History of Harry's

HARRY’S: home of the free popcorn and the “Go Ugly Early” slogan; every Boilermakers home away from home. With an extensive menu and a secret drink collection, Harry’s is the place students (and past students) can always rely on to brighten their spirits.

But who made Harry’s possible? How did this magical place come about? Purdue’s trademark bar was originally opened in 1919 as none other than a soda fountain shop. The man behind the magic was named Harry J. Marlack. Making innovative moves, Marlack and his family founded the only soda fountain shop on Purdue’s campus. Although there is no actual evidence, alumni have traditionally passed down the story that the shop has a different history than the one previously stated. Rumor has it that Harry’s was a “speakeasy”; a hidden bar unbeknownst to the government. During the 1920’s speakeasies were hidden or masked establishments that secretly sold alcohol, when it was illegal to do just that. Thus, the name “Harry’s Chocolate Shop” on the outside served as a mask for the activities going on the behind closed doors: aka serving fountain drinks, beer, and other alcoholic beverages.

After prohibition had ended, the Marlack family acquired their own liquor license to sell beer and spirits to their customers (legally.) Through the years, many stories have been passed along and told, a lot of things hearsay, some things truth. Whatever the reason you think happened in 1919, we all love and know Harry’s just as much as we did almost 100 years ago.