Category Archives: Vices

Jolly Four Park: Essex’s Secret African-American 1930s Nightclub

Posted on February 15, 2012 by atomictv

One of those Essex urban legends that my late mother Jackie Nickel was never able to verify concerned the existence of a secret African-American speakeasy/nightclub/picnic pavilion/swim club off of Back River Neck Road in Essex. There’s the remnants of a … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s, Deaths, Essex / Middle River, Roadside Attractions, Vices | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Bar Odyssey: Dundalk to Fells Point

Posted on January 26, 2012 by atomictv

By Tom Nugent (The Baltimore Sun, 3/10/1978) Friday night, Marie’s Tavern, and Shotgun Hank is getting into the Pabst. “Listen here,” says Shotgun, swiveling around on his bar stool, grinning wide as an Oklahoma freeway beneath his blue, Peterbilt trucker’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 1970s, Baltimore Babylon, Baltimorons, Beer, Booze, Dundalk, Fells Point, Highlandtown, Neighborhoods, Nightlife, Nightspots, Strip Clubs, Vices | 1 Comment

The Peabody Book Shop: One for the books… Or Not.

Posted on January 24, 2012 by atomictv

The Peabody Book Shop was ‘a place where respectable people could come for a sandwich and a glass of beer.’ By Mary K. Zajac (Style Magazine, Sept/Oct 2009) Come in,” the sign above the basement door at 913 N. Charles … Continue reading →

Posted in Baltimore Babylon, Baltimorons, Beer, Dining, H.L. Mencken, Nightspots, Vices | Tagged , , , , , , | 22 Comments

A Bar with a View

Posted on January 19, 2012 by almosthipguy

Unflappable Esther Martin Has Run the Club Charles Since 1951. Who Better to Tell of Her Block’s Boom, Bust, and Possible Rebirth? By Brennen Jensen (Baltimore City Paper, 2/16/2000) “There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man by … Continue reading →

Posted in Booze, Club Charles, Nightspots, Roadside Attractions | Tagged , , | Leave a comment