Well, he was the baby of the family and when they rode the bus to school, the kids would pass him all around the bus because he was still so young. His cousin would often say how “salty” he was, and it stuck. In 1962, Q.B.Harold (Salty) Strozier opened a convenience store. He sold a few necessities and even sold hamburgers for a while. In 1964 Salty decided to go ahead and put in a small bar in t
he back. Salty’s Bar was officially open, and the Everrett Brothers played blue grass music out back. Salty married his wife, Martha, in 1980 ran the bar until 1984 when they sold it to Michael (Mike) Singleton and his wife Mary. Mike was a retired tugboat captain with a little extra time on his hands and was a frequent bar patron. Mike’s son was also married to Martha's daughter, Pam, at the time. It all just made sense he should take over Salty’s Bar when “Salty” and Martha decided to sell. Things were going good for Mike and Mary. They loved the bar and loved their customers whether they loved to see them come or see them go. Unfortunately, not too long after purchasing the bar, Mary became ill and passed away. Mike continued to run the bar on his own and often was seen holding his granddaughter Brooklynn on his hip while he worked. He loved his children and grandchildren. As time went on Mike started taking notice of a little feisty paper goods sales rep that frequently made deliveries to the bar named Susan. She took a shine to Mike after seeing him on numerous occasions taking care of his grandbabies while taking care of the bar. Their first date was at another local bar called Tutt’s. Mike and Susan decided to get married and combine their families. Mike loved Susan’s sons, John and Andrew, like his own. He taught them everything a boy should learn from their father. In turn Susan loved all of Mike’s children (James, Jennifer, and Sharon), and took care of them like they were her own, including the grandchildren. There was no “step” in front of mom, dad, children or grandchildren. Family is family. The only time Salty’s had to close was during 2020 when the Covid pandemic hit when all bars had to close. During this time renovations were done. All the work was done by family and friends without a hint of a complaint. Our customers came back to see us as soon as we could open our doors. It may have been in the middle of the summer, but our loyal customers got their beer to go instead of going to a grocery store. Staying “open” during this time would not have been possible without our amazing customers and family. Mike passed away in July of 2022 leaving Susan to run the bar. She still runs the bar to this day with the help of her bartenders and family. Salty’s is a bit of a legacy that will continue for years to come. This bar is run by family for family. Yes, our customers and bartenders are family. None of this would be possible without them. Our story does not stop here. The next generation of “Singleton/Knauf” families are ready to step up when the time comes.
