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The Rise of the Automobile at The Blind Swine
August 3, 2018 @ 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm
The Western Illinois Museum announces the next date The Blind Swine Speakeasy will be open. The public is invited on Friday, August 3rd from 4:30 to 7:30 pm to what can be described as a cross between an event and exhibit. Held in the raw space that was once used as a garage, it is a perfect place to explore the Prohibition-era and the rise of the automobile. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door, or as they would say in 1920, hit me with an “Abe’s Cabe.”
The 1920s saw rapid changes that were fueled by new inventions, like the Model T automobile. Mr. Ford’s “Tin Lizzie” revolutionized more than the production line. He raised his worker’s salaries to $5 a day and instituted the five-day work week, creating “the weekend and leisure time,” along with disposable income to enjoy it. The automobile created the need for sales and repair shops, like the Ford Dealership known as Macomb Motors, which is now home to Western Illinois Museum and The Blind Swine. Guests are invited to participate in a road rally game during the event to experience how the “machine” brought a boom to the community, creating garages, jobs laying hard roads, entertaining races at the Macomb Fairgrounds track, and lodging for travelers in hotels like the community-built Lamoine Hotel.
Enter the speakeasy through the museum’s “back door” located on the south side of the building, if you have the password. Music will be provided by Mellow Arc featuring Markius Anthony, on saxophone, Tiana Thaker on keys and vocals, and Jason Hartley on guitar. Hy-Vee catering will provide the spirits –for a price.
The Blind Swine Speakeasy will be open on the first and third Fridays of the month through September. More details about upcoming music and activities taking place at the speakeasy will be announced, along with the password, on the museum’s Facebook page, Twitter feed and website.
The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 South Lafayette Street in Macomb. For more information, contact the museum at 309.837.2750 or info@wimuseum.org.
P.S. The password is, “How much for an oil change?”