Conner Prairie hosting Prohibition Party

0

By Sam Elliott

Conner Prairie is offering a new adults-only event to kick off this season’s Prairie Plates series, giving guests a chance to visit the prohibition-era roaring ‘20s through its Prohibition Party set for April 17.

Petrelli
Petrelli

The Prairie Plates series is in its third year of teaming up with local chefs and restaurants to offer guests unique dining experiences at Conner Prairie.

“This whole idea came about because we started to hear from adults over the past few years that while they loved Conner Prairie, they just weren’t sure if there was anything for them here now that their kids were grown,” director of programs and education Chris Petrelli said. “The Prairie Plates series evolved to let us engage with this audience of adults, who mostly have children who either don’t need babysitters or are grown and away, who may not normally consider Conner Prairie as a destination for them.”

The Prohibition Party begins at 6 p.m. April 17. Indianapolis’ Repeal Restaurant and 12.05 Distillery will be serving food and drinks inside Conner Prairie Chinese House, which offers its own unique history to the evening.

“It’s an old property on our grounds that isn’t typically open to the public, but it’s a really unique venue. It was Ely Lilly’s summer home back in the day and it’s called the Chinese House because he had an affinity to Asain décor,” Petrelli said. “But prior to him purchasing the property, it was rumored to have been an actual speakeasy.”

While those rumors can’t officially be confirmed or denied, there is evidence to suggest the facility was used for nefarious purposes during prohibition.

“It’s not completely verified, but it’s also not something we just made up in the office,” Petrelli said. “It’s believed to have been the case because there is a tunnel, that is now sealed up, that goes from the basement down to the White River. It was believed that that tunnel was used by bootleggers coming down the White River with their alcohol in hand. They’d funnel it up through that tunnel into the house.

“We’re trying to really evoke that whole speakeasy vibe,” he added. “We’re not trying to create a costume party, but we are encouraging people if they want to come dressed up in their flapper gear or their ‘Great Gatsby’-style tuxedos.”

Members of the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra will be providing live entertainment throughout the night, as well. For more, or to purchase tickets — $140 for Conner Prairie members and $150 for non-members — visit connerprairie.org.


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Conner Prairie hosting Prohibition Party

0

By Sam Elliott

Petrelli
Petrelli

Conner Prairie is offering a new adults-only event to kick off this season’s Prairie Plates series, giving guests a chance to visit the prohibition-era roaring ‘20s through its Prohibition Party set for April 17.

The Prairie Plates series is in its third year of teaming up with local chefs and restaurants to offer guests unique dining experiences at Conner Prairie.

“This whole idea came about because we started to hear from adults over the past few years that while they loved Conner Prairie, they just weren’t sure if there was anything for them here now that their kids were grown,” director of programs and education Chris Petrelli said. “The Prairie Plates series evolved to let us engage with this audience of adults, who mostly have children who either don’t need babysitters or are grown and away, who may not normally consider Conner Prairie as a destination for them.”

The Prohibition Party begins at 6 p.m. April 17. Indianapolis’ Repeal Restaurant and 12.05 Distillery will be serving food and drinks inside Conner Prairie Chinese House, which offers its own unique history to the evening.

“It’s an old property on our grounds that isn’t typically open to the public, but it’s a really unique venue. It was Ely Lilly’s summer home back in the day and it’s called the Chinese House because he had an affinity to Asain décor,” Petrelli said. “But prior to him purchasing the property, it was rumored to have been an actual speakeasy.”

While those rumors can’t officially be confirmed or denied, there is evidence to suggest the facility was used for nefarious purposes during prohibition.

“It’s not completely verified, but it’s also not something we just made up in the office,” Petrelli said. “It’s believed to have been the case because there is a tunnel, that is now sealed up, that goes from the basement down to the White River. It was believed that that tunnel was used by bootleggers coming down the White River with their alcohol in hand. They’d funnel it up through that tunnel into the house.

“We’re trying to really evoke that whole speakeasy vibe,” he added. “We’re not trying to create a costume party, but we are encouraging people if they want to come dressed up in their flapper gear or their ‘Great Gatsby’-style tuxedos.”

Members of the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra will be providing live entertainment throughout the night, as well. For more, or to purchase tickets — $140 for Conner Prairie members and $150 for non-members — visit connerprairie.org.


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Share.

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Stay CURRENT with our daily newsletter (M-F) and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox for free!

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By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact