SUNSET — A fire broke out on Saturday night robbing the Upstate of a little piece of history.

Bob’s Place, formally known as Scatterbrains, burned to the ground over the weekend in a fire that officials within the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office are calling “suspicious.”

Long time owner and operator (as well as “Bob’s” widow) Romaine Johnson has not stated publicly whether she intends to rebuild the establishment that was a popular stop off for bikers enjoying riding in the mountain scenery.

Holly Springs Fire Department responded to the scene with assistance from Pumpkintown and Vineyards but the old timer on stilts building was too far gone to be saved.

“It’s a shame,” said Deborah Gillespie of Easley. “I remember my father going up there every once and a while — and this had to be 50 years ago. Daddy didn’t drink, but he liked to stop in and see his friends.”

Larry Greer, who runs an online blog called “Southern Boy,” wrote fondly about the establishment in a post from 2012.

“One of the first things you notice after saying howdy to everybody are the hundreds of autographed dollar bills stapled to the ceiling. I’m thinking that this is Romaine’s 401K plan,” Greer wrote. “If it’s hot during the summer — and there is no air conditioning — Romaine likes to just sit out on the porch and jaw with the rest of us. If you want another beer, she says just go in there and get it yourself and leave the money on the counter. Most of the regulars know to do that anyway.”

PCSO officials have stated that several people have been questioned about the fire that destroyed Bob’s Place, but no arrests have been made.

Bob’s Place was often billed as the “oldest continuously operating bar in S.C.” but records are difficult to trace due to just how far back some establishments have been around.

According to state records, at least two other bars have claimed the title: “Jaco’s Corner” in Columbia, which had been operated since 1912 by three generations of the same family and “McCrady’s” in Charleston which dates back to 1778.

Jaco’s Corner closed its doors May 13.

Bob’s Place was often billed as the “oldest continuously operating bar in S.C.”
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_002-3.jpgBob’s Place was often billed as the “oldest continuously operating bar in S.C.” Courtesy photo

PCSO officials have stated that several people have been questioned about the fire that destroyed Bob’s Place, but no arrests have been made.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_003-1.jpgPCSO officials have stated that several people have been questioned about the fire that destroyed Bob’s Place, but no arrests have been made. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

Long time owner and operator (as well as “Bob’s” widow) Romaine Johnson has not stated publicly whether she intends to rebuild the establishment that was a popular stop off for bikers enjoying riding in the mountain scenery.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_018.jpgLong time owner and operator (as well as “Bob’s” widow) Romaine Johnson has not stated publicly whether she intends to rebuild the establishment that was a popular stop off for bikers enjoying riding in the mountain scenery. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

A few barstools is about all that remains from the historic beer joint.
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_019.jpgA few barstools is about all that remains from the historic beer joint. Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

Bob’s Place, formally known as Scatterbrains, burned to the ground over the weekend in a fire that officials within the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office are calling “suspicious.”
https://www.theeasleyprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_022.jpgBob’s Place, formally known as Scatterbrains, burned to the ground over the weekend in a fire that officials within the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office are calling “suspicious.” Kasie Strickland | The Sentinel-Progress

By Kasie Strickland

kstrickland@civitasmedia.com

Reach Kasie Strickland at 864-855-0355.