The Price Hill Historical Society & Museum invited West Siders to step back in time to the Roaring Twenties and party George Remus style in honor of the infamous Price Hill bootlegger. The Society hosted a speakeasy fundraiser for two years at its headquarters and museum at 3640 Warsaw Avenue. We encouraged those who attended to dress in Prohibition-era clothing, and some society members dressed in period clothing and shared the history of Price Hill. There were door prizes, hors d'oeuvres, and soft drinks, as well as alcoholic drinks from 50 West Distilleries, makers of Remus Bourbon.

A German immigrant, Remus was a pharmacist and lawyer who became known as the “King of the Bootleggers". He turned to bootlegging in 1919 after seeing some of his clients become wealthy by illegally selling liquor. In just a few years, he was earning hundreds of millions of dollars and lived a lavish lifestyle at his Price Hill mansion, which was on Hermosa Avenue between West Eighth Street and St. Lawrence Avenue.

 

Remus filled his home with expensive furniture, art, and rare books. He threw outlandish parties at his estate and was known to give guests cars or jewelry as party favors. Our speakeasy wasn't quite so extravagant, but we guaranteed an evening of fun for everyone who attended.