Historic Clark House is for sale

I grow sad.

Where would Norm have been if Cheers closed its doors, if Sam, Woody, and Diane went away? Where else would everybody know his name? That sort of personality-based magic just can't be easily duplicated.

OK, so it wasn't all about Norm. And it isn't all about me and the other semi-regulars at century-old Clark House's summer piano bar. Vivacious owner Monty Danner and his family have a right to retire, to seek a well-earned rest. The Gatsby-like (as Press writer David Cole described) Clark House is officially for sale.

Sigh... It just won't be the same without them. Summer will lose some of its sparkle without Ron the Piano Man, that guru of showtunes, that melodic comedian, that charming Elton John-Billy Joel-Van Morrison sound-alike who always, always plays "Moondance" when he sees me (and anyone else's requests), with what Monty calls "his boy-next-door-handsome smile." It's homey, comforting to be catered to like that; you feel cared about, liked.

"Sing us a song, you're the piano man..." And everybody does sing as the evening wears on. Everybody - young and old, local and tourist, pearl-laden and tattooed. It's like a movie scene, only better, because it's real.

Just don't forget to put bread in his jar. A Piano Man's gotta eat, even if we do give him drinks for free.

So if you haven't been, go while you can. The piano bar ends Sept. 8.

Picture it: Appetizers or dinner and cocktails on the back deck of the historic and mysteriously haunted, painstakingly restored mansion. The bay doors in front swing open, so you can feel the evening breeze and see the stunning lake view. Sounds of golden oldies played by Ron Pass - former White House staffer who, after an epiphany resulting from witnessing 9/11, chucked a political career to become Carnival Cruises' lead entertainer - permeate starlit cedars. Some guests grab their sweeties (or someone else's, whatever) and dance the night away.

Here's some honesty: Last time we went, on Aug. 2, I didn't feel like it. It was our 10th anniversary, and we'd invited friends, but it was just one of those days. I was tired and a quiet night at home appealed.

But, as always happens, the Clark House magic worked quickly. Ron played Moondance. I couldn't resist mouthing the words to all the songs, even during conversation. Youthful energy crept forward. Monty gave me one of his warm hugs, he's generous with them. I sang. I laughed. As usual, the best night of the summer was there with the grazing deer, on that beautiful, wooded, 12-acre estate in Hayden.

"And you've got us feelin' all right...la la la de de da..."

Sorry; couldn't resist.

So why are Monty and Mark Danner selling their labor of love, other than shedding the long hours? OK, maybe it is the long hours.

"Owning and restoring Clark House has been a lifetime accomplishment for both of us. It has been an incredible journey to take it from the brink of the fire department's torch to this 103-year-old majestic mansion," said Monty. "Now it's time to pass the torch to a new guardian and enjoy the rewards of a great lifetime accomplishment."

Hayden Lake will continue to be their home, if perhaps a wee bit smaller.

Through Sept. 8 the piano bar runs Thursday through Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Sunday 5 to 8 p.m. Maybe I'll see you there. Reservations for both piano bar and the inn (gorgeous rooms, reasonably priced) highly recommended (208) 772-3470 http://clarkhouse.com.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network, wondering who will play "Moondance" for her next summer? Contact her or commiserate at [email protected].