Chief Oshkosh Saloon renamed

Mayor renames local bar

By Jeff BollierOshkosh Mayor Paul Esslinger had hoped to open the Chief Oshkosh Saloon for business today.

Instead, he’ll re-open the former Screwballs as the Old Oshkosh Saloon after a week of renovations to the downtown establishment.

The name change to the tavern at 216 N. Main St. came about after Esslinger was contacted by the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, which Chief Oshkosh led from 1827 to his death in 1858. Tribal members had expressed concerns about the use of the chief’s name and Esslinger had planned to meet with Menominee leaders earlier this month to discuss it.

Instead, he said he opted to change the name to avoid any potential concerns.Comment:  I'm not sure what's more surprising here: 1) that Esslinger thought naming a bar after an Indian chief was a good idea, or 2) that Esslinger agreed to change the name without squabbling about it.

Anyway, I'm glad to see one controversy resolved before it even got started. Good show, everyone.

For more on Natives and alcohol, see Suing Beer Sellers for Treaty Violation and Wine Holders Still for Sale.

Below:  Chief Oshkosh.