Hit the Speakeasy for a Free Pabst Blue Ribbon
Speakeasies are trendy again, at least thematically. I now know of two of them locally: one in the back of the New City Micro Creamery shop in Hudson, MA, and another in the back of the True West Restaurant in Acton, MA. If you are walking down the street in Hudson, there is no way to know it is there. You have to know in advance – which must make it hard to advertise. You can, however, find it on the World Wide Web – it is called Drink. It has the look and feel of a speakeasy – those we see on the tele anyway. There is no television in there, dim lighting, and even a nondescript door with a little light switch that one must flip to get the attention of those inside to let them know you are there.
AI must have visited the one in Hudson
At True West, theirs is hidden in the back of the place. It looks like a bunch of empty kegs that are piled up – but the kegs are actually a door. There is an outdoor patio back there too, with heaters – so one can actually get out there on the cold days and nights, too. Both provide an intriguing allure in which a patron who knows the area can show off a little. “Let’s meet in the speakeasy.” “Huh, where is that?” It’s not like you have to know the secret knock, however. If it were like that, it’d be hard to get a lot of business, right?
A long time ago, I was in New York City with a friend living there at the time. We were in our early 20s, and nightlife back then was nothing short of fun and amazing nights while tiresome and nauseous – the next day. We were down on West 16th Street one night, closing up a place, and when we left, I asked if we would get something to eat. She told me no way because the next place was just opening up. And just like the speakeasies of those old days when you had to know a guy, a door opened up on a storefront with no sign and no lights. And we flocked in with about 150 of our soon-to-be closest friends. Then, the door closed at some point, and there’d be no re-entry if you left. When we walked out, my eyes briefly burned in the morning sun.
I still have my ticket stub
I could never have known then that this would be my only NYC experience of its sort. I remember that the date was (June 16, 2001) because we had tickets to Shea Stadium, where the New York Mets hosted the New York Yankees for a subway series. Who’d have thought that the city would be under attack just two months later? I remember we had to drink Pabst Blue Ribbon, which may have been the only beer on the menu. Wait, there was no menu. One of the bartenders was a stocky Italian guy with dark hair slicked back. Dark dress pants, with a satin-looking light-colored shirt. It is not a button-down – just three or four buttons, so it is a pullover. He recognized my Italianism – and asked me where I was from. Niagara Falls, I said with pride. He said Ciao and waved off my money when I went to pay him for my beer. A little DNA recognition never hurts, I guess.
There should be NO secret knocks here
Access to cool places and being recognized by people – even strangers is a little fantastic, isn’t it? Schools are actually like this for some kids and families. Just without the beer, conversation, music, or secret knock. This analogy might seem far-fetched at first glance, but the comparison becomes strikingly relevant upon closer inspection. Being "in the know" plays a crucial role in both scenarios. For many families, navigating the public education system feels like finding a hidden speakeasy without a guide. Knowledge of the right programs, schools, and resources can dramatically impact a child's educational journey. This insider information often circulates through word of mouth, much like the whispered locations of speakeasies, creating disparities in student access and opportunities. The challenge lies in making this information more universally accessible, ensuring that all families, regardless of their background or connections, have the keys to unlocking the best educational experiences for their kids.
Furthermore, the glamour and exclusivity of speakeasies can be paralleled with the competitive nature of gaining access to certain charter schools, specialized programs, or even districts known for their high-quality education within the public system. Just as speakeasies create exclusivity and privilege for those who know about them, the educational system inadvertently fosters a hierarchy where a child’s education can depend heavily on their family's knowledge, socio-economic status, and ability to navigate the system – the ones who get the free Pabsts. This creates an uneven playing field where not all students have the same opportunities to succeed, echoing the hidden and exclusive nature of speakeasies.
I have to find one unopened from 2001…for decor
Addressing these disparities requires a concerted effort to demystify the public education system, making it more transparent and accessible to every family, much like bringing the concept of speakeasies into the open. Initiatives are vital to improve access to information about school options, resources, and support services. We can work towards a more equitable educational landscape by ensuring that all families have equal access to information and opportunities. Just as the joy of discovering a speakeasy should be open to all who seek it, so should the opportunity for a quality education be available to every child, irrespective of their background. The goal is to transform educational opportunity's hidden doors and secret knocks into open gates, welcoming every student to a future of possibility and success.