Fifth Annual Prohibition Party benefits Morgan Hill Historical Society

By Robert Airoldi

Villa Mira Monte will transform into a 1920s-era speakeasy with an evening of food, music, fun and craft cocktails when the Morgan Hill Historical Society hosts its popular Prohibition Party fundraiser Saturday, June 22.

The nonprofit started the event five years ago looking to create an evening cocktail-style party, and at the same time showcase the Hiram Morgan Hill House, said Nancy Reynolds, MHHS board member.

“In keeping with our mission, we also wanted to provide some exposure and education about the history of Prohibition, the social norms, food and fashion of the late 1920s-1930s,” she said.

MHHS is responsible for raising the funds for the preservation, maintenance and operation of the property, the city’s only site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Although we do this in partnership with the city of Morgan Hill and rely on grants when available, the most significant fundraising falls on MHHS,” said Kathy Sullivan, MHHS co-president.

The evening starts with a complimentary classic car portrait before the bouncer asks for the secret password for entrance. Strolling through the home are many opportunities to learn about this period including some of Morgan Hill’s wineries that were affected by Prohibition.

Live Dixieland jazz music by the Zinfandel Stompers will entertain guests as they enjoy a cocktail, dine on exotic Chinese and Italian food and take dance lessons. A card room will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. for those who wish to try their luck.

New this year will be the raffle, which will include prizes that will be limited in tickets sold. Cordevalle Golf (26 tickets available for $50 each), Bootleg Bath is a tub full of wine and spirits (unlimited quantity available for $40 each or 2 for $60), weekend in Arnold, (54 tickets available for $30 each), Cinnabar Golf (26 tickets available for $20 each), or a combo discount of one of each raffle ticket for $120 (instead of $140).

“Guests should get their friends together to pool their money and buy more tickets to increase their odds,” Reynolds said. “These will be sold first-come, first-served with no limit per guest.”

As a nonprofit, the MHHS is always looking to raise money to continue providing its service to the community. Guests who attend the Prohibition Party really experience a step back in time and a night of escapism as they dress in period attire and imagine what it may have felt like to be a guest at one of Morgan Hill pioneers Hiram and Diana Hill’s cocktail parties.

“This entertaining event provides a historical connection with an era in our history,” Sullivan said. “The prohibitionists lost and those determined to imbibe definitely kept the party going. Join us for a ‘swell party’ by kicking up you heels and dancing the Charleston in celebration of the end of prohibition.”

Click HERE to see stories published in the June 5 – June 18, 2019 Morgan Hill Life