History Almost Repeated

Thought it might be interesting for Banner readers.

The Brice family thought that the story might have been made up, but soon after Doug’s father’s death, Doug discovered a picture and a newspaper clipping online. Since then, framed copies of the picture are found on Brice family walls.

The story is that on Halloween night in 1947, Doug’s father, Herbert Brice, took a horse and a mule into Rentzel’s Tavern (see photo below – mule is hidden by horse). Those identified in the photo are (third from left) Herbert Brice; (fourth from left) Tom Brice; (behind them) Herman West; and (second from right) Johnny Clabaugh.

Originally, they tried to take the horse and the mule into Lewis’s Tavern, but the owner, Keefer Lewis, thought the floor wasn’t strong enough, so they went a few doors down to Rentzel’s.

Reportedly, a few of the “partners in crime” were arrested and fined $1.67 each.

This year, 2024, J.P.; his daughter, Keri Brice Bianchessi; and her Golden Retriever, Thor visited Thurmont and ventured over to the then-Rentzel’s Tavern, which is now 10Tavern, a sports bar and restaurant.

John Brice (J.P.’s father), Keri, J.P., and Thor — After seventy-seven years, they wanted to replicate the story for modern times.

Two horses walk into a bar…Halloween gag in 1947 at Rentzel’s Tavern.