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Florida’s Oldest Bar – Odom’s In Century – Is Now Closed
January 4, 2016
A Century bar that claims to be the oldest bar in Florida is now closed.
Odom’s Bar in Century closed at midnight Sunday, according to their Facebook page, after 10 years under current owners Ron and Donna Tullis, one of just four sets of owners since the bar opened. Their package store business will continue to be open.
Located just a few feet from the state line on Highway 29, Odom’s Bar claimed to be Florida’s oldest bar having opened in 1932. It was moved about 100 feet from where it was founded to its current location.
According to their website, “The ‘Old Timers’ can recount those days when Century had over thirteen bars in town. It’s reported that the military placed Century ‘off limits’ to base personnel. In those days the shore patrol would put you in the brig for minor offenses.”
(Editor’s note: There are other bars in Florida claiming to be older than Odom’s in Century. Frankly, we could not find any “official” record.)
Comments
29 Responses to “Florida’s Oldest Bar – Odom’s In Century – Is Now Closed”
Thanks to all of you, for all of your positive comments!!!!!
@ Jeepman & Glad “Bless your Hearts”
Jeeperman, if you worked at a liquor store wouldn’t you rather be safe behind a window with a security camera, a speed dial set if someone tried to rob you, possibly a loaded gun and abilty to shut the window. If you worked alone at night, not to worry if several people came in and stuck bottles down their pants. Its about safety and security of the employee supplying a product.
@jeeperman…. the drive thru is a genius marketing tool. Lets think it through–
#1 If a person with physical handicaps wished to buy their friend a bottle of fine wine bourbon his birthday, it would be very convenient to drive to the ” drive-up window” and make their request vs. getting out, going in and being annoyed ay not being able to reach the desired item.
#2 Perhaps a sneaky liquor sipper just doesn’t want to be seen cruising the isles of the ABC store so the availability of the “drive-up” window service is a great alternative.
Personally I like to walk past all the beautiful bottles in good liquor store and have also been a customer to the drive -up window at Odom’s on occasion, you my friend obviously have denied yourself the pleasures of either and should reconsider
There are still a lot of great videos of Odom’s on YouTube. All you have to do is search for Odom’s Bar and you can watch for hours.
This bar was a favorite place for many people to go. Personally, I don’t drink so I have mixed feelings. I hate that people will have to drive further to have their nights out and be possibly driving back home while intoxicated. That terrifies me. I’m hoping that people who want to drink will just buy their alcohol and drink in the safety of their own home and not be out driving or risking lives. I know I’ve gotten off the subject a little but it does tie together. Lots of memories for some people and a lot of relief for others. Everyone just stay safe out there whatever you choose to do……………………………………
Sellers of booze can be charged with serving an obvious drunk.
Crawling in drunk is obvious.
DUI operation of a vehicle they do not see driving up to the window can be missed or ignored.
Hey, I think I just stated the reason for the booze windows, to avoid criminal charges and make more money of course.
Its good it is closed Maybe family can spent more together kids has to suffer because there dad or móm or both at the bars. Kids like to do things with there parents not have them drunk if any thing open up at the bar needs to bé a family thing so kids can enjoy there selfs.
Sorry to see it closed. I had a great time playing music there with my band Beulah Land South Band back in the day. Thanks for the good times Ron and Donna Tullis.
This bar had a lot of friendly people and I made alot of friends there over the years but it has been a good while since I’ve been there. It wasn’t all drinking and fighting. I have alot of fond memories.
Myself and a mechanic from Flomaton used to discuss a lot of philosophy over a beer and Johnny Cash on the juke box.
Place has alot of history too….some say the town of South Flomaton incorporated due to the efforts of the first owner.
A rural after hours club is much needed.
People need a place out in the country where they can go and relax, have fun and not have to worry about being bothered by external forces, excepting the bouncers of course.
All of North Baldwin and North Escambia, are only minutes in flight time from USA or any of our local trauma centers.
We love the FACT that this Bar was started in the 1930’s by local people!!!! and has always been owned and operated by local’s. Ron & I have enjoyed being a part of the History!!!! We have made so many Great friends, most are family to us now!!
Proof of the age of the bar. The licenses were issued in 1934, at the end of prohibition. The 3rd licenses issued in Escambia County Florida!!
Several generations have passed through the doors!!! ….and not all drunks, as some of you may perceive!!! Good hearted, hard working people!! I believe life was given to enjoy! My bible teaches me “Over indulging in ANYTHING is a sin and that there is only ONE Judge!
Change can be good, and its time!!!! We look forward to what 2016 has in store.
PACKAGE WILL CONTINUE TO BE OPEN WITH NEW HOURS!!!!!!
Ron & D Tullis
Applebees in Century? LOL
I hate to see it closed, especially since Crow’s bar is no more,And the Melody’s lounge Now the people have no where to go, NOT for FIGHTING but just to socialize,… I’ve has some Good good times @ those places,….
@Kane While it is true that you can not purchase mixed drinks at these windows, most drive-ups are more than happy to provide drivers with a cup or two of of ice free of charge. But i’m sure those cups of ice are just for their soda-pop LOL…
I love this Old Bar!! I met some wonderful people at Odom’s & they’re not all
drunks they’re lonely people just looking for conversation are to just talk…..
I love this Old Bar!!! I got with my husband there we married & been together
20 years married 19 Hes the best!!
Maybe someone could open a bar and grill..always plenty of cars there.
I wish something like the Oaks in Brewton or an Applebee’s would open. Dinner and a couple of drinks. A good safe atmosphere.
Its sad to see it closed my dad played pool there most of his life and i went there a bunch of times myself
@jeeperman You cant buy drinks at the drive-thru window just unopened bottles. What difference does it make if you walk in or drive-thru to buy a bottle of booze?
Is that a drive thru window for liquor on the side?
As conservative as Florida is with many activities, I just can not figure out how it is legal to DRIVE up to a window to buy booze.
I suppose it is very convenient when your too drunk to walk?
A bar is closed? PTL!!
Geez what a shame. Where will people go to fight now?
SKY HAWK will surely miss this place, he had a lot of good times there in his younger days
Carole, is your Uncle Rufus my Daddy’s, Alvie (called John), brother?
I responded to this bar several times for fights, Crows Bar had this one beat for drunks fighting!!
I had some good times at this bar. I met my wife at this bar, so this place is near and dear to our hearts.
I kinda hate to see this happening. I know it has seen better day. My Uncle Rufus Odom started this bar back in 1930’s because he had a bar in Flomaton, but Town Of Flomaton passed a law prohibited the sale of alcohol so Uncle Rufus and another one of my Uncles, Uncle Cecil Nall, moved all the alcohol across the Florida state line where it was legal. Could go on with a lot of stories about that bar, but since it was started by 2 of my uncles, hate to see it closing.
Such a shame. I am not a drinker but I hate to see it close ,, I do enjoy going to bars and socializing with friends ,, I can see it now. A church will
Open up fast to prevent a bar from replacing it close by
Why did it close?