Traverse City in Grand Traverse County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Novotny's Saloon
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 26, 2020
1. Novotny's Saloon Marker
Inscription.
Novotny's Saloon. . In 1886, Antoine Novotny, one of the Bohemian founders of this community, built a bar on this site. Novotny's Saloon was the social center of the city's south side and headquarters of the Traverse City Hustlers semi-pro baseball team. In 1939 the business was purchased by William H. Dill, and the name changed to Dill’s. In the ensuing years, the adjacent meat market and vegetable stand were added to the pre-existing establishment. The second floor was the home of both the Salvation Army and a dance hall. On April 22, 1978, a fire destroyed the original wood frame building. This near replica of that structure, which was completed ten weeks later, continues to be one of Traverse City's social centers.
In 1886, Antoine Novotny, one of the Bohemian founders of this community, built a bar on this site. Novotny's Saloon was the social center of the city's south side and headquarters of the Traverse City Hustlers semi-pro baseball team. In 1939 the business was purchased by William H. Dill, and the name changed to Dill’s. In the ensuing years, the adjacent meat market and vegetable stand were added to the pre-existing establishment. The second floor was the home of both the Salvation Army and a dance hall. On April 22, 1978, a fire destroyed the original wood frame building. This near replica of that structure, which was completed ten weeks later, continues to be one of Traverse City's social centers.
Erected 1980 by Michigan History Division, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L0737.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 22, 1978.
Location. 44° 45.584′ N, 85° 37.421′ W. Marker is in Traverse City, Michigan, in Grand Traverse County. Marker is on South Union Street north of East Eighth Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 423 S Union St, Traverse City MI 49684, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 26, 2020
2. Novotny's Saloon Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 377 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on March 8, 2021, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
