Tipple stick

February 13, 1922. Washington, D.C. Unidentified woman demonstrates an ingenious Prohibition-era fashion accessory, the cane-flask. Courtesy Shorpy.

Last night I dreamt I was, no kidding, saying "Swordfish" at the back door of a speakeasy, wearing oxford shoes and a great big coat. And carrying a cane. Remembered where it came from: the Shorpy archives, that great treasure trove of old pix that is nearly as good as my Dad's bookcase. Nearly, but not completely.

It's not in Manhattan but it could be, with that white hex tile and the twisted leg chairs, which Mom called Candy Store chairs. They came from Great Uncle Sam and his brothers' candy store on the Lower East Side, which also doubled as a numbers parlor back in the day. In an odd coincidence, K and I realized that it is highly likely that my Great Uncle Sam and his great grandfather, an enforcer who sported brass knuckles and fedoras, may well have crossed paths. According to Uncle Sam those fellows made sure things stayed right. The one time a poor fool made the mistake of stealing the cash box, the boys across the street had it back in three hours.