I think that everyone who went through a Yard availability in Curtis Bay (Baltimore), MD remembers "Till's," and many others remember "Ernells."   Some individuals may even remember "Elmers" on Light Street in Baltimore, but that is another story.  

I distinctly remember that "Ernells" had a ship's patch collection that were nicotine stained, mounted on wooden plaques, and hung on several barroom walls from just about every cutter that either went through a Yard availability or made a port call in Baltimore.  With the exception of a few museum ships today those cutters have been long decommissioned and in most cases scrapped.  However, I often wonder what happen to those patches.  By-the-way, "Ernells" changed ownership and it's name to "Gar's Lounge" in the late 1970s, but I haven't been in the Coastie hangout since I was a QMC on the Alert in 1975.

I also remember that you could get a 15-cent draft beer in "Ernells." This was the same price that was charged in the Yard's Building 33 (Barracks)  "Canteen" that closed at 2200.  The low price for a draft beer went a long way for Seaman Apprentice going on liberty who had to live aboard ship (unless you were married or independently wealthy) whose pay was around $78.00 a month, and whose pay was increased by a generous sum of $8.00 per month if you were on sea duty.  So the scenario on liberty was the "Canteen," "Tills," "Ernells," and finally Baltimore!

Anyways, great call on your memory, and it is nice to realize that there are still some old farts like you and I who do remember the places, faces, events, and memories from many, many years ago.

Ed Clancy

P.S.

I know that you have written some outstanding USCG uniform articles and publications.  For your information I have some old U.S. Coast Guard Magazine (1950s to its demise) that might help you in your research.  If you want PDF copies please send an email to me at clancyedward@bellsouth.net