When Mrs. Molly Brown's 80th birthday was looming it was a foregone conclusion among her wide circle of friends and family that she would have a big 'blow' to mark that significant milestone. True enough, that's exactly what happened.

The party was at Somersfield Academy and Molly was u front with her alluring 'Hi, Baby' salutation for each and every one of the scores of guests who streamed in. She was her characteristically friendly and charming self, although, happily, not quite so quiet and unassuming as ordinarily.

While there was plenty of the best to eat and drink, her concentration was clearly on the music of the live band on hand. She wanted to dance.

It was her band, Spirit, straight from Hubie's, the famous Angle Street, Hamilton jazz centre she and her late husband had operated for more than 25 years. Hubie's was the 'place to go' until Molly closed it down a month ago, much to the dismay of her large discriminating clientele.

In fact, everybody who loved to sit, relax and enjoy some good 'down home', southern-style music went to Hubie's. Hotel managers, musicians from other local spots, and visiting musicians gravitated there to sit in with the house band and show off. All classes of locals, business and professional people enjoyed networking there, with one another and with tourists and others from overseas.

One of Hubie's great features, strangely enough, was its limited seating capacity. And another was the Friday night special, refreshment 'on the house' provided by Molly herself. Mrs. Brown is a remarkable woman. Now that she has rendered Hubie's to the country's cultural and social history books, she can concentrate more fully on her other business, the Fish Hut restaurant she has owned and operated for more than 25 years. Situated on the corner of Court and Angle Streets, across from Alaska Hall, the PLP Headquarters, patrons come from miles around to enjoy her offerings.

She has spent her entire adult life working in the hospitality field.

Her first job was as a waitress at The Tea Cozy, a Hamilton restaurant. Tips she got for her friendly and dedicated service she saved to buy her first house, and later a second one.

Molly is the eldest in the well-known Moore family of 19 siblings who hail from Spanish Point.

As the matriarch, she is problem-solver and inspiration to a host of nieces and nephews, who seemingly adore her. She was married to Hubert Brown for 41 years until he passed away seven years ago.