Carl Corey’s new book, “Tavern League: Portraits of Wisconsin Bars,” captures the essence of the state’s beloved taverns and bar culture through stunning photography.
Corey, a Chicago native, embarked on this project as part of his ongoing “Habitat” series, which focuses on spaces that define cultural identity. He was inspired to create a separate project dedicated to Wisconsin taverns after photographing At Random, a popular cocktail bar in Milwaukee in 2007.
The book includes a diverse range of taverns, from vintage-looking establishments like At Random, Jamo’s, and Palomino in Milwaukee, to more modern settings like Mel’s Midtowner in River Falls and Sessler’s in Memme. Corey emphasizes that his selection was based on aesthetic choices rather than a specific type of tavern.
Each photograph in the book is nearly full-page, drawing readers into the scene. From the stillness of Bob Smith’s Sports Club in Hudson to the Rorschach blot of a tiled floor at La Crosse’s Popcorn Tavern, the images capture the unique atmosphere of each location, as mentioned by On Milwaukee.
Corey visited more than twice as many taverns as those featured in the book, spending time researching and gaining the trust of the proprietors. He shot over 240 photographs for the project, with a quarter of them appearing in the final book.
While “Tavern League” is not intended to be a guide, it offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Wisconsin’s iconic taverns. The book is a testament to the state’s rich tavern culture and the unique character of these beloved establishments.
Published by The Wisconsin Historical Society Press, the book features 125 pages of images that showcase the unique character of these establishments.
