Back to All Events

FDR and the Repeal of Prohibition

On December 5th, we celebrate the 88th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition in America. We are excited to welcome back authors Anne Peck-Davis and Diane Lapis to the virtual stage and continue our vintage journey across America.  The duo’s program will feature unique cocktail lounges, hotel bars, and the exotic venues that defined the period after Prohibition’s repeal.

FDR and the Repeal of Prohibition: Art Deco Cocktail Lounges of the Post-Prohibition Years examines FDR’s role in repeal, ushering in a new era in cocktail culture. FDR took the first step to end Prohibition by signing into law a measure to legalize beer and wine, leading to full-fledged repeal on December 5th, !933. From New York to California atmospheric restaurants and cocktail lounges sprung up as revelers rushed to enjoy vintage cocktail favorites or new-fangled concoctions! Fun seekers enjoyed fantastic floor shows, musical ensembles, and exotic environments. A newly liberated America couldn’t get enough. Vintage postcards and imagery invite participants back in time to celebrate the anniversary of repeal with period cocktails in hand!

Two/Three cocktail recipes will be provided in advance and prepared during the presentation.  Viewers can purchase the cocktail ingredients and follow along to make the drink at home, transporting attendees into the realm of post-Prohibition America.

Tickets:

$6 ADSLA Members

$10 General Admission

Our virtual events are conducted via Zoom. If you purchase a ticket and cannot view the event live, we will send you a link to view it at your convenience.

Coauthors Anne Peck-Davis and Diane Lapis are independent researchers focusing on the post-Prohibition, WWII, and post-war years in America.  Their significant collection of vintage linen postcards is the starting point for their research on cocktail culture, social trends, décor, and design in the post-Prohibition era.  Anne and Diane’s published work includes the book Cocktails Across America: A Postcard View of Cocktail Culture in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s

To purchase the book, click here:  http://bit.ly/CocktailsAcrossAmerica

Later Event: December 10
London Nightlife in the Art Deco Era