Mount Prospect Historical Society hosts speakeasy soiree
Approximately 100 history-lovers gathered at the Rob Roy Country Club in Prospect Heights on Saturday, April 21, for the Mount Prospect Historical Society's seventh annual History in the Headlines dinner dubbed the "Guys and Dolls Speakeasy Soirée."
Many of the partygoers wore clothing of the 1920s or 1930s to help the Mount Prospect Historical Society re-imagine the atmosphere enjoyed in area speakeasies during Prohibition.
After dinner they were entertained by Bill Hazelgrove, author of "Al Capone and the 1933 World's Fair," who talked about Capone's gangster life and how worried World's Fair organizers got him out of the picture during the event, as well as about little-known aspects of the fair itself.
The Mount Prospect Historical Society added exhibits on Mount Prospect's brief brushes with gangsters over the years to add a local touch to the evening. There was also a challenging 1920s and '30s trivia competition with a wide range of small prizes.
Proceeds from the event have been directed to the Mount Prospect Historical Society's Operating Fund.
The Mount Prospect Historical Society is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that is committed to preserving the history of Mount Prospect, through artifacts, photographs and both oral and written memories of current and former residents and businesspeople. On its campus in the heart of the village, the society maintains the 1906 Dietrich Friedrichs house museum, the ADA-accessible Dolores Haugh Education Center and the 1896 one-room Central School, which was moved to the museum campus in 2008, renovated and opened to the public in 2017, the 100-year anniversary of the village.
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