“Bow Ties and Boaters” – Come Celebrate on June 18th!

Break out the old timey neckwear for an evening of fun and remembrance at North Shore Holiday House, as we hoist a few craft beers in honor of Dr. John Finley. John, the bow-tie and boater-wearing proprietor of Doc Finley’s Publick House in Huntington, passed away last November.  This gentle, dapper man created an institution in Huntington. I hope you’ll join those of us who loved him, his pub and restaurant to kick off the summer season with a cold one and a lot of fun stories about his 17 years at the helm.  The event takes place at NSHH (not at Finley’s!) Saturday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m.

This event is the spring event fundraiser for the North Shore Holiday House, a camp for girls in need. I’m on the board of directors there, and I can tell you it’s a wonderful institution. When you purchase your tickets online, consider sponsoring at an Admiral, Lieutenant or First Mate Sponsor level. You can also donate by putting an ad in the event book.  For more information, call NSHH at 427-7630 or email at info@nshh.org.

But back to the event. Let’s test your knowledge of John Finley. Which of the following statements about him are true? 

Finley's Publick House

1) He was a merchant marine who sailed to Africa. 

2) He was a dentist. 

3) He bought the bar (formerly Gavin’s) after his son turned down the opportunity. 

4) He really struggled with the decision to leave dentistry for the life of a barkeep. 

5) He loved to play hockey. 

6) He considered himself Lucky to Live Here in the Five Harbors area of Long Island. 

And the answers are: 

1) True. He was a captain for Farrell Lines, running cargo to and from Africa. On a 1966 trip to Cape Town, he met his future wife, Sandra Borden. They were married for 42 years. 

2) True. He practiced dentistry for 10 years, from 1983 to 1993, when he bought the bar. 

3) True. According to Sandy, it was an impulsive decision. 

4) False. Sandy said John quickly discovered that, “It’s a lot easier to sell a glass of beer than a root canal,” took off the white lab coat, and never looked back. 

5) True. Sandy handed out John’s bow ties to his hockey friends, who wore them to his funeral. 

6) Undoubtedly!!   

The June 18 party is a fun event for a great cause. Hope to see you there!