Sabra and I opted to spend New Year’s Eve in Solon.
The town was my home from 1980 to 2000. That streak ended when my youngest daughter graduated HS, I got remarried, sold the Economist and moved in with Sabra.
During that time, I enjoyed ringing in the New Year in town, having dinner at Joensy’s or the Country Café, and then attending a dance at the American Legion. But since then, I haven’t been back for the ushering in of a New Year.
Twenty-four years sure can fly by.
Old friends from town sometimes ask me if I miss running the Solon Economist. The answer is: While running the newspaper was a great job in a friendly town, being a small businessperson in a tough, and getting tougher, business was not always easy times with big profits. As such, I was happy to turn the keys over to a new owner. But I’m quick to add that I do miss Solon. It’s a friendly town with a lot of spirit and pride.
That’s why this year I said, “let’s spend New Year’s Eve in Solon.”
It was a spectacular night.
First off, we checked into the Literary Hotel. Back in the day I covered more than a few pine car derbies, wedding receptions and dance recitals at the old Catholic Literary Society building. And from my upstairs apartment across the street, I watched many a day go by over the majestic old building. All the while, I realized the structure was a bit of a white elephant that outlived its original purpose.
That’s why I was happy to see the building repurposed and given new life by being turned into shops for small business and the hotel. I can say now that the work done was beautiful and important. I urge anyone needing to put up someone for the night to consider booking a room. Or book it for yourself and party to the cows come home.
For dinner, we headed to the Big Grove brewpub. While talking this establishment up, I mean no slight to the other great places including Eastwoods, Uncle Sang Sushi, Blue Bird, El Sol and Frida Kahlo. So many great restaurants but only one night to spend. Big Grove did not disappoint. Nothing like a brew made right on premises, and a scrumptious dinner to boot.
To top off the night, we caught another local band, The Jello Shots, at the American Legion.
I can remember so many fun dances (a special shoutout to Olds and the Mobiles), Beef Day meetings or just a few beers with the locals. The Legion is a great place to spend the evening, and it’s one of Solon’s biggest boosters. If there was something good brought to Solon, it’s almost certain that the Legion’s stamp is on it.
This is all to say how happy I was to see Solon doing so well. Thanks for a great evening. Keep up the good work.
Brian Fleck
Solon