Remembering the "Rundown"

One Sunday in 1957 or 1958, Bill saw colour television for the first time at the Rondun Tavern, on the east side of Dundas St. just north of the Roncesvalles intersection. At home, Bill and all his friends only had black and white TVs, so it was a big deal.

The tavern was closed for the day, but his father, a regular, could drop by to have a drink with the owners. Bill recalls watching a grainy World Series baseball game — in colour!

Later, when Bill was about 13, his father became a waiter and bouncer at the Rondun, which combines the first syllables of Roncesvalles and Dundas. It soon became known as the “Rundown.” Bill describes the place as “rough and tumble,” with fights being a common sight to see. His father had to throw many people out, and sometimes came home with blood on his shirt.

The bar was also a dispensary for stolen goods, according to Bill. All sorts of oddball items, like toasters and other small appliances, were often for sale in the parking lot. Male patrons who had been out for a night of drinking would often bring home some of the stolen items as gifts for their wives.