In the depths of the Depression, Chief of Police Ralph Southard finally had enough information. He entered a flat at 20 N. Washington. Bingo. There was a full-bore illegal speakeasy there, complete with a keg on ice, five quarts of gin, five gallons of wine, and about 40 bottles of beer at various stages of fermentation.My! A rather elegant menu for a blind pig!
The guy running the joint, Werner Mikkola, had also set up tables for the comfort of patrons. Oh, and as the final touch, the article notes: "pretzels were available."
No luck. The police raided the saloon and broke it down. Years later, this onetime blind pig transformed into today's delightful cafe Beezy's. Which does not serve alcohol--however, today the range of nibbles is just a tad better!
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ReplyDeleteWOW, Mr. Mikkola--imagine my amazement when I found an actual descendant of the family kindly visiting this blog! That is WONDERFUL!
ReplyDeleteAs far as a follow-up story, I'd be delighted to check for you. I can look in the papers following this story and see if there is a follow-up. I would also be glad to check in the Archives to see if there is a Mikkola family file. Why don't I do that and, in a day or two or three, follow up with a post on what I've found? (It might not be anything, though--but I'd be delighted to look!)
What a thrill to hear from a family member! OK, Mr. M.; I'm on the case; just please give me a few days to visit both Halle and the Archives and I'll report back with whatever I find. Thanks for visiting!
(Neato mosquito!!!)
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ReplyDeleteDear Mr. Mikkola: That is simply wonderful. Thank you for your kindness in posting the link; I hope the family members enjoy this little post! OK, my mission is clear: I'll scoot down to the Archives tomorrow to see if we have more info on the Mikkola family. I'll post an update as soon as I have more info (it's possible there is no more info in the Archives, just so you don't get your hopes up!) Thank you so kindly for visiting and contributing your family stories! Wonderful!
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