Part 5/9:

The Speakeasies of the 1920s

As we venture down to approximately 8 feet below, we unearth the lively world of speakeasies. These underground bars flourished during Prohibition in the 1920s when the sale of alcohol was banned. Places like the Green Door Tavern and Gold Star Bar were born from the economic opportunities of the time, cloaking their existence behind secrecy and coded signals like green doors.

The Chicago Pedway

At depths around 11.5 feet, we encounter the Chicago Pedway, an unprecedented system of tunnels and walkways designed to shield residents from the inhospitable Chicago weather. Established in 1951, this network connects major subway stations, office buildings, cafes, and shops, allowing people to move across the city sheltered from snow and rain.