Travel Adventures: Intriguing Stuff to See the Next Time You're in Cleveland, Ohio
A Modern-Day Speakeasy - The Vault - Stop #4
Who would’ve thought a former bank building could be so easily transformed into a playful yet mysterious nightlife venue? Certainly not me, but then I wasn’t familiar with the characteristics of a ‘Speakeasy.’
Reinventing former bank vaults into modern-day lounges and restaurants is the theme of several establishments in Cleveland. We had the chance to tour one while on our September road trip to northeastern Ohio.
Located on East 9th Street, the Vault lies underground beneath the Cleveland Trust Rotunda. This is where Heinen’s Grocery Store operates. I described that unique space in Part 3 of this travel series.
It’s speculated that Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller stored large quantities of their wealth (diamonds, heirlooms, and cash) in various city bank vaults. At that time, a booming industrial economy fueled the growing banking sector.
There are four vaults located underground inside the building:
The New York Safe & Lock Company - Cash vault
The Mosler Safe & Lock Company - Cash vault
The Diebold Vault - Cash vault
The Carnegie Vault - The only one to hold safety deposit boxes
Each still has its original doors and placards that mark the name.
Lifelong Cleveland developers Greg and Fred Geis bought the space in 2014 with plans to turn it into a restaurant/lounge. As renovations commenced, they discovered passageways behind the giant safes. Banking items, including old ledger books, were found, but one item puzzled the contractors. It was a Prohibition Iron Ax of 1901, also known as a barrel ax.
Anti-alcohol activist Carry Nation made the barrel ax famous. She was on a mission to destroy what she viewed as a national scourge. Inspired by an alcoholic husband, Nation became famous for smashing barrels and bottles of booze in as many saloons as possible. Because of her gender, no one would attempt to stop her except law enforcement.
Various axes and hatchets were manufactured and used by the people involved in the Temperance Movement. This reform group was dedicated to moderation and/or abstinence of alcohol, to which Carry Nation was an infamous member. Pictured above is one example of a barrel ax from 1901 with her likeness.
Modern-Day Speakeasy
A Speakeasy is known as a place where alcoholic beverages are illegally sold, particularly during Prohibition (the 1920s - early 1930s). Usually located underground, these secret businesses were also known as blind pigs (for the lower class) and blind tigers (the practice of disguising the bar as a display for animals.)
While the etymology of the word ‘speakeasy’ is vague, it’s thought to reference bar-goers’ need to whisper (or speakeasy) through a small opening to gain entrance.
Today’s Speakeasy is a bar that has/is:
a hidden quality or discreetness
dim lighting
often behind a concealed door
located in a restaurant or hotel
possesses a Prohibition vibe
New York’s 21 Club was a famous Speakeasy that opened in 1930 and was a popular destination for 80 years, offering customers an intricate combination of bars, a dance floor, and a restaurant. This legendary Manhattan venue entertained celebrities and business icons alike. Sadly, it closed during the Pandemic and remains shuttered.
The following are photos taken during our visit:
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and learning the history behind these unique places. We stopped in during the afternoon, but I hope to go back for Happy Hour the next time I’m in town.
Cheers!
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So glad to hear that, Rebecca. I learned a few things myself, which is just one reason I enjoy writing about a variety of topics!
Wow, I learned so much from this post - thanks! 😃