For his efforts in marketing the pub and caring for the Tipperary Hill neighborhood, the Central New York Sales & Marketing Executives honored Coleman with the group’s Crystal Ball Award in 2010.
First word of Coleman’s death came Wednesday night and social-media reaction followed Thursday morning.
For example, the personal Twitter account of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh tweeted, “The only thing bigger than Peter Coleman’s personality was his heart. He was a gift to the City of Syracuse and we will miss him dearly. Sending love and prayers to the Coleman family.”
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Crystal Ball Award
Coleman spoke with CNYBJ for the April 9, 2010 issue, which included a preview article on his upcoming CNYSME Crystal Ball Award recognition.
When he first heard that he was that year’s recipient of the marketing award, Coleman said he was “completely surprised.”
“Well, I know how to do that, but I don’t know why I should get an award for it,” he quipped.
When arriving at the establishment, patrons are greeted with two “telefon” booths, both of which are reproductions of booths that would be seen on the streets in Dublin, Ireland. One is regular sized and the one next to it is much smaller, geared to any leprechauns who might need to make a call.
The business also offers a tiny doorway for leprechauns next to the primary door for regular-sized patrons.
When asked about his marketing moves, Coleman first noted the delivery of the green beer, which attracts a big crowd to the neighborhood a few weeks before St. Patrick’s Day for a small parade involving a tanker truck rolling down Tompkins Street and patrons then enjoying cups of the green-colored beverage.
Coleman started the tradition in the early 1960s, just so he could have some fun, knowing that St. Patrick’s Day is always among the pub’s busiest days.
“I guess that’s marketing, but I have a lot of fun doing it,” Coleman says.
Besides marketing his business, Coleman is also known for his work in preserving the historic character of the surrounding neighborhood.
Coleman has purchased and repaired several properties on Tipperary Hill and led efforts to create green-space parks that include monuments reflecting the heritage of “Tipp Hill” residents.
The memorials include the Stonethrower’s Monument in Tipperary Hill Memorial Park below the unique “green-on-top” traffic light at the corner of Milton Avenue and Tompkins Street.
