There is a bit of mating magic afoot at Philadelphia’s oldest tavern, one of the oldest in the United States.
Hundreds of couples have met and gotten engaged—and even married—at McGillin’s Olde Ale House since it was established in 1860. That’s more than anywhere else in the sprawling Pennsylvania city.
And these aren’t shotgun weddings lasting only a few months. Kay Scorboria decided that instead of becoming a nun she’d marry a sailor she met at McGillin’s. She and Preston had 5 children and 11 grandchildren and were married nearly 60 years.
Chuck and Helen Myers also met at McGillin’s in 1961. They married three years later and he got her a charm bracelet with a McGillin’s charm on it—and she still has it more than 50 years later.
Two brothers got lucky twice—each meeting their wives at the historic bar near Philadelphia City Hall.
The matchmaking magic started 164 years ago when William McGillin opened the tavern and ran it with his wife, Catherine, while raising their 13 children upstairs.
It continued with Mary Ellen and Chris Mullins, the husband and wife team who took over the establishment from her father and now run it with their son Christopher.
Any love potion is likely nourished by the 30 beers on tap here in the sixth largest city in America.
So many lovebirds have started their courtship at McGillin’s that the owners created a “Love Letters” book where couples can tell their stories. The first and second volume filled up quickly—and the third volume is filling up quickly too, according to Irene Levy Baker, author of the award-winning 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia.
The book was recently signed by Jen & Steve who got engaged at McGillin’s in December, and by Amanda & Kaitlyn who put a ring on it in front of the tavern’s storybook-perfect Christmas decorations.
Continuing the phenomenon, Allison Doll Kelly met Kevin Kelly on a dating app in 2012 and talked for two weeks before deciding to meet in person. Her parents recommended they meet in-person at McGillin’s, where her parents used to meet on Fridays for after-work drinks. Allison and Kevin had a great first date, and McGillin’s holds such a special place in their hearts that they had their engagement photos taken there.
Hopefully, these young couples will have long happy marriages like Jay and Betty Dutill of Marlton, New Jersey, who were amused when their four children, all young adults, came home raving about a new bar they had “discovered”—McGillin’s. Their children were surprised to hear that their parents met at McGillin’s in 1977.
WOW! She’s Happily Married with 6 Kids–All Because of a Text Sent to the Wrong Number
Another couple who found romantic chemistry there, Vicky & Mike Weinstein, have a watercolor of McGillin’s Olde Ale House hanging above their bed.
In the 1960s, Barry Shanler wrote Peggy’s phone number on a McGillin’s coaster. The couple contacted McGillin’s when they celebrated their 50th anniversary to report that they have two children and three grandchildren. We’re not sure if they still have the coaster.
MAKING LEMONADE FROM LEMONS: 3 Women Found Out the Same Guy Was Cheating on Them. They Dumped Him and Took Epic Road Trip TogetheR–LOOK
If you’re still looking for the love of your life and find yourself in Philly, it might be worth making a trip to 1310 Drury Street and let McGillin’s Olde Ale House fuel your thirst for romance.
SPREAD THE LUCKY LOVE With Your Single Friends on Social Media…