BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It's a one-of-a-kind place. Since 1949, people have been making memories at the Happy Swallow Bar in Buffalo.
"It's like stepping into a time machine," Eddy Dobosiewicz said, President of Forgotten Buffalo.
But currently, no one can make memories in this Sycamore Street staple.
The building needs some work. It's survived a fire and a flood, but city officials say the kitchen isn't up to code and other parts need to be knocked down.
So, owner Tom Golimowski decided to close the bar after their Dyngus Day party in 2025.
WATCH: 'Save the Swallow': Neighbors fundraising to keep historic Polish bar open
"We thought that was it, there wasn't much we could do," Dobosiewicz said.
But other neighbors and Dobosiewicz have decided, this isn't the end.
"We think it's a great cause, not only for the family, but for the preservation and the retelling of the history of the East Side of Buffalo," Dobosiewicz said.
It's the only bar of its kind in the area. There used to be several others when the East Side was populated by the Polish community.
"Lifestyles changed, the neighborhood changed, and all the other businesses closed," Dobosiewicz. said. "This place stayed open."
So to keep it open, there's a Save the Swallow benefit on August 17 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Polish Cadets of Buffalo on Grant Street.
"This is what Buffalo is about: coming together and helping places that are important to their neighborhoods or communities," said Wendy Higgins, President of the Polish Cadets of Buffalo.
The goal is to raise between $10,000 and $15,000 to help with the renovations.
"Even if you've never been to the Happy Swallow, we hope that you'll come out and support them," said Higgins.
Tickets are $25. For info, email forgottenbuffalo@aol.com. Or you can donate to the GoFundMe here.
