19th Street Country Club — Restaurant in Parkersburg

Established by Harry Baker after WWII the favorite watering hole for Parkersburg notables.

Upon Harry Baker’s death the CC has been owned by a string of faithful patrons.

Controversial behind the bar signage includes - “Wednesday night is Mothers’ night - any woman desiring to become a Mother PLEASE ATTEND”!

Hezzie Swain was the bartender for years.

Hezzie idolized Illinois Senator Everett Dirksen (and even mimicked has drawl). During the 1964 campaign a bunch of us young Republicans ushered Dirksen into the 19th Street CC when Hezzie was behind the bar.

We were seated when the door opened to reveal Hezzie’s idol. Dirksen looked up and in his famous drawl said, “Why Hezzie Swain - I’ve heard a lot about you”!!

There are MANY memorable “Hezzie” stories! Like when a dozen of us were seated at the middle table watching football. Knowing that Hezzie hated to be inconvenienced - one after another would order a beer which Hezzie would go behind the bar to retrieve and deliver.

One could tell that Hezzie was at the heights of his tolerance when he got to me and I ordered a burger with relish and hot mustard. Hezzie replied, “WHY DON’T YOU...

I honestly don’t go there enough. It’s about as local place as local places get. Good food. Very small inside but you’ll find interesting people there. It’s been in business since before I was born. The same folks go there but by all means don’t hesitate to go. It’s a simple non fancy place but heartwarming and fun. I highly recommend a...

Coldest beer in the city. Best burgers in town. Can BS with anybody. Do you know Toni? Brian? Jimmy? RobBob? Lew? Jay? JimBill? HK? Skip? Kevin? Woody? Dave? They're all there. Stop in...