Party Like a Bootlegger at the CHS

One hundred years ago, Americans were enjoying the Roaring Twenties, a decade filled with jazz, dancing, and a hot economy – all under the shadow of Prohibition and the 18th Amendment. To celebrate the anniversary of the date the 18th Amendment went into effect (January 16, 1920), the Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) is hosting a party filled with the Charleston (with lessons courtesy of the Hartford Underground Vintage Dance Group), Prohibition-era drinks (courtesy of the Hartford Flavor Company), and plenty of live jazz. The “Bootlegger’s Bash,” which is open to anyone 21 and older, will be held January 17 at 7 p.m. in the CHS’s main auditorium and lobby with a 1920s-theme exhibit in the Veeder Living Room. Partygoers are encouraged to dress 1920s style to try to win prizes. Tickets are $20 for CHS members and $25 for non-members and can be purchased at www.chs.org or at the door if still available.

Connecticut was only one of two states to refuse to ratify the 18th Amendment (Rhode Island was the other), which prohibited "the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors...within the United States." At the time, the Hartford Courant called the 18th Amendment a "highly dangerous invasion of the rights of individual states." Almost immediately, violations began (bootlegging, rumrunning and speakeasies, for example), and the Bridgeport Telegram reported in an October 14, 1921 article that there were an estimated 1,500 saloons operating in Connecticut.

“We think it is an interesting and telling part of Connecticut’s history to know we stood against the only amendment to ever be repealed,” Ilene Frank, COO and chief curator at the CHS, said. “We wanted to highlight our state’s independent thinking with a celebration worthy of this 100th anniversary milestone. Our two local partners for the night, Hartford Underground Vintage Dance Group and the Hartford Flavor Company, really make this an authentic Roaring Twenties party which will be one to remember.”During the Bootlegger’s Bash, guests can enjoy a pop-up 1920s exhibit that includes dresses and clothing as well as barware from the era. They also will have access to all galleries and exhibit currently on display at the CHS. There will also be a photo booth so guests can take their mug shots.