The building that now holds the Trio Tavern was built in 1947 by Sparky Ditter. It was originally named the Meander Inn and had many owners over the years, including a man named Ross Mason, couple Gracie & Dan Morris, and three sisters - Barbara, Jenna & Wilma Russo - who gave the Trio its current moniker. Today the Trio is owned by members of the Kelley family, who took it over from proprietor Jack Smith in 2010.

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For a long time, the Trio was one of the last "true" beer taverns in the State of Oregon, selling only beer and wine for most of its existence. Without hard liquor at their avail, patrons - made up mostly of loggers and mill workers - managed to drink hard liquor when they could. They might also have hidden a bottle of hard stuff inside their pants, or the restroom toilet tank. 

 

Long-time Trio bartender Angie tells how customers would drink whiskey at the Red Barn (in neighboring Lyons), then come to the Trio to continue their revelry.

 

In case it ever got too "loud," beer-tenders could push the button on the wall on the right side of the bar, which then sounded a buzzer in a back room. This signaled an alarm for the owner to come out and suppress any real trouble. (Look for the "doorbell" button next time you're in!)

 

Stories about ruckus in the old days have become legends. For example, there are bullet holes in the ceiling of the Trio, but no one can tell for sure who put them there, and why. Needless the say, the building has many tales to tell. 

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The Trio has had a slew of great tenders, including (reputedly) a former madam from Diamond Lil's whorehouse just 'round the bend. "We had a lot of respect for her," says a local man. "Her personality demanded it."

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For the most part, employees were law-abiding citizens, and Trio customers behaved themselves. In the old days, at 7:00 a.m. every morning old-timers would drink  coffee and play snooker. Later in the day, loggers and "mill rats" would come down to enjoy a few hours off work. 

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Today, the Trio continues to keep loggers, locals and hungry travelers happy. It dishes out great food and drink - not only to Mill City residents, but to those who come from surrounding towns and cities to slake their thirst, relax and have a good time. With recent additions, including a beautiful outdoor patio / beer garden and gaming machines, the Trio provides an even more comfortable, entertaining and welcoming place to meet friends, old and new.

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The Trio keeps its word in providing what it has offered in Mill City for over 75 years: 

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Good Food,

Good Friends,

and Good Fun.

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Have you heard the song by Skippo

dedicated to the town of Mill City

and neighboring towns? 

 

Check it out below.

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