A Gluttonous Affair

Jan 16, 2020

Let’s toast to the 18th amendment, Volstead Act & the hidden ‘Prohibition closet’ in West Akron tour

Jan. 16, 1920. Akron, Summit County, Ohio and every state in the union braced for a long “dry” spell. On that date, the 18th Amendment, which outlawed the sale, manufacture and distribution of alcohol, went into effect; and at midnight on Jan. 17,  Prohibition could be enforced by the Volstead Act.

In “acknowledgement” – although not in celebration – of the 100th anniversary of Prohibition, the Summit County Historical Society invites its members and friends into the alcohol cabinet of 1920s Akron for a gluttonous evening of food, fun and “after 5 o’clock” cocktails on Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. The evening will be reminiscent of that day a century ago.

For a mere $50 per person, ticket holders will peek into the hidden alcohol cabinet in a 1920s Fairlawn Heights home and then visit two more neighbors along Hampshire Drive, enjoying some good “cheer” and tasty food along the way. The tour marks the kick off of the Society’s 16th annual Rubber City Road Rally set for September. Elizabeth Campbell and Johnna Economou are the co-chairs for the rally, the Society’s signature fundraising event. The two aren’t giving away any secrets yet, but stay tuned for the upcoming, coordinated events for this ride through Summit County history. Proceeds from this “Prohibition tour” will help underwrite the Society’s educational programs.

Houses featured are: 229 Hampshire Road (owned by Kate Raymond and Michelle Crocker); 281 Hampshire Road (owned by Pat Weschler), and 336 Hampshire Road (owned by Leianne Neff Heppner and Don Miller).

This is a new event in the Society’s calendar and will surely sell out quickly – after all, who can resist a peek inside these historic homes and the lavish indulgence of food and drink that marked the 1920s!

Get your tickets -- $50 per person – at EventBrite or by calling the Society 330-535-1120.

Because January weather in Ohio can be harsh and there are no sidewalks on Hampshire Road, the Society will provide transportation to – and between – the houses. Details for the pick up and drop off will be provided with the purchase of your ticket.