OLD TOWN — The 82nd anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition is coming up, and the Chicago History Museum is throwing a 1930s-themed soirée to celebrate.
The event, dubbed "The Last Speakeasy: On the Eve of Repeal," is set for Dec. 3 at the museum's ballroom, exhibit spaces and lobbies, 1601 N. Clark St., from 6:30-10:30 p.m.
What's new this year is a costume contest in which the "costume council" will select the best-dressed attendees based on two categories: "most of the era" and "most original." (The museum doesn't allow feathers, boas and firearms, including toys.)
Petra Slinkard, the museum's curator of costumes, said people often think of flappers when they think of 1930s costumes, but that style was popular between 1925-1928. In other words, the style of the 1930s was different than that of 1925. She said judges will be looking for both authenticity and creativity.
Need costume ideas? The museum shared some old snaps of Chicagoans outfitted in 1930s garb to inspire you:
[All photos Courtesy/Chicago History Museum]
Also at the event there will be a dance floor where dressed-up attendees can learn the Foxtrot, the Charleston and other popular dances from the era before or after hitting the bar for drinks made with Templeton Rye. Expect music from Steve Anthony and his Society Orchestra, Leslie Beukelman and Jim Tashjian, as well as Kevin McIlvaine and friends.
If dancing isn't your thing, head to the novelty gambling tables to play traditional 1930s games, or more modern ones like "Road to Infamy," a new Chicago-created, gangster-themed board game.
Folks can also watch movie trailers that debuted in 1933, hop on what the museum described as a "whiskey barrel bus" courtesy of The Barrel Run, or get a history lesson from various experts like author Renée Rosen, who wrote "Dollface," and historian Bernard Turner. Slinkard will also be on hand to discuss Prohibition-era fashion.
Prohibition refers to a time in United States history when alcohol was illegal, from 1920 to 1933. During that time, people opened secret watering holes, dubbed speakeasies, and gangsters that have become synonymous with Chicago crime like Al Capone ran amok in the city. The ban was repealed on Dec. 5, 1933, when the 21st Amendment was ratified.
The sold-out event is offering waitlist tickets, which cost $85 for general admission, $75 for museum members and $150 for VIP tickets. VIP tickets get you password-only access to the Emerald Lounge with music by Frieda Lee, exclusive cocktails, access to an Eli's Cheesecake dessert bar and more.
For more information about the event, call 312-642-4600 or visit the website.
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