The 617 Club is now at 2185 Fourth Street in White Bear. It was named after its former address, 617 Fourth Street; the address was changed in the 1980s.

The bar opened on March 9, 1934 – previously it was Mel Kirkby’s Sweet Shop, which usually meant a speakeasy. Paul Albrecht was the original owner.

After over 30 years Albrecht sold it to Rod Olson, a longtime employee. The bar was remodeled in the mid 1950s, adding stained glass imported from Germany. As traditional, employee Mary Montpetit bought the bar in 2003 from Olson.

The 617 House Band was once a popular draw on Sunday nights, hinting at previous live music.

[Info from White Bear Press, August 6, 2014, Kristine Goodrich, Editor]