Post #727377 by MaukaHale on Fri, Sep 12, 2014 9:26 AM

I used to go to Tulagi's in the 1970s to see bands perform. At that time it wasn't anything like a tiki bar. It was a place for college students to drink 3.2 beer and listen to music.

"In 1943, a "soft drink and dancing place" called the Anchorage had opened in a theater building first called the Rialto and later the Fox. In 1948, owner Ray Imel changed the name to Tulagi--for the island in the Pacific where his son died during World War II.

In 1951, Tulagi moved to a new building next door, where a vividly colored painting depicted Tulagi Bay. Known at the time as a "beer tavern," the establishment also served 3.2 percent beer and began booking nationally-known live entertainers. Herb Kauvar purchased the business in the early 1970s."

Tale of Tulagi

Following are some highlights from Tulagi's colorful past:

1947: Businessmen Ray Imel and Rex Bailey launch Tulagi.

1950s-60s: Tulagi is a sometimes-rowdy beer joint, selling 3.2 beer to the 18-and-older, largely fraternity crowd.

1969: Would-be promoter Chuck Morris, a University of Colorado student, convinces the owner of the Sink to buy the then-bankrupt Tulagi and install him as manager.

Late December 1971: The Eagles play five nights at Tulagi.

1970s heyday: Tulagi hosts Linda Ronstadt, the Doobie Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, ZZ Top, the Flying Burrito Brothers, John Lee Hooker and Miles Davis.

2003: State tax agents seize the club; Tulagi owners sell the business and its liquor license to the owners of the neighboring Fox Theatre.

2004: Pete Turner, owner of Illegal Pete's, submits a plan for a Cuban restaurant and music venue that is heavily contested by area neighbors. The Planning Board ultimately rejects the plan.

2005: Rockrimmon Real Estate, the property's owner, puts four buildings up for sale, including the one formerly occupied by Tulagi. Rockrimmon starts remodeling the Tulagi building to serve retail purposes.

2006: The venue hosts a handful of live music performances that are part of the Radio & Records Triple-A Summit.

2007: A Which Wich sandwich shop becomes the former music venue's first retail tenant.

[ Edited by: MaukaHale 2014-09-12 09:33 ]