Farewell to Ticker: Embracing Change at SLU

Whispers have been echoing around the St. Lawrence University campus in recent weeks, hinting at the potential closure of a classic student favorite, the Tick Tock Inn. The setting of the weekend sun has had university students flocking to downtown Canton to enjoy the bar offerings and dance floor since the establishment’s opening in 1973. “The Ticker”, as it is commonly nicknamed among the students at SLU, has been under the ownership of a well-known Canton local for as long as many can remember. 

Reportedly, the man behind the bustling nightlife has finally brought a conclusion to an era and sold the beloved building. Canton residents and visitors will be excited to hear that the new owner is likely to begin the Ticker’s transition into a family-friendly restaurant at the conclusion of this academic year. 

This transformation could potentially bring new aspects of atmosphere and or cuisine to the eatery scene in Canton. The multiple-room building has lots of space for renovations. The neighboring rooms containing booth seating and a bar are perfect for the restaurant vision, and the current dance floor and empty space opens a realm of possibilities for live music and other additions. Additionally, a restaurant will offer an environment that is inclusive to the entire community rather than just collegiate partygoers. It can be expected that the greater community will happily await the remodeling, but many college students will be saddened by the changes. This all begs the question, where will students gather on the weekends once their preferred venue isn’t available? The Hoot Owl is another local bar tailored towards upperclassmen and townspeople. The students enjoy it, but the stricter age restrictions of 21 and up for entry make the environment much different than The Ticker. 

Though the students will undoubtedly feel negatively about this big change at first, The Ticker’s closure could serve as a catalyst for a new sense of community within the SLU campus. Without their typical destination to race to on nights out, students will spend more time with the individuals in their communal living spaces and seek alternative methods to socialize on campus. More events may occur at SLU on weekends, and students will find meeting people within other teams, houses and groups much easier and more exciting. 

With hope, the bonds will grow stronger among students, and these effects will spill from the party scene into the weekdays to create a more unified campus community. While many details regarding the impending alterations of the Tick Tock Inn may be undisclosed, there is a unanimous understanding within the community that these changes will undoubtedly introduce a new dynamic for all.