The City that Drinks: American Identity and Chicago Saloon History and Culture

Bars have long been central to Chicago culture. From the city’s first election—held in the Sauganash Tavern—through the opulent saloons of the Gilded Age and Prohibition-era speakeasies, to generations of ethnically-identified bars, such venues have provided the “third place” where people create community and negotiate identity. We will discuss how writers and film-makers have represented Chicago not just as “the city that works,” but also as “the city that drinks.” A tour of historic bars which illustrate the course’s themes, via the CTA and on foot, will be arranged.

Bill Savage, who holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, has taught Newberry seminars since 1992. He has also worked in various bars since 1980.

Materials List
Required:
Dunne, Finley Peter. Mr. Dooley in Peace and in War. Prairie State Books, 1988. ISBN: 0252060407
Durica, Paul and Bill Savage. Chicago by Day and Night: The Pleasure Seeker’s Guide to the Paris of America. Northwestern University Press, 2013. ISBN: 9780810129092
Course packet, to be purchased in class.

CPDU credit is available for Illinois teachers seeking recertification.

This class is part of the Newberry’s Adult Education Seminars Program.