"Speakeasy"

About this time of the year we try to put our consultancy on hold and savor the aromas of holiday cooking and to reflect on our blessings, and we have a lot to be thankful for. So…to stay out of the way of the master chef…I slip away with a glass of wine and write. Digging into the memory banks and prompted by a recent road trip….

 “Speakeasy”

On a recent trip across Indiana we were detoured off I-70 through Terra Haute Indiana due to an accident blocking the bridge.  Winding our way, with all the other displaced travelers, through town and connecting with Route 40, we finally crossed the Wabash River.

Late in the afternoon, with low dark clouds rushing across the late fall landscape, a flood of memories came back as we crossed the river.

Rewinding life back to the late 1960’s I remembered a night much like this one. We had landed late and the Captain suggested we go “up river” to an old “speakeasy” for dinner. Not having a clue what he was referring to and as a young co-pilot I eagerly agreed.

After checking into the hotel, an old creaky floored hotel in downtown Terra Haute, we quickly changed out of our uniforms and “headed up river”.

The Captain, seeing my confusion explained…”Speakeasies were numerous and popular during the Prohibition years. Some of them were operated by people who were part of organized crime. Even though police and agents of the Bureau of Prohibition would often raid them and arrest their owners and patrons, they were so profitable that they continued to flourish.”

Once out of town we headed up a winding tree covered road along the Wabash River. The road was dark, very few homes or businesses and only the reflections off our headlights guided us through the night. Finally we turned off the narrow winding two lane road onto a gravel road. It was really dark now and only the crunching of our tires across the gravel broke the stillness of the night.

Up on a rise, safe from the annual flooding of the Wabash, stood a non-descript building with no signs of live and certainly not of business.  Cars were parked in the dark, haphazardly under trees and on the grass.

Really curious now, and not wanting to look any “greener” to my Captain I withheld my doubts to his claims of a great steak dinner (I’m the new guy…maybe this is a joke?)

A single bare bulb burned above the door. My Captain walked confidently up to the door and rapped the old brass knocker twice. What happened next I had only seen in movies…the peep hole opened up and flash of light appeared before “an eye” replaced it and a gravelly voice asked us what we wanted…now this really happened, my Captain said…”Joe sent me”.

We were admitted into a very nice restaurant and seated. The beverages washed away the days fatigue, the food was excellently prepared and served…my doubts vanished.

Though many years had passed since the need for secrecy and a password this restaurant had thrived on its historical (and perhaps a little shady) background…”ambiance” we call it now.

So back to now…as we drove into the gathering dusk and away from the Wabash I couldn’t help smile and wonder at the many adventures (blessings) life allow you to experience.

If anyone asks tell them…”Joe sent you”.