Come to a fascinating “Drinks of the Roaring Twenties” program at Windsor Historical Society. Sample “Corpse Revivers” (gin, lemon, triple sec), “French 75s” (gin, champagne, lemon) Mary Pickfords (rum, grenadine, pineapple juice) and root beer floats for our non-alcoholic offering. Discover more about moonshine, bathtub gin, and the sometimes frustrating world of Windsor Constable Maurice Kennedy from Education and Outreach Coordinator John Mooney, and Librarian/Archivist Michelle Tom.
When America went dry in January of 1920 as a result of the 18th Amendment, it was hoped that alcohol use would be curtailed and crime reduced. In fact, the opposite happened. People drank more than ever, and organized crime kicked off a booming alcohol-fueled black market. Mob-run speakeasies proliferated. Younger women bobbed their hair, shortened their skirts, eschewed corsets, and went dancing. Jazz became the music of the age, and artists like Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Bessie Smith found ready audiences. Wingtips, striped suits, fedoras, fringed and beaded flapper dresses and headpieces became fashion statements, as did hip flasks, hollowed-out canes and false books allowing their owners surreptitious sips. Re-experience this riveting era with us at Windsor Historical Society on June 9th!
Over 21 only. $15 adults, $14 members, $1 off admission if you arrive in 1920s costume.