Outwardly, all appeared 'above board'. Tables would be attended by a waiter and your 'tea' would be brought on a tray, but under the teapot lids one could find a cocktail typical of the era, which would be poured into lovely bone china tea cups. Talk about "Keeping up appearances"..
Prohibition in the USA, occurred from the 1920's to 1933, which was a nationwide ban on selling, making and importing of alcoholic beverages.
Even though enforcement was being overseen by the government, it did little to discourrage people from consuming the banned beverages, people would simply open unlicensed 'Speakeasies' or 'Gin Joints' where customers would keep the noise down to not draw unnecessary attention to the club.
Admission to a club was all rather secret squirrel and very cloak and dagger. A password was required to enter, and depending upon the answer you offered, would alert the owners of the club that you may be a government spy!
Even though enforcement was being overseen by the government, it did little to discourrage people from consuming the banned beverages, people would simply open unlicensed 'Speakeasies' or 'Gin Joints' where customers would keep the noise down to not draw unnecessary attention to the club.
Admission to a club was all rather secret squirrel and very cloak and dagger. A password was required to enter, and depending upon the answer you offered, would alert the owners of the club that you may be a government spy!
New York was a popular place for these establishments and Manhattans 21 club was the most secure. Secret methods could be deployed to avert raids, and cut off access to areas of the building that housed the alcohol.
One of the most famous night clubs in the 1920's/30's was the renowned 'Cotton Club', who's clientelle often included the rich and influential from the city.
Famous names also played at the club, such as Duke Ellington's Orchestra and other high profile jazz musicians of the day.
Famous names also played at the club, such as Duke Ellington's Orchestra and other high profile jazz musicians of the day.
On December the 5th 1933 prohibition ended in the majority of states in the USA.