PEORIA MAGAZINE September 2023

MOM AND POP

FROM SHOT-AND-BEER JOINT TO VENERABLE TOWN TREASURE Billy’s Tap is the place where everybody knows your name in Canton, and the locals love it

BY PHIL LUCIANO

F or 75 years, Billy’s Tap in Canton has operated as a family affair, nowadays serving as a vital community touchpoint. Third-generation owner, Ashley Harper has spent two decades elevat ing a weathered shot-and-a-beer joint to a sleek gathering place for guests of every age and background. “I like to think everyone feels com fortable here, from people who are bringing in their kids to kids that just turned 21,” said Harper, 47. Further, Billy’s serves as a key eco nomic driver for the city, said Amanda Sampson, marketing and tourism direc tor for Canton-based Spoon River Part nership for Economic Development. “Canton, unfortunately, does not have very many large-group gathering areas that are especially hip, comfortable and just fun to be in,” Sampson said. “Billy’s Tap has helped fill a gap in providing gathering space and drawing people to Canton.”

and windowless building offered little in terms of atmosphere. But the site was ideal for business, sitting directly across the street from the International Harvester plant. With just a scant menu of sandwiches, the saloon thrived, serv ing a parade of thirsty factory workers throughout the day. “They came in before their shift, they came in at noon, they came in after their shift,” Diane Carruthers said. Amid the steady patronage, there was little investment in upkeep. With all those patrons streaming in, why bother? But after Harvester shuttered in 1983, business began to slowly dwindle, and the bar deteriorated. “I don’t want to say it looked bad,” Harper said. “But it didn’t look great.” Recollections of the dark and dingy surroundings prompt winks and smiles from old-time customers such as Roger Flatt, now an Arkansas resident who recently stopped at Billy’s Tap during a visit to his native Canton. “It was like the bar in It’s a Wonderful Life , Flatt, 70, said with a chuckle. “Like the (movie) bartender said, ‘We serve hard drinks for men who want to get drunk fast.’”

Original owner of Billy’s Tap, Billy Brotz

its doors first opened. The original owner was Billy Brotz, who in 1948 sold the place to Harper’s paternal grandfather, Claredine Carruthers. Located on Chestnut Street, it was a sharp place, with checkerboard tile and glimmering backbar. Over time, Carruthers’ son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Diane Car ruthers, took over the operation. In 1972, Billy’s Tap relocated to a former general store at 172 Elm St. The bare

THE INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER HEYDAY

Billy’s is regarded as the oldest bar in town, though no one seems sure when

64 SEPTEMBER 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE