A pat on the back for Billy
A handful of greeting cards were taped on the wall of the Lowrey Cafe. Each envelope was addressed simply with the name “Billy.”
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A handful of greeting cards were taped on the wall of the Lowrey Cafe. Each envelope was addressed simply with the name “Billy.”
“I’ve been getting a lot of nice cards,” William “Billy” Davis said while sipping some water in the booth near the card display.
Davis said he’s grateful for the show of support from patrons and friends, now that he’s decided to retire.
Davis has been a fixture at the Lowrey Hotel and Cafe for 47 years.
Since the early 1960s, Davis has lived in the downtown New Richmond hotel and worked tirelessly at the cafe.
The La Crosse native has held every conceivable job during his tenure there, including dish washer, floor mopper, hotel desk manager and food delivery person. He’s even helped with some food preparation and closed up shop when called upon.
“He’s done all the maintenance here for years,” said Lowrey owner Stacy Wright. “He knows everything about this building.”
For most of his employment tenure at the Lowrey, Davis worked seven days a week.
“When we bought the place two years ago, we decided Billy needed a day off,” Wright said. That’s when he started working part-time and enjoying more time away from his job.
“I really liked working here,” Davis admitted. “I came here 47 years ago for a job and I decided to stay.”
Wright admitted that Davis will be a difficult person to replace, noting that the crew at the hotel and cafe have already messed up by not starting the potatoes on time or turning off the water when required. It will take some time to adjust without Davis around, she added.
“He always knew what to do every time,” she said. “He spoiled me. He just automatically did it all and I never had to double check him.”
On Sunday, Davis’ friends threw him a big celebration at the Lowrey, officially marking his retirement.
Davis plans to continue living at the Lowrey, but will be spending his free time attending area auctions, community dinners, fairs and tractor/truck pulls.
“I really enjoy the pulls,” he said.
It appears he’ll also remain a regular patron of the cafe, where Davis has come to know hundreds of people and become the friend of many.
“And he’s just been a pleasure to work with,” Wright added.
Greeting cards for Billy can still be sent to the Lowrey Cafe, 116 W. Third St., New Richmond, for those who haven’t sent one yet.
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