Nebraska Minor League Baseball
Nebraska State League
Beatrice Blues 1923
Beatrice Blues
Photo Courtesy Steven UngerAfter finishing fourth in 1922 the Beatrice Blues hoped to improve in 1923. Opening game was scheduled for May 4th with Fairbury as the opponent. A street parade at 3:30 was followed by the game at 4:00 P.M. The Blues looked strong in the field but "Pop" Willetts, manager was concerned about the strength of the pitching staff. His concerns were affirmed as the Blues lost their first two games to Fairbury. In the opener over 1,200 fans saw the Fairbury Coyotes defeating the Blues 7-6. It is interesting that many sources called Fairbury the "Jeffersons" however the Beatrice paper consistently listed them as the "Coyotes". Beatrice wound up being last in the league in batting with a .241 average and
The Blues went through a lot of players in the beginning of the year. Lon Jackman was traded to Grand Island but jumped his contract leading to a number of problems for the Blues.
Although the Blues stayed around .500 ball all year they were unable to move up in the standings. Like most state league teams the Blues were in constant financial difficulty. In August the team had a special "Boosters" day. A newspaper report of the day states:
"Free air has been provided for those with voices suitable for rooting and all are invited to use as much of it as they may wish."
In August the Beatrice team tried out various young town team pitchers in league games. Malicky from Barneston and Oliver from Syracuse Nebraska were given try outs with the Blues.
Beatrice played games at both the "Driving Park" and at the "Athletic Park". Any details about the location/description of these parks would be appreciated.
The Beatrice uniform for the year were white with a dark stripe. The name Blues was printed across the front of the shirts.
Beatrice Baseball
Photo courtesy Steven UngerRoster:
Boyd who was also a pitcher, played in 57 games and had a .290 average to lead Beatrice for the year.
Fred Bowman who played in 127 games for Beatrice and Grand Island. He started the year with Beatrice, but by August he was playing for Grand Island in the outfield. He averaged .294 for the year.
Eugene Suggs played in the middle of the infield for Beatrice. The second sacker played in 125 games and had a .288 average.
T. Speaker was a regular in the right field garden for the Blues. He played in 132 games and was their cleanup hitter with a .284 average and eleven home runs.
William Quinn was the regular shortstop for the Blues in 1923. He played in 132 games and had a .281 average. He was sold to Kansas City at the end of the season. He was in the Eastern Shore League in 1924.
W. Schaefer anchored the third base spot for Beatrice. He played in 84 games and had a .259 average.
Harold Stanley Unger, the Blues catcher played in 108 games and had a .218 average.
McGrath was the Blues first baseman for 72 games and had a .217 average.
Paul McCoy was a 17 year old prospect from Prescott Arizona. He played in 100 games and averaged .243. He started his stint in professional ball as a 16 year old playing for Lincoln in 1922. He played for Salina Kansas in 1924 after the Beatrice team disbanded. In 1927 he played for Los Angeles in the Pacific Coast League.
Mike O'Leary was the leadoff hitter for the Blues. He played center field. He played in 125 games and had a .191 average.
William Novak played in mainly in the outfield. He also played backup catcher behind Unger. He played in 42 games and had a .234 average.
Pitchers:
Pop Willetts managed the Blues and pitched in 20 games. He wound up with an 8-6 record with the Blues.
Boyd pitched 25 games and had a 14-8 record.
Clyde Kettenbeil was a 23 year old pitcher from Michigan. He had a 13-7 record.
Edward Kutina was 7-4 in 14 games for Beatrice.
Demarest started the opening game for Beatrice. For the season he was 5-5 in the 10 games he pitched. His contract was bought by Pittsburg. He wound up in Williamsport in 1924 and 1925.
A Prejean managed a 12-6 record.
Farnum was 4-4.
W. Miller was 3-3.
Oliver the young man from Syracuse Nebraska was given a chance at the end of the year. He pitched in 2 games and had a 0-1 record.
Nebraska State League Standings 1923
Nebraska Minor League Baseball Home
Nebraska State League
Beatrice Blues 1923
Beatrice Blues
Photo Courtesy Steven UngerAfter finishing fourth in 1922 the Beatrice Blues hoped to improve in 1923. Opening game was scheduled for May 4th with Fairbury as the opponent. A street parade at 3:30 was followed by the game at 4:00 P.M. The Blues looked strong in the field but "Pop" Willetts, manager was concerned about the strength of the pitching staff. His concerns were affirmed as the Blues lost their first two games to Fairbury. In the opener over 1,200 fans saw the Fairbury Coyotes defeating the Blues 7-6. It is interesting that many sources called Fairbury the "Jeffersons" however the Beatrice paper consistently listed them as the "Coyotes". Beatrice wound up being last in the league in batting with a .241 average and
The Blues went through a lot of players in the beginning of the year. Lon Jackman was traded to Grand Island but jumped his contract leading to a number of problems for the Blues.
Although the Blues stayed around .500 ball all year they were unable to move up in the standings. Like most state league teams the Blues were in constant financial difficulty. In August the team had a special "Boosters" day. A newspaper report of the day states:
"Free air has been provided for those with voices suitable for rooting and all are invited to use as much of it as they may wish."
In August the Beatrice team tried out various young town team pitchers in league games. Malicky from Barneston and Oliver from Syracuse Nebraska were given try outs with the Blues.
Beatrice played games at both the "Driving Park" and at the "Athletic Park". Any details about the location/description of these parks would be appreciated.
The Beatrice uniform for the year were white with a dark stripe. The name Blues was printed across the front of the shirts.
Beatrice Baseball
Photo courtesy Steven UngerRoster:
Boyd who was also a pitcher, played in 57 games and had a .290 average to lead Beatrice for the year.
Fred Bowman who played in 127 games for Beatrice and Grand Island. He started the year with Beatrice, but by August he was playing for Grand Island in the outfield. He averaged .294 for the year.
Eugene Suggs played in the middle of the infield for Beatrice. The second sacker played in 125 games and had a .288 average.
T. Speaker was a regular in the right field garden for the Blues. He played in 132 games and was their cleanup hitter with a .284 average and eleven home runs.
William Quinn was the regular shortstop for the Blues in 1923. He played in 132 games and had a .281 average. He was sold to Kansas City at the end of the season. He was in the Eastern Shore League in 1924.
W. Schaefer anchored the third base spot for Beatrice. He played in 84 games and had a .259 average.
Harold Stanley Unger, the Blues catcher played in 108 games and had a .218 average.
McGrath was the Blues first baseman for 72 games and had a .217 average.
Paul McCoy was a 17 year old prospect from Prescott Arizona. He played in 100 games and averaged .243. He started his stint in professional ball as a 16 year old playing for Lincoln in 1922. He played for Salina Kansas in 1924 after the Beatrice team disbanded. In 1927 he played for Los Angeles in the Pacific Coast League.
Mike O'Leary was the leadoff hitter for the Blues. He played center field. He played in 125 games and had a .191 average.
William Novak played in mainly in the outfield. He also played backup catcher behind Unger. He played in 42 games and had a .234 average.
Pitchers:
Pop Willetts managed the Blues and pitched in 20 games. He wound up with an 8-6 record with the Blues.
Boyd pitched 25 games and had a 14-8 record.
Clyde Kettenbeil was a 23 year old pitcher from Michigan. He had a 13-7 record.
Edward Kutina was 7-4 in 14 games for Beatrice.
Demarest started the opening game for Beatrice. For the season he was 5-5 in the 10 games he pitched. His contract was bought by Pittsburg. He wound up in Williamsport in 1924 and 1925.
A Prejean managed a 12-6 record.
Farnum was 4-4.
W. Miller was 3-3.
Oliver the young man from Syracuse Nebraska was given a chance at the end of the year. He pitched in 2 games and had a 0-1 record.
Nebraska State League Standings 1923
Nebraska Minor League Baseball Home
Paul Revlon McCoy
Position: Relief Pitcher
Bats: Unknown • Throws: Unknown
Born: July 14, 1905 in Prescott, AZ us
Full Name: Paul R. McCoy
YearAgeAgeDif192721-7.2
1929232.1All Levels (2 Seasons)
YearAgeAgeDifTmLgLevAffWLW-L%ERARA9GGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBFWHIPH9HR9BB9SO9SO/W192721-7.2Los AngelesPCLAA00410.0
1929232.1Santa Ana/Pomona/CoronadoCASLD48.3331453All Levels (2 Seasons)48.3331810.053
YearAgeAgeDifTmLgLevAffGPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSTBGDPHBPSHSFIBB192721-7.3Los AngelesPCLAA452000.400.4002
192822-1.1PocatelloUTIDC
1929231.4Santa Ana/Pomona/CoronadoCASLD14357000.200.2007All Levels (3 Seasons)18404090009
YearAgeTmLgLevAffStintFromTo
1927 21 Los Angeles AngelsPacific Coast League AA
1928 22 Pocatello BannocksUtah-Idaho League C
1929 23 Santa Ana/Pomona/Coronado Orange Countians/ArabsCalifornia State League D Chadwick ID: 3bbfbd2b
More McCoy PagesPaul McCoy Overview
Minor Lg Stats
More Paul McCoy Pages at Baseball Reference
Position: Relief Pitcher
Bats: Unknown • Throws: Unknown
Born: July 14, 1905 in Prescott, AZ us
Full Name: Paul R. McCoy
YearAgeAgeDif192721-7.2
1929232.1All Levels (2 Seasons)
YearAgeAgeDifTmLgLevAffWLW-L%ERARA9GGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBFWHIPH9HR9BB9SO9SO/W192721-7.2Los AngelesPCLAA00410.0
1929232.1Santa Ana/Pomona/CoronadoCASLD48.3331453All Levels (2 Seasons)48.3331810.053
YearAgeAgeDifTmLgLevAffGPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSTBGDPHBPSHSFIBB192721-7.3Los AngelesPCLAA452000.400.4002
192822-1.1PocatelloUTIDC
1929231.4Santa Ana/Pomona/CoronadoCASLD14357000.200.2007All Levels (3 Seasons)18404090009
YearAgeTmLgLevAffStintFromTo
1927 21 Los Angeles AngelsPacific Coast League AA
1928 22 Pocatello BannocksUtah-Idaho League C
1929 23 Santa Ana/Pomona/Coronado Orange Countians/ArabsCalifornia State League D Chadwick ID: 3bbfbd2b
More McCoy PagesPaul McCoy Overview
Minor Lg Stats
More Paul McCoy Pages at Baseball Reference
The McCoy Family History
https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/stats/p-3bbfbd2b
Paul Revlon McCoy
Born: July 14, 1905
Prescott, AZ US
Primary Position: First base
Bats:
Throws:
Height:
Weight:
Career: 1922-1929
Paul McCoy compiled a career batting average of .265 with 15 home runs and 0 RBI in his 235-game career with the Lincoln Links, Beatrice Blues, Salina Millers, Los Angeles Angels and Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs. He began playing during the 1922 season and last took the field during the 1929 campaign.
Click on column headings to sort.
Pitching:YearLevelLgTeamWLW%ERAGGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBF1927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels000.00410.0
1929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs48.333140.053Totals48.3330.00180000010.0000053000000
Batting:YearLevelLgTeamGPPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSTBDPHBPSHSFIBB1922DNESLLincoln Links1184444441161948.261.261.376.637167
1924DNESLBeatrice Blues5018118152.287.287.287.57552
1924DSWLG2Salina Millers4917617646717.261.261.432.69376
1927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels4552000.400.400.400.8002
1929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs1435357000.200.200.200.4007Totals23584184102232651500000.265.265.361.62730400000
Fielding:YearLevelLgTeamPosGPPOAEDPFld%RF/G1922DNESLLincoln Links1B11810666836.9699.610Totals118106668360.9699.610
Minor League Service:YearLevelLeagueTeamAffiliationFirst AppearanceFinal Appearance1922DNebraska State LeagueLincoln Links
1923DNebraska State LeagueBeatrice Blues
1924DSouthwestern LeagueSalina Millers
1927AAPacific Coast LeagueLos Angeles Angels
1929DCalifornia State LeagueSanta Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs
Those Pre-Pro Whiskey Men!
Monday, April 4, 2016F. G. McCoy of Prescott, AZ's “Whiskey Row”
For more than a century a two-block stretch of South Montezuma Street in Prescott, Arizona, for excellent reasons has been known as “Whiskey Row,” one of the most famous “sin” strips of the Old West. When F. G. McCoy established his Wellington Saloon at 136 South Montezuma, he was neither the first nor the last to establish a rip-roaring “watering hole” on that notorious street, just one of the more creative.
When McCoy opened his saloon in 1902, Whiskey Row already was in full swing. The original strip, as shown above, was largely of frame construction. Dozens of drinking establishments — some said as many as 40 — had stood shoulder to shoulder for two blocks since the early days of Prescott. Located in the center of the state and the seat of Yayapai County, in 1864 Prescott was designated the capital of the Arizona Territory. In 1867 the capital was moved to Tucson for 10 years and then brought back to Prescott. In 1889 Phoenix became the permanent capital.
According to local legend, prior to 1877, Prescott’s Whiskey Row had been located several blocks from its present location. It was moved, some say, because wives and local employers insisted. They complained that patrons of the Row were forced to cross a footbridge over Granite Creek and in the wet season those who had taken a “drop too many” were in danger of falling in and drowning. Prescott poet Gail Gardner wrote:
"Oh they starts her in at the Kaintucky bar,
at the head of Whiskey Row,
and they winds up down by the Depot House,
some forty drinks below."
In July 1900 the Row was destroyed by fire. Patrons of the Palace Saloon, Arizona’s oldest, were not deterred. They carried the saloon’s ornate Brunswick bar across the street to safety and continued drinking. Within a few days of the fire, rebuilding commenced, this time using brick and masonry. Most of the buildings were constructed between the Fall of 1900 and 1905. Shown above, they were built in typical early 20th Century styles.
Enter F. G. McCoy. In 1902 with a relative, J.E. McCoy, he established the Wellington Saloon at 136 South Montezuma, between the Palace at 122 and the Owl Saloon at 138. Unlike many of his fellow Whiskey Row neighbors, McCoy was not just selling liquor as received from wholesalers. He also was decanting whiskey into flask-sized bottles in half-pint, shown left, and pint size, shown right, both with his own seal.
Show left is another bottle of a slightly different shape in purple/puce. Uncommonly too, McCoy also incorporated his business. The embossing on his bottles read: “F. G. McCoy Co., Inc., The Wellington Saloon, Prescott, Arizona.” Arizona bottles of this kind are rare and are highly prized by collectors of Western whiskey bottles. Although they rarely come up for sale, when they do, McCoy’s bottles draw fancy prices.
McCoy also was selling bottles of mineral water from the Bartlett Springs Company in Lake County, California. The November 10, 1903, issue of theArizona Journal-Miner, the local daily,reported that McCoy had just received a carload of “this famous water for the Prescott trade.” The newspaper glowingly described the health benefits of this water over nine column inches of type, including the following observation: “It is also claimed that Bartlett Water removes all desire for alcohol in persons who unfortunately have developed a taste for and acquired the drinking habit. Every effect of the alcoholic poison is corrected and the system toned up and invigorated until the necessity for a stimulant no longer exists.”
That McCoy would promote a beverage to remove the desire for alcohol was another sign that he was not just an ordinary saloonkeeper. His Wellington Saloon prospered by promoting that “alcoholic poison” and by encouraging “the drinking habit” in its denizens. Among incentives McCoy provided to buying a drink was a token good for five cents in trade. For that amount, equivalent to about $1.25 today, one could get a shot of prime whiskey. A full glass cost fifteen cents. Although such tokens were common along Whiskey Row, McCoy’s coin had a fancy “face”: Note the decorated “5.”
Each Prescott saloon had its own regulars, cowboys, miner, soldiers or businessmen, and each had its own attractions. McCoy’s Wellington Saloon encouraged gambling on premises. A local artist caught the action of a game of chance there. From the dress of the gents in the Wellington picture, McCoy’s clientele were from the local business community. They were shown playing faro. That was a card game, more related to blackjack than poker, popular in the Old West for its fast action, simple rules, and better odds than other games.
In 1904, the owner took a second relative, B. L. McCoy, into his operation as a partner. F.G. McCoy’s tenure at the Wellington, however, proved to be relatively short. By 1907, the saloon was no longer listed in directories. The reason may have been Arizona’s off-and-on flirtation with prohibiting alcohol sales. In 1901 a “local option” law was passed permitting individual counties and towns to decide on how to regulate alcohol. Although no evidence exists that Prescott went “dry,” McCoy may have felt it affected his business in adjacent towns. The law was repealed in 1909.
By 1912, F. G. McCoy surfaced again in the saloon business. This time he was recorded as running a Prescott saloon with F. C. Whisman. Frank Whisman had been a Prescott bartender, likely working at the Wellington Saloon. The partners called their enterprise simply “McCoy and Whisman.” It too was a short-lived enterprise, forced to shut down when Arizona voters in 1913 approved a statewide ban on alcohol that went into effect on New Years Day, almost six years before National Prohibition.
The outcry from Whiskey Row, shown above circa 1914, was strong. Several saloonkeepers posted signs on their locked doors reading: “Closed. Our business and our right to earn a living have been destroyed by a crowd of imported agitators.” Well, not exactly. The perpetrators primarily were the ladies of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, more than a few of them the wives of Whiskey Row customers.
The actual effects on the town’s once booming liquor industry were less than catastrophic. Although the Journal Miner opined that “Prescott will have the appearance of the proverbial deserted village,” the changes largely proved to be cosmetic. The fronts of the saloons were converted into ice cream parlors, but liquor was readily available in back rooms and basements. With the local sheriff taking a lenient view toward enforcing “dry” laws, a 1920 census indicated some 60 saloons were still operating in Yavapai County.
National Prohibition similarly seems to have had little effect on the drinking habits of Prescott residents. Because getting to the town from Phoenix by road was difficult, Federal agents likely had trouble reaching there and few news accounts exist of liquor-related arrests in town. Post-Prohibition Whiskey Row, as shown below in 1935, rebounded quickly in neon lights and busy bartenders to satisfy a thirsty Arizona clientele.
During the superficially “dry” years, F. G. McCoy faded into the mists of time. He seems to have avoided the U.S. census takers during his life and his place of interment has not yet been recorded. Still, we remember F. G. McCoy as a “whiskey man” who created the Wellington Saloon on Whiskey Row, achieving recognition by artists, historians and collectors, and leaving behind flasks and bar tokens as his lasting legacy.
Note: Today the 100 block of South Montezuma Street is still touted as the famous “Whiskey Row” and visitors to Prescott are encouraged to stop at its shops and eateries. Unfortunately, the current strip has been described as “too touristy,” by some who are disappointed that it does not present a more authentic Wild West setting and appearance.
Born: July 14, 1905
Prescott, AZ US
Primary Position: First base
Bats:
Throws:
Height:
Weight:
Career: 1922-1929
Paul McCoy compiled a career batting average of .265 with 15 home runs and 0 RBI in his 235-game career with the Lincoln Links, Beatrice Blues, Salina Millers, Los Angeles Angels and Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs. He began playing during the 1922 season and last took the field during the 1929 campaign.
Click on column headings to sort.
Pitching:YearLevelLgTeamWLW%ERAGGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBF1927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels000.00410.01929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs48.333140.053Totals48.3330.00180000010.0000053000000
Batting:YearLevelLgTeamGPPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSTBDPHBPSHSFIBB1922DNESLLincoln Links1184444441161948.261.261.376.6371671924DNESLBeatrice Blues5018118152.287.287.287.575521924DSWLG2Salina Millers4917617646717.261.261.432.693761927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels4552000.400.400.400.80021929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs1435357000.200.200.200.4007Totals23584184102232651500000.265.265.361.62730400000
Fielding:YearLevelLgTeamPosGPPOAEDPFld%RF/G1922DNESLLincoln Links1B11810666836.9699.610Totals118106668360.9699.610
Minor League Service:YearLevelLeagueTeamAffiliationFirst AppearanceFinal Appearance1922DNebraska State LeagueLincoln Links1923DNebraska State LeagueBeatrice Blues1924DSouthwestern LeagueSalina Millers1927AAPacific Coast LeagueLos Angeles Angels1929DCalifornia State LeagueSanta Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs
Born: July 14, 1905
Prescott, AZ US
Primary Position: First base
Bats:
Throws:
Height:
Weight:
Career: 1922-1929
Paul McCoy compiled a career batting average of .265 with 15 home runs and 0 RBI in his 235-game career with the Lincoln Links, Beatrice Blues, Salina Millers, Los Angeles Angels and Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs. He began playing during the 1922 season and last took the field during the 1929 campaign.
Click on column headings to sort.
Pitching:YearLevelLgTeamWLW%ERAGGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBF1927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels000.00410.01929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs48.333140.053Totals48.3330.00180000010.0000053000000
Batting:YearLevelLgTeamGPPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSTBDPHBPSHSFIBB1922DNESLLincoln Links1184444441161948.261.261.376.6371671924DNESLBeatrice Blues5018118152.287.287.287.575521924DSWLG2Salina Millers4917617646717.261.261.432.693761927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels4552000.400.400.400.80021929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs1435357000.200.200.200.4007Totals23584184102232651500000.265.265.361.62730400000
Fielding:YearLevelLgTeamPosGPPOAEDPFld%RF/G1922DNESLLincoln Links1B11810666836.9699.610Totals118106668360.9699.610
Minor League Service:YearLevelLeagueTeamAffiliationFirst AppearanceFinal Appearance1922DNebraska State LeagueLincoln Links1923DNebraska State LeagueBeatrice Blues1924DSouthwestern LeagueSalina Millers1927AAPacific Coast LeagueLos Angeles Angels1929DCalifornia State LeagueSanta Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs
https://www.statscrew.com/minorbaseball/stats/p-3bbfbd2b
Paul Revlon McCoy
Born: July 14, 1905
Prescott, AZ US
Primary Position: First base
Bats:
Throws:
Height:
Weight:
Career: 1922-1929
Paul McCoy compiled a career batting average of .265 with 15 home runs and 0 RBI in his 235-game career with the Lincoln Links, Beatrice Blues, Salina Millers, Los Angeles Angels and Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs. He began playing during the 1922 season and last took the field during the 1929 campaign.
Click on column headings to sort.
Pitching:YearLevelLgTeamWLW%ERAGGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBF1927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels000.00410.0
1929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs48.333140.053Totals48.3330.00180000010.0000053000000
Batting:YearLevelLgTeamGPPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSTBDPHBPSHSFIBB1922DNESLLincoln Links1184444441161948.261.261.376.637167
1924DNESLBeatrice Blues5018118152.287.287.287.57552
1924DSWLG2Salina Millers4917617646717.261.261.432.69376
1927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels4552000.400.400.400.8002
1929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs1435357000.200.200.200.4007Totals23584184102232651500000.265.265.361.62730400000
Fielding:YearLevelLgTeamPosGPPOAEDPFld%RF/G1922DNESLLincoln Links1B11810666836.9699.610Totals118106668360.9699.610
Minor League Service:YearLevelLeagueTeamAffiliationFirst AppearanceFinal Appearance1922DNebraska State LeagueLincoln Links
1923DNebraska State LeagueBeatrice Blues
1924DSouthwestern LeagueSalina Millers
1927AAPacific Coast LeagueLos Angeles Angels
1929DCalifornia State LeagueSanta Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs
Those Pre-Pro Whiskey Men!
Monday, April 4, 2016F. G. McCoy of Prescott, AZ's “Whiskey Row”
For more than a century a two-block stretch of South Montezuma Street in Prescott, Arizona, for excellent reasons has been known as “Whiskey Row,” one of the most famous “sin” strips of the Old West. When F. G. McCoy established his Wellington Saloon at 136 South Montezuma, he was neither the first nor the last to establish a rip-roaring “watering hole” on that notorious street, just one of the more creative.
When McCoy opened his saloon in 1902, Whiskey Row already was in full swing. The original strip, as shown above, was largely of frame construction. Dozens of drinking establishments — some said as many as 40 — had stood shoulder to shoulder for two blocks since the early days of Prescott. Located in the center of the state and the seat of Yayapai County, in 1864 Prescott was designated the capital of the Arizona Territory. In 1867 the capital was moved to Tucson for 10 years and then brought back to Prescott. In 1889 Phoenix became the permanent capital.
According to local legend, prior to 1877, Prescott’s Whiskey Row had been located several blocks from its present location. It was moved, some say, because wives and local employers insisted. They complained that patrons of the Row were forced to cross a footbridge over Granite Creek and in the wet season those who had taken a “drop too many” were in danger of falling in and drowning. Prescott poet Gail Gardner wrote:
"Oh they starts her in at the Kaintucky bar,
at the head of Whiskey Row,
and they winds up down by the Depot House,
some forty drinks below."
In July 1900 the Row was destroyed by fire. Patrons of the Palace Saloon, Arizona’s oldest, were not deterred. They carried the saloon’s ornate Brunswick bar across the street to safety and continued drinking. Within a few days of the fire, rebuilding commenced, this time using brick and masonry. Most of the buildings were constructed between the Fall of 1900 and 1905. Shown above, they were built in typical early 20th Century styles.
Enter F. G. McCoy. In 1902 with a relative, J.E. McCoy, he established the Wellington Saloon at 136 South Montezuma, between the Palace at 122 and the Owl Saloon at 138. Unlike many of his fellow Whiskey Row neighbors, McCoy was not just selling liquor as received from wholesalers. He also was decanting whiskey into flask-sized bottles in half-pint, shown left, and pint size, shown right, both with his own seal.
Show left is another bottle of a slightly different shape in purple/puce. Uncommonly too, McCoy also incorporated his business. The embossing on his bottles read: “F. G. McCoy Co., Inc., The Wellington Saloon, Prescott, Arizona.” Arizona bottles of this kind are rare and are highly prized by collectors of Western whiskey bottles. Although they rarely come up for sale, when they do, McCoy’s bottles draw fancy prices.
McCoy also was selling bottles of mineral water from the Bartlett Springs Company in Lake County, California. The November 10, 1903, issue of theArizona Journal-Miner, the local daily,reported that McCoy had just received a carload of “this famous water for the Prescott trade.” The newspaper glowingly described the health benefits of this water over nine column inches of type, including the following observation: “It is also claimed that Bartlett Water removes all desire for alcohol in persons who unfortunately have developed a taste for and acquired the drinking habit. Every effect of the alcoholic poison is corrected and the system toned up and invigorated until the necessity for a stimulant no longer exists.”
That McCoy would promote a beverage to remove the desire for alcohol was another sign that he was not just an ordinary saloonkeeper. His Wellington Saloon prospered by promoting that “alcoholic poison” and by encouraging “the drinking habit” in its denizens. Among incentives McCoy provided to buying a drink was a token good for five cents in trade. For that amount, equivalent to about $1.25 today, one could get a shot of prime whiskey. A full glass cost fifteen cents. Although such tokens were common along Whiskey Row, McCoy’s coin had a fancy “face”: Note the decorated “5.”
Each Prescott saloon had its own regulars, cowboys, miner, soldiers or businessmen, and each had its own attractions. McCoy’s Wellington Saloon encouraged gambling on premises. A local artist caught the action of a game of chance there. From the dress of the gents in the Wellington picture, McCoy’s clientele were from the local business community. They were shown playing faro. That was a card game, more related to blackjack than poker, popular in the Old West for its fast action, simple rules, and better odds than other games.
In 1904, the owner took a second relative, B. L. McCoy, into his operation as a partner. F.G. McCoy’s tenure at the Wellington, however, proved to be relatively short. By 1907, the saloon was no longer listed in directories. The reason may have been Arizona’s off-and-on flirtation with prohibiting alcohol sales. In 1901 a “local option” law was passed permitting individual counties and towns to decide on how to regulate alcohol. Although no evidence exists that Prescott went “dry,” McCoy may have felt it affected his business in adjacent towns. The law was repealed in 1909.
By 1912, F. G. McCoy surfaced again in the saloon business. This time he was recorded as running a Prescott saloon with F. C. Whisman. Frank Whisman had been a Prescott bartender, likely working at the Wellington Saloon. The partners called their enterprise simply “McCoy and Whisman.” It too was a short-lived enterprise, forced to shut down when Arizona voters in 1913 approved a statewide ban on alcohol that went into effect on New Years Day, almost six years before National Prohibition.
The outcry from Whiskey Row, shown above circa 1914, was strong. Several saloonkeepers posted signs on their locked doors reading: “Closed. Our business and our right to earn a living have been destroyed by a crowd of imported agitators.” Well, not exactly. The perpetrators primarily were the ladies of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, more than a few of them the wives of Whiskey Row customers.
The actual effects on the town’s once booming liquor industry were less than catastrophic. Although the Journal Miner opined that “Prescott will have the appearance of the proverbial deserted village,” the changes largely proved to be cosmetic. The fronts of the saloons were converted into ice cream parlors, but liquor was readily available in back rooms and basements. With the local sheriff taking a lenient view toward enforcing “dry” laws, a 1920 census indicated some 60 saloons were still operating in Yavapai County.
National Prohibition similarly seems to have had little effect on the drinking habits of Prescott residents. Because getting to the town from Phoenix by road was difficult, Federal agents likely had trouble reaching there and few news accounts exist of liquor-related arrests in town. Post-Prohibition Whiskey Row, as shown below in 1935, rebounded quickly in neon lights and busy bartenders to satisfy a thirsty Arizona clientele.
During the superficially “dry” years, F. G. McCoy faded into the mists of time. He seems to have avoided the U.S. census takers during his life and his place of interment has not yet been recorded. Still, we remember F. G. McCoy as a “whiskey man” who created the Wellington Saloon on Whiskey Row, achieving recognition by artists, historians and collectors, and leaving behind flasks and bar tokens as his lasting legacy.
Note: Today the 100 block of South Montezuma Street is still touted as the famous “Whiskey Row” and visitors to Prescott are encouraged to stop at its shops and eateries. Unfortunately, the current strip has been described as “too touristy,” by some who are disappointed that it does not present a more authentic Wild West setting and appearance.
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Born: July 14, 1905
Prescott, AZ US
Primary Position: First base
Bats:
Throws:
Height:
Weight:
Career: 1922-1929
Paul McCoy compiled a career batting average of .265 with 15 home runs and 0 RBI in his 235-game career with the Lincoln Links, Beatrice Blues, Salina Millers, Los Angeles Angels and Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs. He began playing during the 1922 season and last took the field during the 1929 campaign.
Click on column headings to sort.
Pitching:YearLevelLgTeamWLW%ERAGGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBF1927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels000.00410.01929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs48.333140.053Totals48.3330.00180000010.0000053000000
Batting:YearLevelLgTeamGPPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSTBDPHBPSHSFIBB1922DNESLLincoln Links1184444441161948.261.261.376.6371671924DNESLBeatrice Blues5018118152.287.287.287.575521924DSWLG2Salina Millers4917617646717.261.261.432.693761927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels4552000.400.400.400.80021929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs1435357000.200.200.200.4007Totals23584184102232651500000.265.265.361.62730400000
Fielding:YearLevelLgTeamPosGPPOAEDPFld%RF/G1922DNESLLincoln Links1B11810666836.9699.610Totals118106668360.9699.610
Minor League Service:YearLevelLeagueTeamAffiliationFirst AppearanceFinal Appearance1922DNebraska State LeagueLincoln Links1923DNebraska State LeagueBeatrice Blues1924DSouthwestern LeagueSalina Millers1927AAPacific Coast LeagueLos Angeles Angels1929DCalifornia State LeagueSanta Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs
- Home
- Baseball
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- About
Born: July 14, 1905
Prescott, AZ US
Primary Position: First base
Bats:
Throws:
Height:
Weight:
Career: 1922-1929
Paul McCoy compiled a career batting average of .265 with 15 home runs and 0 RBI in his 235-game career with the Lincoln Links, Beatrice Blues, Salina Millers, Los Angeles Angels and Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs. He began playing during the 1922 season and last took the field during the 1929 campaign.
Click on column headings to sort.
Pitching:YearLevelLgTeamWLW%ERAGGSGFCGSHOSVIPHRERHRBBIBBSOHBPBKWPBF1927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels000.00410.01929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs48.333140.053Totals48.3330.00180000010.0000053000000
Batting:YearLevelLgTeamGPPAABRH2B3BHRRBISBCSBBSOBAOBPSLGOPSTBDPHBPSHSFIBB1922DNESLLincoln Links1184444441161948.261.261.376.6371671924DNESLBeatrice Blues5018118152.287.287.287.575521924DSWLG2Salina Millers4917617646717.261.261.432.693761927AAPCLLos Angeles Angels4552000.400.400.400.80021929DCASL3Santa Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs1435357000.200.200.200.4007Totals23584184102232651500000.265.265.361.62730400000
Fielding:YearLevelLgTeamPosGPPOAEDPFld%RF/G1922DNESLLincoln Links1B11810666836.9699.610Totals118106668360.9699.610
Minor League Service:YearLevelLeagueTeamAffiliationFirst AppearanceFinal Appearance1922DNebraska State LeagueLincoln Links1923DNebraska State LeagueBeatrice Blues1924DSouthwestern LeagueSalina Millers1927AAPacific Coast LeagueLos Angeles Angels1929DCalifornia State LeagueSanta Ana Orange Countians/Pomona/Coronado Arabs
