From Texas to Ghost Town: Rescuing an 1880s Brunswick Bar

There’s something uniquely satisfying about rescuing a piece of history, especially when it involves a vintage Brunswick bar. Brent Wunderwood, the driving force behind the revival of Cerro Gordo, California’s historic mining town, recently embarked on an epic journey to do just that. He needed a bar for the American Hotel, and not just any bar—an original Brunswick from the 1880s. The result? A road trip of epic proportions and a story ripe with the kind of grit and determination we appreciate here in the Rogue Carpenter community.

The American Hotel, a cornerstone of Cerro Gordo’s storied past, suffered a devastating fire in 2020, claiming the original bar and poker room. While a bar had been built in the 1990s from reclaimed mine wood, Wunderwood’s vision was to restore the hotel’s grandeur with a truly authentic piece of Americana.

Enter Ryan, a friend who owns a bookstore and record shop in Austin, Texas. Ryan’s building housed a Brunswick bar – a rare find, especially one dating back to the 1880s. For those unfamiliar, Brunswick wasn’t just making pool tables; they were crafting elaborate, high-end bars – the kind of centerpiece that would have commanded a staggering price (around $500,000 in today's money!) in saloons across the nation. These weren't your average tavern fixtures; they were works of art, showcasing ornate wood carvings and impressive columns.

A Bit of History

The story of Brunswick is fascinating. Founded by John Brunswick, a Swiss carriage maker who immigrated to America, the company capitalized on the burgeoning popularity of billiards. As pool halls and saloons became fixtures of the American landscape, Brunswick expanded its offerings to include stunning, custom-built bars. The looming threat of Prohibition in the early 20th century led them to cease bar production in 1917, making surviving examples incredibly valuable.

The Haul

Getting this historical artifact from Texas to California wasn't a simple task. It involved a 1600-mile round trip and a significant amount of logistical planning. Wunderwood’s dedication to preserving this piece of history is inspiring, and it highlights the commitment it takes to breathe new life into forgotten places.

This project resonates with the Rogue Carpenter ethos – using lumber and craftsmanship to build and restore something lasting. It’s a far cry from building a simple shed, but it shares the same core values: resourcefulness, problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of wood.

For those of us with wood shops and a passion for carpentry, Wunderwood’s adventure is a reminder that our skills can be used to preserve history and create unique, meaningful spaces. Whether you’re a Rogue Carpenter, a Rogue Lumberjack felling trees and milling your own lumber, or a Rogue Tradesman working with other materials, this story exemplifies the power of craftsmanship.

If you're inspired to join the movement, there are several ways to get involved. Find a Carpenter Angel in your area for mentorship, consider taking a woodworking class to hone your skills, list a custom commission to put your talents to work, or create a profile on Sovereign.ink to connect with fellow makers.

Let's keep the spirit of restoration and creation alive – one project at a time.