Speakeasies were "jumping", "happening" illegally set up bars that often included entertainment such as lounge singers, jazz musicians, and dancers. These secret locations allowed for the drinking and socializing of paying clientele, male and female. "Gin joints" provided fun for adults who were disappointed by the lack of excitement and alcohol in "straight" establishments. To gain admittance to a speakeasy, a secret password or handshake was often key. This requisite greeting showed the individual to be "one of their own".
Women and men frequented these alcoholic water holes. Before Prohibition, many women refused to frequent bars in fear of gaining an undesirable reputation. A proper lady was never to drink hard liquor. An occasional glass of sherry or wine was acceptable. The exciting jazz music, however, provided an excuse to visit an underground bar. Dancing was a valid reason to visit a speakeasy. According to Legends of America, "Just six months after Prohibition became law in 1920, women got the right to vote, and coming into their own, they quickly 'loosened' up, tossed their corsets, and enjoyed their newfound freedoms." Here, a woman could enjoy a glass of "hooch" (a speakeasy term for liquor) and be accepted.
Women who frequented speakeasies were accepted among the bar's patrons and society. For the citizens who fought for Prohibition, the results of gin joints were shocking and appalling. The pro-Prohibitionists were disturbed by women dancing wildly, wearing red lipstick, and showing skin. These were thought to be the disasters of the decadent jazz and intoxicating alcoholic beverages.
"1920's Prohibition". 2005. 21. Feb. 2011
"Speakeasies of the Prohibition Era". 2003. 21. Feb. 2011
SW, this was such an interesting post about speakeasys. It is amazing to see how far women have come when it comes to what they can wear, how they can dance, and what they can and/or cannot drink with acceptance. Speakeasys sound similar to bars of today, but they had to be kept secret because they were not socially accepted by everyone. Thank goodness society has evolved and accepted the things that were looked down on and illegal in the past. I really enjoyed your post. Thank you for posting this. Mary Ann Reday.
ReplyDeleteSW, this was a great post. We have Speakeasies to thank for ushering in the Jazz era as well as for showcasing so many wonderful musicians. These establishments were also a liberation to women, allowing them the freedoms to explore possibilities that had been impossible for them in the past.
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