Business & Tech

From 'The Pit' to Wilson's Pub

For many years, 3 River St. was affectionately, and by some not so affectionately, known as "The Pit." 

William Henry Wilson Jr., often known as Bill or Billy, bought the Fireplace Cafe in Collinsville in the late 1960s and ran it nearly until his death on Oct. 14, 2010 at age 74. After the end of his life and for a time after he died, long-time associate Phyllis Carroll and her husband Duke ran the bar. 

In May of 2012, the building was purchased by 3 River Street, LLC, consisting of Gregory Boyko, manager, and Kevin Witkos, member. 

Boyko had the two upstairs floors renovated as apartments and the Witkos family has now opened Wilson's Pub downstairs. 

Edward Roberge, owner of Stonehouse Construction, L.L.C., worked on both projects. 

The Witkos family said it was a community effort to open. See more here. 

Here are a few photos on location, in random order, taken over the past couple of years. 

The photo of the late Bill Wilson was scanned from an older print and not taken by Patch. 

Many more historic photos can be found at the We Take and Love the Fireplace facebook page. 


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