Relive the 1920s and 30s at 'Guys and Dolls Speakeasy Soiree'

The Mount Prospect Historical Society will hold the "Guys and Dolls Speakeasy Soiree," its seventh annual History in the Headlines dinner, on Saturday, April 21, at Rob Roy Country Club, 505 E. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights.

This year the Mount Prospect Historical Society will re-imagine the atmosphere enjoyed in area speak-easies during Prohibition.

The Roaring Twenties was a time of sustained economic prosperity with a distinctive cultural edge in the United States and Western Europe, but particularly in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Jazz music blossomed, the "flapper" redefined the modern look for women in the United States and Britain, and Art Deco peaked.

The spirit of the time was marked by a general feeling of novelty associated with modernity and a break with traditions. Everything seemed to be feasible through modern technology and jazz, and dancing rose in popularity in opposition to the mood of World War I.

Unlike the Society's six previous History in the Headlines dinners, only one meal will be offered this year. All guests will enjoy a prime rib carving station, along with salad, vegetables, bread and, of course, dessert for $50 per person. Call the office with other dietary needs.

There will also be a cash bar for everyone with signature cocktails of the era offered.

Partygoers are welcome to dress casually or elegantly and even to wear clothing of the 1920s or 1930s.

After dinner they will be entertained by Bill Hazelgrove, author of "Al Capone and the 1933 World's Fair."

He will talk about Capone's gangster life and how worried World's Fair organizers got him out of the picture during the event.

There will also be a challenging 1920s and 1930s trivia competition, inserted during Hazelgrove's intermission, and a raffle.

Reservations are limited and may be made individually or in tables of 10. For more information or to purchase seats via PayPal, log onto www.mtphist.org. To pay by credit card, call (847) 392-9006, Tuesday through Thursday during office hours.