By Monty Siekerman

FROM THE ADA ICON - Owlsburg - once a school,  a church, a tractor dealership, and most recently a bar - gets a new lease on life as a family restaurant.

New owner David "Rico" Rodriguez plans to open Cherico's Restaurant at the corner of State Route 235 and Old Route 30. Target date for opening is November.

A major renovation is underway on the structure, probably 150 years old, with efforts to save some of the past handiwork such as the yellow pine floor and the stamped tile ceiling made of tin.

In addition to the first floor, a large room upstairs will be available for dining. Outdoor patios will be built on three sides.

Home-cooked American food, such as barbecue, will be offered. Hog roasts are planned. The business also has a beer, wine, and liquor license. Catering also will be available.

Why was the former church/school/bar called Owlsburg?

The story goes that, in the 1800s, a sawmill was located across the street, providing lumber for the Owlsburg building as well as nearby farmhouses and barns.

The sawmill's sawdust drew rodents and other varmints. Owls thought these critters made tasty meals. Thus, owls arrived and, in time, the area became known as Owlsburg.

The only bird that will be found on the menu when Cherico's opens later this year probably will be chicken, not owls.