The Prohibition era, spanning from 1920 to 1933, brought about significant changes in American society, particularly on the Upper East Side, New York. This period saw the rise of speakeasies, clandestine establishments that illegally sold alcoholic beverages. These covert bars became cultural hubs, offering a blend of secrecy, glamour, and defiance against the federal ban on alcohol.
One of the most iconic speakeasies on the Upper East Side was the 21 Club. Known for its elaborate system of hidden doors and secret wine cellars, the club was a favorite among celebrities and politicians. The 21 Club had a complex mechanism to hide liquor in case of a raid, including a camouflaged door that led to a wine cellar, which could be accessed only by a secret key.
Another notable venue was Chumley's, a former speakeasy located at 86 Bedford Street. Although technically in the West Village, it was frequented by Upper East Side residents. Chumley's had a hidden entrance and was a popular haunt for writers like Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, who found inspiration in its clandestine atmosphere.
The Upper East Side was also home to George Jean Nathan, a prominent theater critic and co-editor of the literary magazine The Smart Set. Nathan hosted lavish parties that featured illegal cocktails, drawing an elite crowd that included H.L. Mencken and Dorothy Parker.
The enforcement of Prohibition laws on the Upper East Side was complicated by the area's wealth and social connections. Many affluent residents had the means to bribe law enforcement officers or had private suppliers. The Volstead Act, which provided for the enforcement of Prohibition, was frequently flouted in this affluent neighborhood.
Despite the risks, the era saw the birth of innovative cocktails designed to mask the poor quality of bootlegged alcohol. Drinks like the Bee's Knees and the French 75 became popular, and bartenders became celebrated for their craft.
The presence of speakeasies also influenced the architecture and design of the Upper East Side. Buildings often featured secret rooms and passageways, designed to evade police raids. The speakeasy culture left a lasting legacy on New York City's social and cultural fabric, contributing to the neighborhood's reputation for sophistication and exclusivity.
In summary, the Upper East Side during Prohibition was a microcosm of the era's larger trends, characterized by hidden bars, innovative cocktails, and a culture of defiance. The legacy of this period remains embedded in the area's architecture and cultural history.