Not to say I don't expect anything from you, but really, the purpose was to get something off my chest and make you guys think a bit.
Imagine my surprise when I opened my e-mail Monday morning to find a message from Vincent Petrine with the subject line: Wanna Buy Burton's?
Petrine's idea: If everyone in town threw in at least $10, they could make Burton's a co-op owned by the people of Orlando and preserve the bar. Petrine is willing to put his money where his mouth is and offered $1,000 toward the cause. He's hoping people will spread the word and hopefully do ‘whatever you can afford to keep Burton's Burton's.’
Right on, Vincent! Finally, someone who's willing to stand up, do something and try to keep what little history we have in this town. I wish you luck, my friend, and for anyone who would like to get in on Petrine's idea, e-mail or call me and I'll get you in touch with him."
Scratch that whole contacting Petrine though, he’s an idea guy but no ringleader he claims so just contact me if you want to help Burton’s and I guess I can wear that hat. Along with Petrine there are others that have stepped up to the plate, willing to put their money where their mouth is, including JK, Rupert, Justin Robinson, Scott and Mary Ann Ferris-Hepenstal.
I recently heard a rumor from a pretty credible source that owner Robert Bonnewell might take the bar off the market. I’ll believe that when I see the sign come down, in the meantime keep the ideas coming, it’s nice to see this community finally give a shit about the history of the town they live in – even if it’s just a bar.
