Pages 1-55 Summary and Analysis

In "The Old House at Home," the author described McSorley's, a saloon located on the first floor of a tenement building at 15 Seventh Street. The saloon was opened by Old John McSorley in 1854 and was originally named "Old House at Home," until the owner had to order a new sign to replace a damaged one. He refused to allow women in the saloon and ordered them out. John handed the operation of the bar over to his son, Bill, who was a quiet man in contrast to his outgoing father. Sometimes Bill would close the bar early, citing overcrowded conditions. The rest of the time he closed when he began to feel sleepy, though he always bought a round of drinks for patrons just before ushering them out.

In 1936, Bill sold out to retired police officer Daniel O'Connell, who...