Hidden in the heart of Manhattan, at 12 Allen St, is a spot steeped in the tales of Prohibition. This era, stretching from 1920 to 1933, was a time when the United States banned the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages. But New York, ever the city of innovation and rebellion, found ways to circumvent these restrictions, leading to the rise of speakeasies.
The address 12 Allen St is emblematic of these clandestine bars, where the clinking of glasses and jazz music played beneath the veneer of legitimacy. For those in the know, a knock on an unassuming door and a whispered password could grant access to a world of revelry hidden from the prying eyes of law enforcement.
Historical Nuggets
Origins of the Name: The term "speakeasy" is believed to have originated from the practice of speaking quietly about such places in public or when inside them, so as not to alert the police or neighbors.
Decor and Ambiance: Many speakeasies, including those likely found at 12 Allen St, were characterized by their opulent decor - think dark wood, plush seating, and dim lighting to create an air of secrecy and exclusivity.
Iconic Figures: The Prohibition era saw the rise of infamous mobsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, who often ran or protected these establishments. Their influence was felt even in the quieter corners of the city.
Fun Trivia
Hidden Entrances: Many speakeasies were accessible only through hidden doors, secret passages, or even fake businesses. At 12 Allen St, patrons might have entered through a storefront that disguised its true purpose.
Creative Cocktails: Because of the poor quality of the liquor available, speakeasies became the birthplace of many creative cocktails designed to mask the taste of raw alcohol. Classics like the Bee's Knees, Sidecar, and Gin Rickey were concocted during this era.
Jazz and Speakeasies: The rise of speakeasies coincided with the Jazz Age. Many establishments featured live jazz performances, contributing significantly to the genre's popularity. The sounds of legends like Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington often filled these hidden venues.
Lesser-Known Facts
Women in Speakeasies: Unlike traditional saloons, speakeasies were more inclusive spaces where women could socialize freely. This marked a significant cultural shift and contributed to the flapper movement.
Raids and Code Words: Despite the secrecy, speakeasies were often raided by the police. To avoid detection, patrons used code words and phrases. For instance, saying "Joe sent me" might have been the ticket to entry.
Economic Impact: The underground nature of speakeasies contributed to a vast illegal economy. It's estimated that by the mid-1920s, the illegal liquor business was worth over $3 billion annually.
Cultural Impact
Literature and Film: The allure of speakeasies has been immortalized in literature and film. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a prime example, painting a vivid picture of the opulence and decadence of the era.
Modern Revival: Today, the fascination with speakeasies continues. Modern bars inspired by the Prohibition era, such as PDT (Please Don’t Tell) in the East Village, emulate the secretive and exclusive atmosphere of their historical counterparts.
Exploring the history of 12 Allen St offers a glimpse into a transformative period in American history. The Prohibition era, with its speakeasies, mobsters, and jazz, represents a time when the American spirit of ingenuity and rebellion was at its peak. Though the Prohibition laws have long been repealed, the legacy of this era lives on in the stories, culture, and hidden corners of New York City.