History of Grumpy's Pub

The Property now known as Grumpy's Pub has been in operation since at least the nineteen forties, when it was known as the Century House. The Century House was a small restaurant within the house that used to be at the front of the property. Somehow the owners received zoning for a restaurant in the Historic District. However, the proprietors could not serve alcohol in the house, so the customers had to go to the barn out back, then called the Century Club, where the zoning is light industrial and they were permitted to sell alcohol. The Century House and Club was at that time operated by Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Paul Lunberg and it was a Swedish restaurant. In 1961 the Century House was sold to a man named Peter McNiff. Mr. McNiff in turn sold it to Harry and Jeannette Schaumburg in 1964. Harry and Jean sold the property in 1969 to the Campbell's. In 1970, the Campbell's closed the restaurant and focused on live entertainment, calling this new incarnation The Century Irish Pub.

The Campbell's had live music there seven days a week for the duration of the time that they ran the Pub. At one time there was also Molly's on Depot Avenue, Sonny's Motel at the corner of Depot Avenue and Route 28, the Hunt Club across the street on Queens Byway, and the Colonial lounge down the street. All had live music and, unfortunately, all but the Pub are now closed. In 1988, the Campbell's sold the Pub to the Malloy Family.

It is difficult to compare The Century Irish Pub and Grumpy's Pub. If any of you folks had ever been to The Century Irish Pub, and then been into Grumpy's Pub, you will certainly understand what I mean. We accomplished a great deal in order to bring the existing building up to both the Town and our standards. Many people helped us so much with advice and instruction. We insulated, sound proofed, and carpeted the building. Now the building is not in any danger of falling in on itself or suddenly bursting into flames. It is now safe to drink from a glass and even go to the bathroom. We have put everything we have into making Grumpy's Pub the best place we possibly can. We have done, and continue to do, as many repairs and improvements as we can afford.

Our operation does not rely on the tourist dollar like most of the business in town. We cater to local townspeople. Of course, all are welcome, but we are here to serve the people who live and work in our community. Our customers are painter, doctors, contractors, scientists, lawyers, fisherman, wait staff, and bartenders from most of the other establishments in town. The average of our customers is upwards of 35 years old. This is not to say that kids 21 and up don't come in, but they learn very quickly we try to run the safest operation in town.

We want to have a good relationship with the town and with our neighbors. Our Pub is starting to gain recognition in music circles, and that is exactly what we aspire to do. We wish to be an asset to the community.