An Urban Explorer's Guide to the Buffalo-Niagara Region: Unique Landmarks, Historic Gin Mills, Old World Neighborhoods, History, Nickel City Oddities, Tours and More!
FB Tours: March 6, 2009 - Tim & Jim's Irish Buffalo
Group at South Buffalo Legion Post 721
March 6, 2009 - Forgotten Buffalo remembered two of South Buffalo’s most famous native sons, NBC “Meet the Press” host Tim Russert and former Mayor Jimmy Griffin during a tour of Irish Buffalo.
The evening begins in the historic First Ward where thousands of Irish congregated after the completion of the Erie Canal. It is in the “Ward” where Jimmy Griffin grew up, worked as a scooper at the nearly grain elevators and became a train engineer with the Buffalo Creek Railroad before getting in public service. It’s then on to the “Valley” and South Buffalo to visit the childhood stomping grounds of Tim Russert.
The highlight of the night was a visit to the South Buffalo Legion Post 721, a favorite haunt of Tim Russert’s father, Big Russ, who was Post Commander in 1960. NBC newsman Tom Brokaw immortalized the Post during a memorial service for Russert shortly after his death.
Thank you to Dennis Talty, owner of Talty's Tavern who put on quite a show for Forgotten Buffalo. Thank you for always making us feel welcome. Other stops on the tour included Cook's Bar & Grill, Hopper's Rush Inn on Seneca Street and the Buffalo Irish Center on Abbott Road.
Jimmy Griffin, a former Mayor of Buffalo, died on May 25, 2008. Tim Russert, the host of NBC’s Meet the Press died on June 13, 2008. Both men are fondly remembered for their love of Buffalo, New York, their honest, blue-collar ethics and colorful personalities.
St. Patrick @ the Buffalo Irish Center
South Buffalo legend, tavern owner Dennis Talty
Talty's Tavern, South Park, South Buffalo, New York
The Tara Gift Shop, Abbott Road, Irish Heritage District, South Buffalo
Live Music at Tatly's Tavern on South Park
Stone Row performs at the Buffalo Irish Center, Irish Heritage District, South Buffalo, New York
