Gracie and Me: Covid-19 #70

     Blog #70 needs something good and I think I found it, right here Snyder, America. Turns out that an old, new place is just the place to meet friends, wet your whistle, crack some ivory or dance the night away. That new, old place is the old Western Auto Store on the East side of Snyder's historic square.

The Horny Toad/Snyder, TX

     The new Horny Toad Pub & Grub is open and ready for y'all to come through its very historic front door(s.)

The Horny Toad/Snyder, Tx

     First of all, you'd have to be from Snyder to know that the new "Toad," as it's called in our rural-plex, is now in the old, tired but very much appreciated Western Auto building. In fact, the bar's in the old Lawn & Garden section. The Kid Rock stage once housed refrigerators, freezers, stoves and washer and dryers. The 'Garage,' as owners Suzann and Robert Swiney call it, really was the garage... Hot, steamy, smelly but perfect for a Western Auto.
     The Swineys moved 'The Toad' less than 30-feet from its original site, but made 1,000 miles of renovations and adjustments. The rooms, decorations, stage, walls and back patio all come with a story. So, sit back for a few more minutes, Pop open your beverage of choice. I'm tell you a few.
     Of course, the cool bar with the industrial lighting is a perfect past and present mixture that says "C'mon in," but when I looked closer....

History for the Viewing/The Horny Toad, Snyder, TX

     Take a close look at this wall. See the lathe work exposed in the plaster?  Crews came across that in their work. The Swineys, upon the advice of the one and only Alex Cross, decided to cover the wall with giant plexiglass but leave the exposed lathe work so we can all see the original style of  construction, dating back at least to the early 1920s.

The Kid Rock Stage/The Horny Toad, Snyder, TX

     Here's the "Kid Rock" stage story. I'm sorry the picture's so dark. The story goes: Suzann and Robert were in Nashville at a Kid Rock concert. He was performing on this style of stage. It's hard to see but the drummer's area is higher than the others. Suzann said to Robert, "One day I want a stage like that." So, Robert built her a "Kid Rock Stage."

History Everywhere/The Horny Toad, Snyder, TX

     See the license plates on the floor. They're not going anywhere because they're covering up where old gas lines once came through the floor.... Which, by the way, is mostly original.

The Horny Toad Garage

     And if you want semi-outdoor relaxation, you gotta check out the "Toad Garage."
     "The Toad" is open. They are ENFORCING SOCIAL DISTANCING and very aware of the rules. They open at 3:00pm. Bar keep! Drinks for everyone!

     Diet Update: Moving, walking is key.
     Gracie Update: The more we walk, the more she likes our diet.

     The Word of the Day: Plain Ole Cool.... Three words that describe the new "Toad" in Snyder, America.

Bill Robertson, (6/24/20,) I didn't get a good picture, but they have GREAT restrooms. Good job Suzann and Robert.