Aurora Historical Society’s Unique Sept. 30 Fundraiser Re-Creates 1910 Saloon
The Aurora Historical Society fall fundraiser, titled “When The Factory Whistle Blows,” will re-create the working class culture of 1910, complete with a fictional saloon on Broadway and a visit from the temperance crusader, ax-wielding Carry Nation. The event will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, 2016.
The fictional O’Rory’s Saloon, modeled after the 36 saloons in 1910 that served thousands of laborers, many of them immigrants, will be open for the evening at 24 North Broadway, 60505.
Dan Dolan, Sr., and Jeff Reuland, both grandsons of early tavern owners, will be celebrity bartenders. Visiting the saloon will be Dr. Greg Fauth, whose great-great uncle, Fred Fauth, was the mayor of Aurora in 1910, and other citizens of the time.
Carry A. Nation, who campaigned against alcohol and tobacco with theatrical acts of civil disobedience such as smashing up barrooms, setting fire to whiskey poured into the streets, and encouraging bystanders to sing along to the song of the movement, “The Whiskey Shops Must Go,” will confront party-goers and seek out any fallen women she might be able to save. In her lifetime, she was arrested more than 30 times and an encounter with the police cannot be ruled out.
The location is the 1885 Danahy Building at 24 North Broadway, site of the former Tavern on the Fox. The building is currently unoccupied but is scheduled to open under private management in January 2017 as a new bar and grill, Tavern 25.
Reservations for the evening may be made online at www.aurorahistory.net, by calling 630-906-0650, or by visiting the Museum Store at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Pl., 60505, from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Typical barroom food and drink of the period will be served. Price is $35 per person, or $30 for historical society members. There are several parking lots located behind business on Broadway.
- Photos are of Abens Saloon, located in downtown Aurora at the turn of the century, a leather postcard of the period, and a publicity poster for history re-enactor Ellie Carlson, who will portray Carry A. Nation.
SOURCE: Aurora Historical Society news release
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