The transformation of the Old Market from a produce hub where you could buy fresh fruit and veggies to an entertainment district just started to take shape when Rusty Harmsen pitched the idea of opening an Old-English style pub in 1969. An eclectic bunch of stores had opened a year prior and the French Cafe was still in the works. Rusty didn’t have any experience owning a bar so he sought out help from Artie Abariotes who owned the Wishing Well on 37th and Leavenworth.
Prior to this, the former KETV reporter worked in a public relations role for Braniff Airlines which afforded him the opportunity to travel the world. He admired the old fashioned style and decor of the restaurants he visited in Europe so the lifelong collector saw an opportunity to do something similar back home. His hobby started with collecting comic books and old toys and shifted to antiques and salvaged artifacts as he matured. He continued to collect items when he worked overseas and by the time he left his job, he saw an opportunity to combine business and pleasure.
Artie was content to let Rusty be the “idea guy” and the designer of the pub which included installing many of the antiques and artifacts he collected over the years. They decided to open it on the first floor of the old Hotel Howard at 1002 Howard St. Built in 1909 the building continued to operate as a hotel until 1969. They named the pub Mister Toad which was inspired by the English children’s book “The Wind in the Willows”. The unique name was intended to set it apart from other bars.
After getting approval from the city, a wood carved sign of a red-tongued toad was placed above the door. Approval was needed as there had been some concerns that it could be a fire hazard. The sign, similar to those you would find hanging above pubs in England, was the product of a high school woodworking class in Neola, Iowa. Inside the pub it was Tudor-esque with its wood beams and trim across the ceiling. Some of Rusty’s design touches included law books obtained from the Antiquarium Bookstore, a hard carved fireplace mantel, stained glass and handcrafted tiles from Mexico among other items. Seating consisted of oak pews from Girls Town and benches from the county courthouse.
The small pub with its distinct name and appearance proved to be very popular once it opened in 1970. Just two years later the pub took over the children’s store next door called The Looking Glass. The expansion doubled the capacity from 45 to 90. Also inspired by his time overseas, Rusty looked to expand even further when he sought approval to establish an outdoor patio. This was illegal at the time but was finally approved in 1983 after three years of planning. The patio known as Mr. Toad’s Courtyard is the oldest outdoor drinking area in the city.
Since its opening more than 50 years ago, Mister Toad has become an institution and remains one of the Old Market’s most popular drinking establishments. When the weather is nice, its patio is one of the most coveted spots to sit, drink and people watch.
Content written by Omaha Exploration. Feel free to leave a comment or a suggestion. Until then, keep exploring!
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