“For more than 60 years, The ‘Lanche was more than a staple to the Marquette community – it was home; the final bar stop; the place where students met the locals and all drank cheap “blues.” When it closed on April 24, 1997, news reports said The Avalanche closed because of problems with rowdy patrons and vandalism, but we know that MU wanted the space for university use. And even though many a professor (and countless former students) will admit to doing a naked beer slide or two in his or her days, The ‘Lanche was just one of those old-school, beer drinking, dingy bars that didn’t fit on the newly spiffed up campus. As the saying goes: “Get your degree at Marquette, but get your education at The ‘Lanche.” – OnMilwaukee.com

The Naked Beer Slide generally occurred close to closing time. Typically, an inebriated individual would remove their clothing while the crowd chanted “SLIDE! SLIDE! SLIDE!” The crowd was also responsible for pouring their cheap beer on the floor, lubricating it for the slider. Easily the most disgusting part was that the slider, upon being soaked in beer and whatever dirt was on the floor, then had to put their clothes back on.

The Naked Beer Slide was mostly performed by men, however, one early morning in June, 1991, a female participated in the ritual. Unfortunately, police were near-by, and issued her and the bar owner tickets. Shortly thereafter, a notice was placed at the front door that Naked Beer Slides were against house rules.

The Lanche and Pabst Red, White & Blue in a can were synonymous with each other throughout the bar's existence. “Gimme a blue” was all one had to say to be served the “award-winning” brew. Taste aside, the beer's popularity was most likely due to being the cheapest drink in the house. Sadly, the Red, White and Blue Brand is no longer in production.

Remember the old curmudgeon at the end of the bar on the television show, Cheers? Well, The Lanche' had its own curmudgeon and his name was Gordy. Only Gordy wouldn't get up to use the restroom when nature called. Needless to say, he always had a barstool with his name on it.

While owners came and went, the red, lightbulb studded sign always remained the same. When The Lanche' closed in 1997, rumor has it the sign was moved to the McCormick basement where it remains today. If true, there is at least one Alumni willing to forgo retirement for this tear inducing piece of nostalgia.