Town Pump Celebrates 70 Years in New Baltimore

is marking its 70th anniversary with a special celebration from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 14 in New Baltimore.

The building was completed in 1941 but the history of the local watering hole goes back even further, when the house just across the street used to be a blind pig during prohibition. 

"I love the history, and hearing all the stories of people and their fathers and their grandfathers, all the family connections," said Eddie DiMaggio, current owner of The Pump.

DiMaggio purchased the bar in December 1999 and is eager to get as many former owners and employees as possible together for the 70th anniversary.

"I'd like to get as many of the old timers as I can get," said DiMaggio.

The theme for the event will be "Like it was yesterday," and commemorative T-shirts will be produced for the event.

"I love that people, old and new, want to be a part of New Baltimore," said DiMaggio about his 12 years of ownership of the bar and restaurant. 

"I like that everybody is friendly and outgoing, it makes it a pleasure to work here," said Cindy Klott, who has been a bartender at The Pump for two years.

Over the ages have accumulated in the pub. The large green clock over the bar has been there for as long as anyone can remember. The walls are lined with trophies, old beer signs, and even a plaque with a reprinted letter to the editor to Time magazine about The Pump.

"When the price of beer recently advanced from 15 cents to 20 cents, scarcely a murmur was heard. After all, that's a small price to pay for such amenities. Dear wife, I'll be home late tonight," ended the June 1966 letter written by Robert M. Lienert. 

"They want a hometown feel," said DiMaggio, "And they found a hometown place."