ST. CLOUD - We learned this week that the vacant building at 102 6th Avenue South in downtown St. Cloud is going to be the new home to an authentic Irish pub called the "Olde Brick House".

According to records at the Stearns History Museum the building has always been some kind of saloon (except I'm guess during the days of prohibition), dating all the way back to when it first opened back 1890.

It was originally called the Hoyt Block, and it didn't have exactly the best reputation in town.  The upstairs was a boarding house that was raided by police on at least one occasion.  Police say they found young men gambling there, as well as women of ill repute. They had their liquor license revoked because of gambling in 1900.

The building was sold to the Cold Spring Brewing Company in 1903.  Records show the Moose Lodge also occupied the upstairs for many years.

Inside the Mint Saloon in 1910, photo courtesy of the Stearns History Museum
Inside the Mint Saloon in 1910, photo courtesy of the Stearns History Museum
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It was called Schneider and Bloomer Cafe for a long time.

It was renamed the Corner Bar in 1964, and became quite famous for serving hot beef sandwiches.

In the 1970's era it was known as Aspen Corner Bar and Dick Titus Watering Hole.

It also had the name Charlie's Wild, Wild West around 1992 and was a country bar.

First Street Station and Rum Runners have been its most recent identities.  Rum Runners closed in June of 2013 when the city refused to renew their liquor license.

It's the building on the right side of the picture in the background. Notice the Bloomer and Sc
It's the building on the right side of the picture in the background. Notice the Bloomer and Schneider and Cold Spring Beer sign on the side of the building, and the Moose Lodge sign on the other side.  Photo courtesy of the Stearns History Museum.
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Photo by WJON.com's Alex Svejkovsky
Photo by WJON.com's Alex Svejkovsky
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