Arlington Author Tells Tales of Prohibition-era D.C.

Local author Garrett Peck insists he's simply a history dork, not a professor.

"I'm not an academic. I work for Verizon," Peck said. "But now I'm the 'Prohibition guy,' and an amateur historian to boot."

If Peck keeps publishing books, he won't be an amateur for long.

History dork or seasoned professional, Peck has just released his second work of nonfiction, "The Prohibition Hangover," making him a certified working author.

Peck's first published work, "Prohibition in Washington, D.C.," covered the specifics of the 18th Amendment and the dry decade of the 1920s in the district. His newest book deals more with the cultural shift, accompanying confusion and emerging social contradictions that followed our transition from Prohibition society to modern drinking culture -- hints the subtitle, "From Demon Rum to Cult Cabernet." Both books have received positive reviews.

Thursday evening, Peck was at the Arlington Central Library to promote his new book and educate the public on a few interesting Prohibition-era landmarks in Washington. He offered a brief overview of district-specific, Prohibition-era history. After the talk, Peck stuck around to answer audience questions and sign copies of his book.

Peck shared photos of famous Prohibition-era hotspots with a sizable auditorium audience. Slides included old photographs of the infamous cocktail bar Shoemaker's (now a Marriott), the Howard Theater, Murray's Palace Casino (now a U Street architecture firm), the Mayflower Club (now Dirty Martini) and more.

During the 1920s, the district was filled with thousands of speakeasies, and before that Washington was home to four major breweries -- together, the second-largest source of jobs next to the federal government. Both of Pecks' books, which he describes as crossovers between "fun history and detailed guide books," will help readers dig up these buried landmarks and reconnect with Prohibition-era D.C.

Peck said he became interested in the subject when he began contemplating the relationship his family had and has with alcohol, a relationship that made a dramatic shift over the course of three generations -- from his sober grandfather to his dabbling mother to his cocktail-happy self.

"I come from a Methodist family," Peck said, "which explains our original temperance." His family history perfectly mirrors the historical storyline that Peck articulates in the book.

But if there isn't enough room in the summer reading queue for Peck's books, then at least take him up on his offer to lead a free walking tour through the city. On Sept. 24 and Oct. 1, Peck will lead a tour through the district, sharing his rich knowledge of Prohibition-era D.C., while pointing out some fascinating landmarks. The tours will meet at the Temperance Fountain. Stay tuned to Peck's website for specific times and further information.

In the meantime, enjoy a few Prohibition cocktail recipes...

The "Scofflaw"

1.5 ounces of rye whiskey, 1 ounce of dry vermouth, a hefty squeeze of lemon juice and a solid splash of grenadine, served in an iced cocktail glass.

The "Rickey"

1.5 ounces of gin or whiskey, served with plenty of lime juice, ice and a generous splash of club soda. Perfect for the summertime.

The "Flower Pot Punch"

Some combination of sugar, lemon and lime juice, grenadine, and Santa Cruz rum. An authentic African-American Prohibition-era cocktail; some modern versions use pineapple syrup.