It’s probably once a week that someone laments the closing of Eight & Rail to me. Many of those times I hear that, I see someone who used to call that a regular spot for drinks and friends. There were so many different types of people, but all with one similar love for the place. Well, there was that lingering sewer smell that some would comment on. I would only catch the scent every few months or so, but for others, it would hit like a brick wall. I miss sitting on a stool out front, with my magnetic drink holder stuck to the railing with friends solving all the problems of the world.. You could keep up with as many people who were regulars as those who never went inside.
It was some strange community center for young (over 21 of course) and old, black, brown, white, gay, straight, those financially well off, and others living paycheck to paycheck. Itâs where the community was introduced to Marthaâs Trouble, the same couple that just a few weeks ago presented another city-wide Singer Songwriter Festival. So many various artists and bands through the years. And under the second owner, the best Sushi in the area, thatâs what I thought. Today, I see some of these former Railsters (I like that) downtown at Whistle Stop or out at Wild Wing CafĂŠ. Some go to the Jailhouse at Pinball Place, the distillery, or Jefferson’s. I have thoughts on those places, which Iâll cover in another post. You know I have places I like and donât like. Canât wait to see that list, can you?
Today, the building is empty. The original hand-painted sign, which Gene Doris created when the bar originally opened, is still visible.  The building’s current owner has several ideas. Debbie Purves ‘ Gallery moved in after the suspicious fire that destroyed Mafiaâs Restaurant. Before they did, the source of the order problem was found and finally fixed. Once the Purves Building was repaired from water damage from the next-door fire, they moved out of Eight & Rail. The future, yes, there is one. Not as Eighth and Rail, but another business that will add to the downtown culture.
