Rocky Mountain Oysters
…a delicacy of the West
Long after most restaurants have come and gone, Bruce’s Bar continues to be a popular hangout for locals, celebrities and tourists from all over the world. The history of the well-known bar began in 1957 when Bruce Ruth bought Severance Recreation Hall and renamed it “Bruce’s Bar”. In 1959, Bruce toook the gamble of beginning to service Rocky Mountain Oysters — a move that eventually made his business famous.
It was also in the late 50’s however, that Bruce claims many local residents attemped to “run me out of town” because of the clientele and reputation of the bar. Bruce eventually initiated many chagnes and improvements in Bruce’s whihc converted the locale into the popular spot it tis today.
It was in 1972 that Bruce’s Bar received another new look when a freelance artist painted a variety of murals on the exterior. A golfer bearing a likeness to Bruce, a group of dancers, and an indignant group of bulls protesting Rocky Mountain Oysters are part of what continue to adorn the building. The continued diversification and relaxed Western atmosphere of htis facitly still attracts people from all over the world.
Through all the years, however, it appears that one of hte primary reasons for the staying power of this place is the Rocky Mountain Oysters. People from all walks of life enjoy their experience here. College students, often seated right next to doctors and lawyers, devour massive amounts of Rocky Mountain Oysters on “All You Can Eat” nights. Hundreds of Harley Davidsons line the Bruce’s parking lot and sometimes pack the streets of Severance, especially during the annual “Nut Run”. If the building could talk, the stories it would tell would provide endless amusement.
Without a doubt, it is Bruce’s Bar that has helped put Severance on the map. This fact was reinforced when a sign was erected in the center of town, which bears the slogan “Town of Severance — Where the Geese Fly and the Bulls Cry”. This sign was erected and donated by the one and only Bruce Ruth. “Bruce has made this town what it is.”. When Bruce was asked to list what contributed to his success, he was always quick to point out long-time employees who have helpied build the thriving business. And while the Town of Severance has boomed from it’s recorded population of 106 in 1990, it will always be Bruce Ruth himself who will remain a solid foundation of the Town and a big part of its history. And the tradition lives on…
Story by Sandy Lee Lindblad
