Date/Time
Date(s) - 03/11/2023
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Sigal Museum
Category(ies)
Website
https://sigalmuseum.org/event/speakeasy-town-eastons-days-as-the-little-apple-during-prohibition/
In the 1920s, Easton was known as an infamous after-hours speakeasy town, located halfway between New York City and Philadelphia. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in January 1919, prohibiting the manufacture, transport, and sale of “intoxicating liquors.” As a result, the amendment became colloquially known as “Prohibition”.
Alcohol was illegal? So what! You could find drinks, brothels, and gambling dens by the dozens if you knew where to look. Easton had an underworld reputation enabled by law enforcement and elected officials who, for the right price, were willing to look the other way – so much so that Easton earned its own nickname: The Little Apple.
What was it about this city that drew such crowds, and enabled its underworld reputation? Join local historian Richard Hope for a glimpse into the real-life characters and racy past that shaped Easton as a hot spot for illegal booze, gambling bets, and bawdy houses in the 1920s.
Admission is free for NCHGS members and $5.00 for non-members.