From Donna Springer

Sacramento, Calif.

To the Editor:

In October, 2010, my friend Joyce and I flew from California to O’Hare. We drove in a rental car toward Monroe in a driving rain, compounded by a detour. We finally checked into the motel and headed toward the square. We found ourselves at Bartels at 1:40 a.m., the only ones in the place. Jim warned he had to close in twenty minutes. So we each had a beer and then another one “on the house” to share. A few days later, we strolled by and peeked in. The place was packed due to a big game. Amid all the chaos, Jim spied us in the window and gave a big smile, and waved us in. Such kindness to two road-weary strangers will not soon be forgotten.