Museum hosting party for new Rustic Tavern exhibit

The Dubois County Museum is hosting a party on April 15, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the museum celebrating the opening of The Rustic Tavern (and Dance Hall) exhibit. 

The Rustic, which was located on Jasper’s northwest side, holds a special place in many residents’ memories.

The Rustic opened its doors on July 4, 1933, in the woods on State Road 45-56. It operated as a dance hall, roller skating rink, wedding reception venue, and convention center. It was later known as the Sportsman Club and the Legion Club Canteen. 

It was originally operated by Hilbert Fritch and Cyril “Toots” and Christine Haller. When it was destroyed by fire in 1980 the owners were Donald “Marty” Vogler and Virgil Mathies.

The popular venue for youth saw the place as a hangout for dances, weddings, music, big name entertainers through the 30s, the 40s, the 50s, the 60s and the 70s. 

It was also notorious for fights and underage drinking. In one famous raid by excise and state police in December of 1971, 60 people were arrested for numerous counts of possession of alcohol, underage possession, and carrying in alcohol. Due to the large number of arrests, a school bus was procurred from Washington to transport the offenders.

On display will be part of the unique bar that graced The Rustic. This right side was salvaged from the fire that destroyed the building and operation in January 1980. The Gary and Brendan Aders family had recused the bar and have recently donated it to the museum. 

The exhibit can also be viewed during the museum’s normal operating hours.

The museum invites you to visit the museum this evening and reminisce about those times spent at the Rustic.  Also on display are a collection of articles about the Rustic, names of bands that played in the area, and band instruments from that era.