Rumor has it there’s a bar in Philadelphia called McGillin’s Olde Ale House that has some sort of magic brewing. Since its opening in 1860, it has brought countless soulmates together for long, blissful marriages.
The pub, which is the oldest in the city, was opened by Irish immigrants and lovebirds William and Catherine McGillin under the name Bell in Hand Tavern. The couple, who raised their 13 kids upstairs, quickly became a beloved staple in the neighborhood.
Whether it was William and Catherine’s good vibes or something even more supernatural, lonely souls began meeting their perfect pairs while inside the building, and the matchmaking became so common that McGillin’s Olde Ale House earned a reputation.
Today, Mary Ellen and Chris Mullins run the pub, and they claim more couples have met there than anywhere else in Philadephia. Some of them even return to the establishment to say their vows.
“When we find out about them, it’s exciting because it’s like finding a new little treasure,” Chris told News Radio KYW. “Somebody else whose lives started here at McGillin’s. There’s something in the water that keeps the relationships together.”
The Mullins were so interested in their ale house’s abilities that they created a guest book for people who met under their roof. Inside, people write their stories and leave photographs. So far, over 250 couples have made entries.
Couples Share Their Stories From McGillin’s Olde Ale House
Two of the lucky people who share their stories are Kristen and Sam. They met after the 2016 Broad Street Run. Kristen begrudgingly went to the bar after her friends begged her to join them, and Sam was there to celebrate finishing the race.
“I was just looking around,” Sam told the publication. “I don’t know if you want to call it ‘runner’s high’ or whatever, but I had this confidence. And I saw her face, and I was like, ‘That’s a pretty face.’”
“I was like, ‘I ran 10 miles today in the rain. Do you mind if I sit down?’” he continued. “And she said, ‘No, that’s my friend’s seat.’”
Kristen continued to ignore Sam that day, but fate brought them together at McGillin’s again a week later. Then they started crossing each other’s paths in the city. Now they’re married and expecting their first child.
According to Good News Networking, A woman named Kay Scorboria visited the pub while she was studying to become a nun. She met a sailor named Preston there and decided to marry him instead of joining the convent. They said “I do” almost 60 years ago and now have 5 children and 11 grandchildren.
There were also two brothers who each met their wives while drinking at the bar. And, over 50 years ago, two friends walked into the establishment and randomly sat at a table filled with FBI agents. They both met their husbands at that table. They’re still happily married today.
The love stories from McGillin’s Olde Ale House would be hard to ignore, even for the most devout skeptic. So there are any hopeless romantics who are still looking for their soulmates, we suggest they take a trip to 1310 Drury Street.
Be sure to tell us your story if you meet “the one” at the ale house.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
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