The Chukker harbored Tuscaloosa's pranksters, malcontents, and misfits from August/September 1956 to 31 October 2003.
"Introducing" the first incarnation of the Chukker—the Tuscaloosa News, 11 August 1956. Debuting soon after Tuscaloosa voted to allow alcohol sales.
The Chukker, destroyed. November 1, 2007, 2:06 p.m. Photo by atlantagrrl.
The ambience of the Chukker was largely determined by its owners—especially when it came to booking music.
This Chukker history was compiled from conversations/email with Bob Callahan, Bruce Hopper, Frannie James, George Hadjidakis, et al., and my own experiences at the Chukker (starting in 1980). I also relied on the following newspaper/magazine/blog articles—listed in chronological order.
Chukker Nation comprises a (very) loose-knit group of pranksters, malcontents, and misfits who found a home at the Chukker. It once had a newsletter. It occasionally has reunions. It's like Woodstock Nation, but without outdoor camping.
The Chukker Meetup is scheduled for October 5, 2024. The Chukker Weekender was held October 27-28, 2023. More information can be found in the Chukker Meetup Facebook group.