Bill Callahan, Longtime Woodlawn Tap Owner Who Fought City Hall, Dies at 78
Early Life and Education
William "Bill" Joseph Callahan, a beloved figure in the Chicago community, passed away on January 14 at the age of 78. Born and raised in Hyde Park, Callahan attended Mount Carmel High School and later graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a degree in English.
Career and Ownership of Woodlawn Tap
After completing his education, Callahan taught English and math at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Hyde Park, where he also worked part-time at Woodlawn Tap, also known as Jimmy’s. Under the guidance of original owner and namesake Jimmy Wilson, Callahan eventually became the manager of the bar. In 1999, he purchased the bar, and it remained in his ownership until 2021.
The Fight for the Bar’s License
However, Callahan’s first year as owner was marked by a significant challenge. The city refused to renew the bar’s liquor license due to needed repairs to meet city codes. Undeterred, Callahan attempted to reapply for the license but was again denied, this time due to the bar’s proximity to St. Thomas the Apostle School. The community, including the Chicago Tribune editorial staff, rallied around the bar, with some regulars attending a city appeals hearing. The license was eventually renewed, with the city commission stating, "It is apparent that Jimmy’s has been enriching this neighborhood as a meeting place for the community since before the middle of the last century… It strikes us as a place where hard hat and lunch pail share the same bar with briefcase and Wall Street Journal, where a shot and a beer is as at home as a glass of Cabernet."
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1967, Callahan met his future wife, Jan, at a Chicago public library. The two struck up a conversation, and their chance encounter led to a lifelong partnership. Callahan recalled, "I think Bill just appreciated the uniqueness of this place, where you can walk in and sit next to a construction worker or a Nobel Prize winner. It’s just such a cross-section of society." In 2021, Callahan sold Woodlawn Tap to Matt Martell and retired, leaving behind a legacy of community building and resilience.
Survivors and Memorial
Callahan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jan Hartley Callahan; children, Will Callahan and Kristen Callahan Alyn; four grandchildren; and a sister, Lauren Callahan West. A memorial to celebrate his life will be held on March 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Woodlawn Tap, 1172 E. 55th St.
Conclusion
Bill Callahan’s life was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his community and his beloved bar, Woodlawn Tap. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the power of community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the reason for the initial denial of Woodlawn Tap’s liquor license?
A: The city refused to renew the license due to needed repairs to meet city codes.
Q: Why was the license denied again in 1999?
A: The bar was too close to St. Thomas the Apostle School, according to the city.
Q: What was the outcome of the city’s appeal hearing?
A: The license was renewed, with the city commission stating that Woodlawn Tap had been enriching the neighborhood since the middle of the last century.
