The Speakeasy
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The Speakeasy - Longmont
The Speakeasy at 3rd and Main in Longmont, Colorado, is very special place with a unique history and amazing stories to tell--including Indie Cinema being shot there from time to time. Sarah Carrillo is the current owner of the Speakeasy, and she give Nigel Aves a run down on the last twenty years at the bar, including when it was know as Cheers.
Oh, and stick around at the end; documentary turns to Sci-Fi in an instant...
History of The Speakeasy in the USA.
The Speakeasy refers to the illicit, underground establishments that operated during the Prohibition era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933. Prohibition was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. It was mandated by the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, aimed at reducing crime, corruption, and social problems associated with alcohol consumption.
However, the Prohibition era had unintended consequences, leading to the rise of the speakeasy, a term derived from "speak easy," which was a code word used to ensure secrecy and discreetness about the locations. Speakeasies became popular gathering places where people could purchase and consume alcoholic beverages, despite the ban.
Here's an overview of the history of speakeasies:
- Prohibition Era: The 18th Amendment, ratified in January 1920, marked the beginning of Prohibition. It prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, but it did not ban private consumption or possession. This created an underground market for alcohol, and speakeasies quickly emerged to meet the demand.
- Rise of Speakeasies: Speakeasies operated in various forms, ranging from lavish, upscale establishments to small, hidden basement bars. They were often located in inconspicuous places, like behind false doors, in basements, or above seemingly ordinary businesses. Customers typically had to know a password or be familiar with someone associated with the speakeasy to gain entry.
- Illicit Activities: Speakeasies were often associated with organized crime, as criminal organizations saw an opportunity to profit from the demand for alcohol. Gangsters and bootleggers smuggled alcohol from other countries or produced it illegally in hidden distilleries (known as "moonshine").
- Flapper Culture: The speakeasy culture was closely linked to the Roaring Twenties, a period of significant social change and cultural upheaval. The flapper lifestyle, characterized by a rejection of traditional norms and the pursuit of pleasure and excitement, was closely associated with speakeasies.
- Entertainment and Socializing: Speakeasies offered more than just alcohol. They became venues for socializing and entertainment. Jazz music, dancing, and other forms of entertainment were popular features of these establishments, making them vibrant and lively despite their illegal status.
- End of Prohibition: The Prohibition era came to an end on December 5, 1933, with the ratification of the 21st Amendment, which repealed the 18th Amendment. This amendment effectively ended the ban on alcohol and allowed for the legal production, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages once again.
While the era of Prohibition and speakeasies officially ended in 1933, the legacy of the speakeasy lives on in popular culture. Today, many cocktail bars and themed establishments pay homage to the speakeasy style, recreating the atmosphere and nostalgia of this unique period in American history.