What is a speakeasy door? A speakeasy is small window cut into an entry door at eye level, used for secure greeting of visitors (with the term originating during the Prohibition era
Prohibition in the United States
Prohibition in the United States was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933. During the 19th century, alcoholism, family violence, and saloon-based political corruption prompted prohibitionists, led …
What is a speakeasy grille?
This small door is hinged and latched from the interior side of the door. The speakeasies are available in four wrought iron grille designs. Each external wrought iron speakeasy grille design has been forged by artisans and is individually crafted by hand and will vary.
Why are they called speakeasy bars?
To cater to the very large population of people who still wished to drink, hidden bars and nightclubs were established in cities across the country. The term speakeasy is thought to have come from the patrons having to whisper (or, speak “easy”) when attempting to enter the hidden bar. 2
Where were speakeasies often located?
Speakeasies were often located in underground dens or dark saloons that did not draw much attention from the outside. 1 During the time of Prohibition, it was illegal to sell alcoholic beverages in the U.S., so these establishments had to be inconspicuous. 1 At the height of the speakeasy movement,...
What is the difference between the wrought iron grilles and speakeasy grilles?
This variance is a feature of wrought iron and adds to the beauty and appearance of the wrought iron grille. The handmade wrought iron grilles are powder coated for durability. The speakeasy grilles are available in 3 color options, while the speakeasy latch is available in 2 color options, as follows:
Speakeasy Grille Options
Most of our solid panel doors shown in this section may be ordered with our “speakeasy” option installed (see photo below). With this option, a small, operable rectangular door is installed in the upper door panel at a height of approximately 5’-6” (speakeasies are installed lower on the round top double doors).
Speakeasy Grille & Latch Color Options
Each external wrought iron speakeasy grille design has been forged by artisans and is individually crafted by hand and will vary. This variance is a feature of wrought iron and adds to the beauty and appearance of the wrought iron grille. The handmade wrought iron grilles are powder coated for durability.
Speakeasy Glass Options
Choose from eight different glass texture options to complement your wrought iron and hardwood entry door. All glass textures shown below are produced using a double IG (insulated glass) unit to provide safety, security, and energy efficiency. The capacity to see through the glass panel varies depending upon the glass texture chosen.
Peephole Viewer Option
Add a peephole to your solid entry door and get a 180 degree view of your outside perimeter. Available in 2 sizes to fit any thickness of GlassCraft’s entry doors.
Simulated Door Peg Option
Our 6 panel DoorCraft Mahogany doors are available with simulated door pegs for added rustic charm.
What is a speakeasy?
The term speakeasy is thought to have come from the patrons having to whisper (or, speak “easy”) when attempting to enter the hidden bar. 2. Free and low-cost alcoholism treatment is available. Here's how.
How were speakeasies discovered?
Speakeasies were mainly discovered by word of mouth and had varying requirements for entry. For example, some speakeasies only let in known customers; some required passwords; some required speakeasy cards (an identification card, of sorts, that told the proprietor it was okay to let the person in). 5.
How did speakeasies find their place in society during the time of Prohibition?
Speakeasies found their place in society during the time of Prohibition in the United States. From 1920 to 1933, the terms outlined in the 18 th Amendment made the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages illegal in the U.S., but that didn’t stop people from having drink s. 1 In fact, drinking alcohol wasn’t actually illegal. You could drink alcohol you already had in your home, for example. However, most people didn’t have a huge stash of liquor and had to seek it out other ways. To cater to the very large population of people who still wished to drink, hidden bars and nightclubs were established in cities across the country.
What Is a Speakeasy?
The Temperance Movement started in the 1800s and aimed to limit, or temper, the use of alcohol. It had varying success in the 19th century, but in many ways became a large issue in the early 1900s.
Speakeasy Definition & Meaning
A speakeasy can be defined as a place where people went, particularly in the 1920s in the United States, to drink illegally. The term speakeasy came from how people needed to enter a bar.
Speakeasy History
Almost as soon as the temperance movement gained steam in America, there were efforts to get around the rules limiting alcohol sales. Speakeasies also existed in Britain. There, there were sales of alcohol without regulation. In the United States a variety of ways occurred for people to be able to buy alcohol illegally.
The 1920s Speakeasy
The late 1910s saw the success of Prohibition and the Temperance Movement in the 18th Amendment. People, though, got around these restrictions by going to illegal bars. As a result, the 1920s saw the growth of speakeasy bars, or speakeasies, as well as the general sale of illegal alcohol.
Famous Speakeasies
There were a large number of famous speakeasies throughout America. Some of the most famous establishments were in New York City and Chicago, but many tourist destinations had them as well. Of course, a truly successful speakeasy would never have been found by chance.
Understanding the Prohibition Era
Most people's awareness of the Prohibition Era comes from watching old movies, or at least movies set during the 1920s. Mob films and other stories from this time were often centered around the shadowy fallout of Prohibition-era America.
Illegal Drinking and the Speakeasy
In a way, prohibition did yield some positive results. Drinking accidents and injuries in the workplace did decrease.
The End of Prohibition
The Prohibition Era lasted quite a long time. For over a decade, the federal and state governments of the United States attempted to enforce this practice of prohibition to the very best of their ability.
Speakeasy Doors for Your Home
If you're a lover of history, there are many good reasons to consider bringing some of that history to your own property. One way that some homeowners do this is to embrace some of the popular iconographies of the Prohibition Era.
Understanding Speakeasy History
If you're interested in installing one or more speakeasy doors in your home, then you'll want to get familiar with the history that surrounds these iconic frames.
What is a speakeasy door?
A speakeasy door is like a small trap door built into your door at eye level -- when someone comes knocking, you simply open it up for a sneak peek at whoever is outside. The size you choose to make yours is up to you, but these doors are typically less than 1 square foot in size. Advertisement.
How do I install a speakeasy door?
Step 1. While your door is still in place, mark where it is eye level for your height. This is where you will place your speakeasy door. Remove the door from the door frame and set it down in your work space.
How to make a door with a hole?
Cut a small square or rectangular hole in the door -- approximately 9 square inches in size or less. Center it horizontally, and place it vertically where you marked your eye level. Sand down any rough edges on both the door and the piece that you cut out.
Do you need a gangster at a speakeasy door?
You don't need a gangster at your door for that "speakeasy" feel. Image Credit: Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images. Back in the days of Prohibition, speakeasy saloons kept hired goons by the door to bar entry from intruders. You may not have a goon at your disposal, but you can always install a speakeasy door in your front door, ...
