ENTERTAINMENT INSIDER Who would have thought Prohibition would be so "cool"? Backstage (and behind the bar) with Ron Onesti This past week marked the 100th manufacture it, sell it or distribute it! Anniversary of the ratification of the h Senate and Congress passed 18th Amendment, thus creating the legislation, even though President Woodrow Wilson vetoed the Bill. For Along with that came the first the next thirteen years, more martini "Speakeasies" that helped shape shakers and ice cubes were used Prohibition in America. RON ONESTI the era of The Roaring Twenties". than any other time in history! A couple of years ago, wanted to celebrate the 90th An l of the Arcada Theatre which was Franklin Delano Roosevelt niversary capitalized on the country's desire to imbibe, making the repeal of the opened in 1926. What could i do to Volstead Act one of his top campaign variety of floor shows. Same thing in ass; food one of his top campaign Evanston, at Bourbon 'N Br He became the only four live entertainment and over orate that time in history? platforms. term president in American history. Bourbons and Whiskies available So I thought opening a small bar decorated with a few of the historic artifacts I had accumulated would be Then on December 5, 1933, teo sample while dancing the night pone was and bathtub gin are long gone, but 21st Amendment repealed the law, a nce for those interested and America could legally drin of the theatre. I first alcoholic beverages again. looked at a couple of vacant offices quite the celebration! in the theatre building as options. Then went exploring on the third floor the experience of bootleg booze flapper girls and velvet curtains are very much alive. You just have to find But during that time, Americans "lived it up" with food, cocktails and dancing. Of course, the need to the right bookshelf to walk through! There were holes in the floors, walls that made small offices and water stained drop ceilings with fluorescent lighting. After further review, I found the actual ceilings were quite high, and the city said that I could knock down the drywall. was initially concerned because the building is on the National Registry st. But the walls were not original so I could knock them down! An hour later, had a sledge hammer in my hand! It was originally a Free Mason's Hall where over a hundred men would meet and eat Now, after fourteen months of construction and decoration, The Club Arcada Speakeasy & Restaurant is celebrating its second anniversary Speak Easy" about the locations of just as Prohibition was initiated one doors and secret entrances to the Blind Tigers" went away in 1933 drinking emporiums, and the sliding On January 16, 1919, The Volstead Ironically, the amount of drinking Act, named after Andrew Volstead, establishments went down with the the Chairman of the House Judiciary legalization. In its "hey-day", during committee who managed the Prohibition, there were over 100,000 process, was ratified with Nebraska's Speakeasies in the Chicago area! passing of the 18th Amendment. It was not until January 17, 1920 that 90 So today, one hundred years the law officially went into effect. It later and after decades of fads is interesting that the law originally and style-changes, the concept of did not address consumption of alcohol. It was about controlling ever! At Club Arcada Speakeas entertainment I you enjoy reading this feature, please the 1920s-themed establishment is stronger than Restaurant you can enjoy dinner, craft let me know! I want to see who is out there! Check out the ever-changing, incredible lineup at the historic Arcada Theatre by distribution of alcoholic beverages. So basically, the law didn't say over one hundred Bourbons and a you couldn't drink, you just could cocktails in 100-year-old glassware, calling 630.962.7000 or