Following duty in the US Navy from 1940 to 1946 when he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, Forest City native Summey moved to Tryon and worked at Adams Mill before his days as a retailer and postal worker. Summey and his wife of 63 years, Irene, who died in 2008, raised three Tryon High School grads, Sandra, Linda and Sherie in his home in Gillette Woods where he has lived for 57 years. For all his energetic work in Tryon, most friends recall Summey as the proprietor of two beer establishments — competing with each other for the blue-collar trade.

Sam Summey is one of the most popular owners of the tavern that has been a staple in the middle of Tryon since 1934. The Tryon Beer Fest is pleased to honor a longtime citizen who has given so much in so many ways. If you don’t know Summey — he’ll be 91 this month — come to the event and meet the honorary chairman. Tickets are on sale at Tryon House and La Bouteille on Trade Street in Tryon and at Kathleen’s in Saluda. For details of the Tryon Beer Fest, visit tryonbeerfest.com.

– article submitted by Dan Trumble