Carney’s Tavern has long been a place for the families and good friends of Ballston Lake to gather. While it has been a landmark for three decades, owner Rosemary Carney said she’d like to go out while still on top. So, the tavern will close its doors on Saturday, Oct. 20 — the tavern’s 30th anniversary.
“It’s been a great 30 years, I don’t have any regrets,” said Carney.
Her husband, Bob Carney, died this past February and she said she has some great memories with him at the tavern, but is looking forward to spending more time with her children and grandchildren.
Carney admitted it was a challenge to pick from her favorite memories but those that stand out include Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations and being witness to growing families within the community.
“There are just so many wonderful memories of the groups who have met here. It’s been a real center of town for a long time,” she said.
The Carneys swung open the doors of the tavern in 1982. The building itself is much older, and boasts Theodore Roosevelt as a famous visitor when he stopped in for a meal in 1901 on his way to Buffalo after President William McKinley was shot. The tavern was also face with closure under different circumstances in 2008, when sewage issues nearly ran Carney’s out of business before the community petitioned the state DEC to renegotiate its demands.
“It was really in poor shape and just the two of us working together. It’s been wonderful, I truly will miss it,” said Carney.
Town of Ballston Supervisor Patti Southworth said she’ll miss being able to go to Carney’s, especially with friends after ball games.
“Bob and Rosemary have always been very good community members and valued community partners. Carney’s has been providing the area with a restaurant and friendship – that’s important in small community,” said Southworth.
The maintenance needed to keep a historic building going is an obstacle to finding another owner. Southworth and Pete Bardunias, president and CEO of the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, have chatted about getting the message out about the importance of historic buildings and Southworth said their hope is to form a network of assistance and support for people who are interested in revitalizing historic buildings throughout the county.
“It concerns me that small business owners who choose to operate in venerable or historic buildings often find themselves squeezed by ever-stricter environmental regulations, preservation rules and other such impediments to profitability,” said Bardunias. “It’s simply getting harder to make a profit and if we don’t find innovative and practical ways to support them we will likely lose more of these type of businesses, which will damage the character of our communities.”
Carney said the business has long centered on folklore, including how it was at one time a hotel and bar equipped with a “swear box” aiming to curb foul-mouthed patrons.
“If you said any kind of off-color remark you had to put a quarter in the swear box. The money was given to Our Lady of Grace Church,” said Carney.
As to what is next for Carney’s Tavern, Carney said she’s just going to enjoy the time between now and closing day. After that, she’ll start to figure out just what the fate of the building will be. She said her children, while having worked at the tavern, have not expressed any interest in taking it on themselves.
“I’ll find some use to keep it open. … We’ll work hard to find somebody that will fit in here and maintain it and be part of the local community,” Carney said.
When asked what she’ll miss the most, Carney said her devoted staff, especially Kathy Smith who has been with the establishment since day one.
“Kathy’s only taken about six or seven days off in 30 years,” Carney said.
On closing day, Saturday, Oct. 20, Carney’s will be hosting an open house with live entertainment. It’s an anniversary celebration, as well.
Carney said the event would be a chance to “have one more glass to Carney’s Tavern.” She added she’s thankful to the community’s support over the years through good times and bad, and that it’s been a great place to live and work.
On Sept. 22, the tavern hosted its third Burnt Hills Ballston Lake Community Day DanRan 5K Run/Walk Race in memory of Danny Ward, who worked at Carney’s until his death a few years ago. For more about the race, visit www.areep.com. Proceeds benefit the Danny G. Ward Memorial Scholarship.