Thread by @DivesOfWI

How did a small bar from Wisconsin become world famous—and why are the bar's bumper stickers spotted gracing mountain tops, sail boats, and famous landmarks around the world?

This is the story of Wolski's Tavern, and the famous "I Closed Wolski's" bumper sticker.

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Wolski's Tavern, simply put, is the most iconic bar in the most iconic drinking city in the United States. Since 1908, Wolski's has poured drinks for Milwaukeeans and provided a gathering place for locals.

At one point in 1903, the original Wolski's was put on wheels and moved to it's current location—Pulaski Street—back then a tight-knit Polish neighborhood.

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Wolski's survived Prohibition, and was able to become one of the only bars in Milwaukee which survived and also was never cited for any illegal alcohol sales.

Whether the bar truly sold "soft-drinks" during Prohibition, or was just simply hidden by the narrow and winding streets surrounding the Polish neighborhood is still a mystery.

Pictured is Pulaski Street in 1922.

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From the 30s into the 70s, the tavern was run by three brothers, John, Paul, and Broney Wolski. In 1970, another Wolski ran the bar for about three years. Finally, in the mid 1970s, the current bartender, Bernie (great-grandson of the original Bernard Wolski) took over.

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During the Vietnam War, a time of economic downturn, the bar was looking for ways to make an extra buck, and wanted to reward its patrons who stuck around all night drinking. And thus, the "I Closed Wolski's" sticker was born.

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If you have ever been to Milwaukee, you will see the bumper stickers—earned, never given, everywhere.

But across the globe, the stickers can be spotted at famous landmarks. Here are some of my favorites:

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Temple Bar Pub,
Dublin Ireland

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Mount Kilimanjaro
Tanzania

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Brooklyn Bridge,
New York, NY

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The United Arab Emirates

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Iceland

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Half Dome,
Yosemite National Park

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The only way to get yourself an "I Closed Wolski's" sticker? Stay until 2:30 AM and drink like a fish!

Post your best Wolski's sticker location below!

If you liked this bit of Wisconsin Bar history, follow for more, we had a great time diving into the history of one of Wisconsin's greatest Dives! What bar should we do next?

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Thanks to the Milwaukee Public Museum, and @BobbyTmke for his great article about Wolski's in OnMilwaukee. Bobby's article goes even more in depth on the history of the Milwaukee Polish neighborhood on the lower east side, and Wolski's!