Today's You Asked

Today's masterpiece from the Answer Man:

When we left a movie at the Chateau Theater the other night, I noticed an employee pulling jumbo-size popcorn tubs out of the garbage. What do they do with them? You can sign me — a non-popcorn eater.

The implication seems to be that the Chateau freshens up those buttery tubs and reuses them, to which Chateau administrative manager Wendy Hollingshead says, “Yuck, no.”

Employees at the jumbo multiplex on North Broadway at 37th Street fish the big tubs out of the garbage because they’re too bulky. They get stacked up and disposed of separately, she says.

Please tell me the dates that the Green Parrot restaurant was in business. Thank you. — Fred Ableitner

The Green Parrot, a popular downtown spot for about half a century, apparently opened in the mid-1940s and closed 19 years ago, and I’ll just assume it was at 23 Second St. S.W. for all those years — if I’m wrong, tell me. That L-shaped storefront is now home to Eagle Drug.

The Parrot, which was beloved by generations of clinic visitors and locals alike, was owned for most of its history by Ed and Mildred Klopp. They sold it in 1982, and it closed in November 1986, when owner Angelo Psomas decided not to make changes ordered by county health officials.

Psomas also owned Richard’s Roost, another popular downtown joint that closed a year earlier after about 60 years in business. The Roost was at 13 First St. S.W., smack-dab where the Galleria Mall now stands.

As we dug through the files for this one, it was amazing how many references there were to the Green Parrot in obituaries. The March 2002 obit for Violet Hart of Dover, for example, noted that she was a Parrot employee for many years.

Must have been quite a place. If you have favorite Parrot parables to share, pass them along.

Dear Answer Man, could you refresh our memories? Whatever became of the Parrish Brothers, the long-time Hollywood Bar band? What were their names? Any information would be appreciated.

The brothers Parrish were Floyd, Curtis, Odell and Foy. They were big names on the local music scene for at least 30 years, first playing in Rochester in 1961. The Hollywood Bar on South Broadway was their home six nights a week in the mid-1960s, and they later hosted a weekly show on what was then KROC-TV.

They were often tagged as a country band, but they could play just about anything. They went on the road nationally but often returned to the Hollywood, at 306 S. Broadway, to keep local fans happy.

In the late ’80s, they returned to do regular gigs at the bar, but the Hollywood eventually fell on hard times, and the lights went out in 1992. It’s now Kathy’s Pub, home of one of the longest bars in southern Minnesota.

The boys were originally from Alabama. Floyd and Foy were twins and played guitar; Odell played bass, and Curtis was on the drums. Another brother, Junior, died previously.

Where are they now? I’m still trying to find them. If you know, drop me a line.

The Answer Man always knocks twice — Mondays and Thursdays in the Post-Bulletin. Send questions (no C.O.D. accepted) to P.O. Box 6118, Rochester, MN 55904, or e-mail to furst@postbulletin.com.

Comments

[Woody]

This blog is about as timely and up to date as the glacial Post Bulletin itself.

[larry cekander]

i use to go listen the the Parrish Brothers when they where the house band at a place called PRARIE LANDS in Thomasbourgh, Illinois..At that time it was the largest dance floor in illinois.
i had a band called FLATLAND BOOGIE BAND out of champaign at that time...we got done at 12pm and could make it to PRARIE LAND TO DRINK AND DANCE...

FOY COULD PLAY THAT FENDER....GREAT GUITARIST..WAS A GREAT BAND..

They liked to argue to...lol

seen floyd knock out curtis one night on stage as smooth as can be when curtis was a bit off on the beat...may have had something to do with how messed up he was..

god those were some fun days...use to jam with the guys now and then to..

havnt heard about them since the late 80's

larry cekander aka bluesman

[Dick Foster]

In regards to the article on the Green Parrot. You should be aware that my parents, Edna and LLoyd Foster were also owners of the Green Parrot. They bought it from the Klopp's in late 1950's. Thr Klopp's latter bought back in and were partners with the Foster's for a couple of years when the Foster's then sold it back to the Klopp's. I also worked at the Parrot and new Violet. Thought you may want to know.