Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

“Kathleen at the Globe” retires

Posted in:

Illinois

* I lost count of the number of Golden Horseshoe Awards that Kathleen Hunter won over the years. She was almost always everyone’s favorite bartender. She almost never forgot a name or somebody’s regular drink.

But after more than 36 years tending bar at The Globe Tavern, Kathleen retired yesterday. Her loyal customers threw a party in her honor…

The late Dean Sweitzer initiated the “Yo! Caucus” back in the day. Whenever he’d see you, he’d say “Yo!” Dean’s “caucus” held a biennial bipartisan party at the Abe Lincoln Hotel during legislative inauguration, and revelers would naturally wind up at The Globe and Kathleen would be behind the bar.

Anyway, I wanted to use this opportunity to wish Kathleen all the best, thank her for her many years of work and give some of her longtime customers a chance to do the same.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 9:13 am

Comments

Congratulations, Kathleen! You kept calmness amid the chaos.

Comment by Abdon Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 9:17 am
It’s hard for me to think of the Globe without thinking of Kathleen. I was hardly a regular, but she always remembered me and my beverage of choice. Always had a welcoming smile and good advice about finding food after 10pm.

Enjoy your retirement and hopefully Rich will let us know if you decide to tend bar somewhere else in town.

You’re a good egg for giving her a shout out Rich. Well deserved, but kind of you nonetheless.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 9:26 am
She is the best! GOAT in my book and please let us know where you bartender “part time”. It will be like Jordan coming out of retirement !

Comment by Elliott Ness Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 9:27 am
Kathleen was the best part of what has to be the worst bar design in the planet. Good luck in the years ahead

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 9:46 am
Well it’s a great thing that the world knows how many people appreciate her service. I wish her well in her retirement.

Comment by Levois J Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 9:46 am
Kathleen, thank you for your many acts of kindness and service. You will be missed. Best wishes.

Comment by TradedUpForMitch Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 10:14 am
Kathleen really made The Globe Tavern feel like The Globe Tavern. She’s certainly earned her retirement. I wish her the best.

Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 10:31 am
The Globe has been open 36 year? Wow, I’m old.

Comment by Lt Guv Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 10:40 am
It’s really too bad the legislature and many regulars were not in town to send Kathleen off in the fashion she truly deserves for one last call.

She is simply the BEST and hope to see her again soon.

Comment by Because I said so.... Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 11:30 am
The best bartender in Springfield. I hope she has an excellent retirement.

Comment by Derek Smalls Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 11:32 am
Kathleen, thank you for your friendship and your exceptional service to your customers. You were always there for anyone who wanted to share their issues. Hope you have a wonderful retirement and hope to see you around town.

Comment by Flexible One Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 12:27 pm
Congratulations on your retirement Kathleen. Thank you for your positive and welcoming personality over the years. You always had the a warm welcome and a strong drink ready to go after a day of craziness under the dome. She is one of those people who took care of everyone with ease even during a late night/early morning piano sing along….she even put up with our off key, barely disernable “singing” into the wee hours. All the best to you for a great next step!

Comment by prairiestatedem Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 12:33 pm
Kathleen deserves the best send off for her retirement. She was not only one of the best bartenders, but one of the best bosses I ever worked with. Absolutely top notch!

Comment by Mister Ed Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 12:36 pm
Thank you, Kathleen…you will be always Da bestest bartender ever for me. Enjoy your retirement.

Comment by Moi Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 12:58 pm
Well earned retirement, Kathleen. And you will definitely be missed.

Comment by Leslie K Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 1:10 pm
Kathleen’s homemade Chex mix seasoning blend is the stuff of legends. I may have even taken some ziplock bags full when leaving town after adjournment.

All the other sentiments are spot on, but I’ll ALWAYS remember the Chex mix. She could retire on selling that recipe.

Comment by Matty Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 2:33 pm
Have a long, safe and happy retirement Kathleen. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for befriending my Mom when she would come down for Convention. We’ll have lunch/dinner and drinks when I come back down to visit. Or if you visit Joliet, the tab will be on me. Godspeed my dear friend.

Comment by Eddy Wednesday, Jan 26, 22 @ 6:20 pm