OGDEN -- The Old Man's Saloon may be a hole-in-the-wall bar, but it's also a tradition in downtown Ogden.
After more than seven decades, the old bar has, unfortunately, served its last spirit.
Jaycee Warby bought the Old Man Saloon on Washington Boulevard in the 80s to keep it from closing. And for the next thirty years she made a few bucks and had a good time doing it.
"This place has been a going bar since 1940, and it's never closed until now," she said.
During its heyday, the old man's saloon was a popular watering hole.
Casual customers quickly became regulars and they all knew the lady's rules.
"I will not allow swearing. I used to have a cuss jar. If you start cussing it's going to cost you," Warby said with a laugh.
Business slowed down after the recession.
"The economy has not picked up. We'll have good day here and then it will be dead. It's so sporadic,” Warby said. “You just don't know what to expect. I used to be able to tell you within $10 what tomorrow was going to bring. And no more can I guess it."
Warby decided to sell the old bar to a towing company.
"She's been very emotional and she's such a strong lady it's hard to see her when she breaks down." said her daughter-in-law and employee Julie Wright. "She keeps second guessing herself and I say you are doing the right thing, it's time to open a new chapter."
Long-time patrons put together a book to thank Warby for all the memories and wish her well on her retirement.
"There's notes from everybody. I start reading that and start crying," Warby said.
And on their last night customers packed the bar for the final last call.
"It's going to be real hard. I have so many good customers. I'm going to miss them all," she said.
