A Visit to Al Capone's Old Speakeasy

"It's hard to believe that Al Capone could really have spent time here," I said to my sister Jean as we walked into the Green Mill. "But it sure feels like Roaring Twenties."

"Well, I think it was the last time I was here last summer with Carol (our middle sister) that they told us he sat at that table," she added, pointing across the narrow bar room to a small table on the far side. "He could see both doorways from there."

I had explained to Andy earlier that rumor told of a trap door behind the bar that led to underground tunnels connected to dance halls down the street. Dim lighting, heavy wall carvings and murals, and locals who came to jitterbug in Twenties garb all screamed the Capone Mob lifestyle.

Lou Rugani, host of WLIP radio, emceed the evening at the Green Mill. Thursdays are swing band, featuring Alan Grescik's Swing Shift Orchestra. The unobtrusive night club offers three one-hour shifts of music, all swing from the Twenties and Thirties with singers Amanda Wolfe and David Sherman. Front row saxophonist is brother-in-law Jim Johnson, our reason for going.
With dancers swinging in the background, Andy, Sue, Helen and Jean hung out for two sets of nonstop music and fun.

Green Mill in Chicago brings back the Great Gatsby era.