10/31/2022
My journey began in 2021. I set out to make a place in this world all my own. My own castle, if I am being honest. I dreamed of opening a bar of my own, one that incorporated everything I loved in the one place I loved the most -- my hometown Sesser IL. In September of that year I saw a building in Sesser for sale: 109 W Franklin Street. It just so happened that it was the same building where I worked my very first job, a building I have nothing but fond memories in, so I took it as a sign and shortly thereafter the building was mine.
Next I had to decide on a name, I went through everything that I loved and kept coming back to the name "The Common Room". Undoubtedly many people will think of Hogwarts and Harry Potter, but I also liked the idea that a common room is, well-- common. It's your living room, a comfy seat in front of a warm fire, a tasty drink, and a good book. Of all the magical things I love in various fictional series, the most magical thing of all is the ability of a good ambiance paired with the right story to transcend people to another world, another realm, another time...
My dream for the building was not to turn it into another gaming lounge with neon lights or a honkytonk with live music, we already have wonderful establishments that fill those needs! Instead I wanted to build a home for those who want a social place to drink – but the loudest thing in the room is laughter ringing across a great hall filled with conversation. A place where you can sit and have a drink alone with a book and know that no one will judge you because they will understand you are not alone. You are falling in love with Jane Austin, letting your bluebird sing alongside Borkowski -- venturing into whatever world you so choose but certainly not alone.
It's also a place for meeting new friends and going on new adventures. A bar where everyone does know your name and the friendly bartender is always willing to take you under their wing and be your social concierge to adulthood. Afterall why should after school activities stop just because we are out of school? Why can’t we form a Chess Club? Host a debate? I aim to create a place where introverts and extroverts can find the right amount of socialization for their needs. Where you can spend a few hours discussing our topic of the day, listening while staying lost in the background, or taking command of the room and hosting an entire themed night of your own.
Once my dream became focused it needed a logistical plan of action. I’m a fan of the ole "Shoeless Joe" theory, a firm believer that "if you build it they will come" though what that story leaves out is just how long that building process really is… we have come a long way since September 2021 and we are finally comfortable announcing that we will be opening on September 1st 2023! We will have a soft opening before then with a few private events, I will post more information and how you can purchase tickets after the New Year!
Happy Halloween to my Class of 2023… are you all as excited to come back to school as I am to meet you?
-The Headmistress
