MEDINA, Ohio -- “Speakeasy -- a saloon or nightclub selling alcoholic beverages illegally, especially during Prohibition (1920-1933).”
The Medina County Historical Society held a fundraising “Speakeasy” Saturday (Oct. 1) at the McDowell-Phillips House museum, 205 S. Prospect St. in Medina.
Alcoholic spirits were served -- legally -- although probably not with the approval of the late matriarch of the McDowell family, Elizabeth Blake McDowell, daughter of H.G. Blake, a strong supporter of the Temperance Movement in Medina in the late 1800s.
Guests dressed in 1920s flapper dresses circulated throughout the first floor of the McDowell-Phillips House, feasting on appetizers supplied by Partake Kitchen. Young servers walked through the crowd offering trays of delectable snacks. Guests also had access to a large buffet in the main parlor.
Society president Brian Feron recruited two of his nieces to help serve -- Kara Wolff, offering candy cigarettes to guests, and Courtney Farnsworth and her husband, Russell, serving wine.
Dave and Karen Schoenlein stood at a tall table in the game room enjoying their appetizers. Karen wore a pink dress that she purchased 40 years ago to wear to a bridal shower. She wore the dress for only the fourth time to attend the speakeasy, and completed her costume with a long, knotted string of pearls and a hot pink cloche.
Her husband wore a red bow tie and a garter on his white shirt sleeve, as well as a vintage black cap.
Mike and Michaela Tuchek took photos of each of the guests and had the nearly impossible task of selecting the best outfits in the costume contest. Karen Schoenlein with her vintage pink dress won the women’s division; Russ Farnsworth, wearing a three-piece suit, striped shirt, skinny tie and gray bowler hat, won for the men.
Most of the female guests dressed for the occasion in short, swingy dresses, long necklaces and headbands trimmed with jewels or feathers. Some carried long cigarette holders, some wore gloves, and everyone wore a smile as they enjoyed the evening.
Rumor has it that following a toast acknowledging 100 years of preserving the county’s history by president Feron, a “policeman” raided the party, adding excitement to the evening.
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