ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Manuel’s Tavern, a historic hangout for Georgia’s politicians and journalists, is mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter.
Before he made it to the White House, Carter announced he’d run as Georgia’s governor at the tavern.
“He just was really interlinked with us. And with Manuel. And so his presence is here on our wall,” said Steven Pitts, the general manager of Manuel’s Tavern.
Manuel’s Tavern started as a neighborhood bar in the 1950s, run by Manuel Maloof, who was known as the “godfather” of Georgia Democratic politics.
Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn would became regulars, especially after the Carter Center opened less than half a mile from the tavern.
FULL COVERAGE: Remembering Jimmy Carter
“He would come in and shake everyone’s hand, and I have a photo of him with my daughter,” Pitts said. “When he saw my daughter, he stopped to spend extra time with her.”
Carter asked Pitts’ daughter, who was nine at the time, how she was doing and how school was going.
Pitts says he’ll miss seeing Carter surprise patrons at trivia night, but is glad he’s reunited with Rosalynn Carter, who died a little over a year ago.
“She was his true lifelong partner,” said Pitts. “They were so tight, and so close.”
Pitts is glad to keep their pictures hanging on the walls.
“All of his accomplishments, including maybe, especially post-presidency, should make every Georgian proud,” said Pitts.
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