A contributor recalls that this was a popular bar in the early 1960s. It had a steamboat theme.

According to rumor, in March of 1964, there was a lover's spat; one of the two men went around the back of the building (a 4-floor brick warehouse), and set the building on fire. The contributor remembers that when the front wall of the building collapsed, it crushed the fire department's ladder truck.

(The book "Beertown Blazes, A Century of Milwaukee Fire Fighting" by R.L. Nailen and James S. Haight (Renaissance Books), recalls what is likely that fire on page 240, as one of the Top 100 fires in the city. It documents the fire as follows: "March 15, 1964 Northern Floor Covering et al; 401-411 N. Plankinton; 4 (story) brick 100x125 mercantile & storage. Box alarm 6:18pm for fire in rear loading dock; ceiling flashed over while lines being laid; hot air explosion involved 2nd floor; 5 alarms by 7:30. Four men of Truck 3 trapped on 3rd floor, rescued via aerial ladder. Fire out all floors and through roof; 4 special calls; north wall fell 8 p.m. crushing Truck 7's trailer. Under control 3 a.m.; ruins smoldered for a week. Response 160 men, 18 engines, 6 trucks, fireboat; 36 hose lines; 10 million gallons water. Loss $185,370.")

According to another contributor, the Seaway bar was at one time housed in the building previously occupied by the Rooster bar, at 181 S. 2nd Street.

More information about this business is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.