On the corner of
502 West Garfield Avenue
in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Stands more than just a bar; it's a legacy built through generations of culture, survival, and reinvention
The Corner:
More Than One Story
Long before Garfield’s 502 existed, the intersection of 7th & Garfield was already alive with neighborhood energy. Just steps from the current location stood a bar locals remember as Mister’s, a true old-school Milwaukee tavern.
Mister’s wasn’t flashy.
It was raw, real, and deeply rooted in the neighborhood.
• A working-class crowd
• Strong personalities
• Music, drinks, and street-corner conversations that carried into the night
It represented a time when bars weren’t brands—they were extensions of the community itself. That energy helped define the entire Garfield Corridor, a strip known for gathering, storytelling, and community presence.
Boobie's: The Corners' Identity Grows
More Than One Story
Boobie's Place was a historic, beloved tavern on Milwaukee's north side, famously owned by Everett "Boobie" Moore. It served as a community hub for politicians and locals dating back to the early 1950s and operated as a neighborhood bar for decades
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Boobie’s Place carried the same spirit as Mister's:
• Familiar faces
• Strong neighborhood ties
• A no-frills, authentic Milwaukee bar culture
This wasn’t just a place to drink—it was a place to belong.
Early 1950s-Early 2000's
The Fire: A Turning Point
In the early 2000s, tragedy hit.
The original building and everything it represented were destroyed in a fire.
Years of memories, history, and culture were gone overnight.
But what looked like an ending… was really the beginning of something bigger.
Jewel Currie:
The Builder of Legacy
A Milwaukee native whose impact extended far beyond business.
Long before Garfield’s 502 and Jewel's 502, Jewel Currie first made his name on the tennis courts of Milwaukee, earning recognition for his discipline, composure, and competitive drive during a time when opportunities for African American athletes in sports were limited.
Through focus and determination, he became the first African American to win a Milwaukee city tennis championship, a historic achievement that cemented his place in the city’s athletic history.
His reputation and presence in the tennis world also led to relationships with influential figures such as Arthur Ashe, whose legacy similarly represented excellence, perseverance, and progress within the sport.
But what truly defined Jewel wasn’t just achievement.
It was his mindset.
Discipline.
Resilience.
Leadership.
Mental toughness.
The same qualities that shaped him as a champion would later shape the way he led, built, and impacted the community around him.
Long before rebuilding a historic corner on Garfield Avenue, Jewel Currie had already built a reputation for determination, vision, and strength—qualities that would become the foundation of his legacy.
2003
2003: Rebuilding From Nothing
After the fire, Jewel saw something others didn’t.
What people saw as a loss… He saw an opportunity.
In 2003, he purchased the property at 502 W. Garfield Ave and made a bold decision:
He didn’t renovate.
He rebuilt from the ground up.
By 2005, a brand-new structure stood on that historic corner—modern, stronger,
and ready for a new era.
Garfield's 502:
A New Era Begins
From that rebuild came the following: Garfield’s 502
But it wasn’t simply a new name—it was a continuation of everything that came before it. The grind of Mister’s.
The neighborhood roots of Boobie’s Place.
The spirit of the Garfield community.
Under Jewel Currie’s leadership, Garfield’s 502 became more than a tavern.
It became:
• A cultural hub
• A home for live music and entertainment
• A gathering place for Milwaukee’s diverse community
Beyond the bar itself, Jewel’s impact extended throughout the community.
Through involvement with the Par 3 Golfers Club, he helped support fellowship, mentorship, and relationships through the game of golf.
Through participation and support of the Garfield Days Festival, he helped celebrate the neighborhood and bring people together year after year.
Garfield’s 502 wasn’t simply a business.
It was a cornerstone of the community.
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Legacy, Adversity, and Strength
​Later in life, Jewel faced one of his greatest challenges.
After suffering a severe neck injury that temporarily left him paralyzed, he was told he might never walk again.
For many, those words would have marked the end. But resilience had always defined him.
Through determination, faith, and relentless strength, Jewel fought his way back—once again defying the odds placed in front of him. Being able to even get a chance to enjoy what he loves, Golf
The same discipline that shaped him as an athlete…
The same vision that rebuilt a historic corner…
The same toughness that carried him through life…
continued to define him during his greatest test.
That strength, perseverance, and spirit remained with him throughout the rest of his life and legacy.
resilience
Jewel's 502:
The Next Generation
After Jewel Currie’s passing, the legacy did not end —it evolved.
The bar was passed down to his sons, who took on the responsibility of continuing what he built while carrying forward the name, history, and vision tied to the corner of 502 W. Garfield Avenue.
With a desire to honor their father while creating something new for the future, the establishment entered its next chapter:
Jewel's 502
The name represents:
• Jewel Currie’s legacy
• Something valuable, rare, and lasting
• A tribute carried forward by the next generation
Today, Jewels 502 blends the following:
• The foundation built by their father
• The history of the corner
• A modern, elevated direction for the future
While the name has evolved, the purpose remains the same
Community, Culture, and Legacy
A Corner Built On Legacy
This isn’t just a bar.
It’s a timeline of:
• Milwaukee culture
• Community leadership
• Family legacy
• Resilience and reinvention
Built By
Jewel Currie
... and carried forward by the next generation.
