Est. 1924

The original owners, Martha and Cyriel Antheunes, purchased the Midway in 1924.

It continues today, under the leadership of their daughter, Albertina.

Martha and Cyriel Antheunes Albertina Wassenhove: Yesterday and Today

The Midway is located on a quiet side street in Mishawaka.

The neighborhood, looking east, yesterday and today.

The neighborhood, looking West, yesterday and today.

Today: Unassuming from the outside, it looks deceivingly small and one may not guess the amazing music to be discovered inside.

Yesterday: Prohibition was in effect, so The Midway offered a variety of items to stay in business, including chicken, soda, cigars, and near-beer.

Today: Through the front door lies a typical local pub with dusty floors and chrome-and-leatherette stools at the original mahogany bar. But the place feels instantly friendly and homey and you can sense immediately that it has an interesting history.

Yesterday: Interesting details send customers back in time, such as the original cash register still used by the bartender today.

Yesterday: Cyriel and Martha toasting…note the apron Martha always wore to conceal glasses of beer and liquor while she carried them from the garage behind the bar.

Today: Martha – still toasting in 1988!

Martha and Cyriel had many loyal customers…including Al Capone!

“He was just like any other customer. A nice guy, nice looking and good-hearted. But then later, well…he got in that bootleg business.”

A group of loyal customers and friends behind the original dance hall.

The Antheunes family returns from a year in exile in Belgium after the Midway was padlocked due to a liquor law violation.

A relaxed group in front of the Midway.

When Prohibition was repealed, they remodeled to create an atmosphere of an outdoor Belgian beer garden.

When these doors are opened….

Stained glass inset in doors.

…you’re suddenly standing in a Belgian beer garden, listening to some of the best blues in the Midwest. The Belgian-influenced décor from Martha’s remodeling in 1933 remains today, including antique Belgian lamps.

Where customers have been enjoyinggreat music for decades…

Musicians and customers from all over sign the wall surrounding the stage…

The 1905 Story & Clark piano on which musicians have played for decades!

Yesterday: Albertina on the Story & Clark

Today: One of the regular blues players on the same piano…

After 66 years behind the Midway’s bar, Martha’s spirit is still there today…