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Pendergast bar kansas city. Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Special Collections. The mansion, completed in 1927, served as the extravagant home of Kansas City's Democratic Party boss, Thomas J. Known as "Alderman Topics Discover the history of Kansas City’s Pendergast Years by exploring various topics. 26, 1945, Kansas City, Mo. He rose to prominence in the West Bottoms as the proprietor of saloons and gambling establishments and became head of a political faction that held significant control over local politicians and law enforcement in Kansas City. Kansas City’s cocktail scene is as diverse as its culinary landscape, offering everything from sophisticated lounges to vibrant speakeasies. is downtown Kansas City's first legal distillery since Prohibition. Pendergast was the leader of a Kansas City political organization known as the “Pendergast machine. Tom’s Town Distilling Co. Despite that, their gangland clout remained potent, O’Malley says. Photography courtesy of Kansas City Public Library. The Truman parlor includes a small kitchen, poker room, ample Dec 31, 1997 · More than a half-century after the death of Kansas City's notorious political boss, Thomas J. Brought to you by The Kansas City Public Library and partner Dec 12, 2024 · The Tom Pendergast House: A Historic Landmark in Kansas City The Tom Pendergast House, built in 1927, stands as a testament to both architectural beauty and political history. What are people saying about nightlife near Kansas City, MO? This is a review for nightlife near Kansas City, MO: "Present for reopening The Pendergast Bar Opening @ Kansas City Live!'s outdoor bar. Pendergast was just a Kansas City, Missouri, saloonkeeper and whiskey dealer who came to the rescue of a failed clothing store proprietor. Critics of Pres. Jun 8, 2023 · Step back in time to the early 1900s and explore the captivating history of the "Wettest Block" at 9th and State in Kansas City. Initially, Justus W. and the Legend of Tom Pendergast We named Tom’s Town Distilling Co. Feb 17, 2022 · Pendergast gave the city free rein to push illegal booze to make criminals rich, and he ensured there were no alcohol-related arrests in Kansas City during the entirety of Prohibition. Pendergast house is a modified design of the French Provincial architectural style. Pendergast, was an American political boss who controlled Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri, from 1925 to 1939. “If you were at the top of your game, if you were the boss in the city and the county, how would you have been drinking?” Epstein asks. In the election of 1932 Thomas J. That led to the bars and clubs near 18th and Vine becoming a hub for round-the Oct 15, 2009 · Tom Pendergast Other than Tammany Hall in New York, the Pendergast machine in Kansas City was the longest-running and most thorough melding of vice and politics ever seen in the United States. It has a fully stocked bar, comfortable leather seating and unusual Kansas City artifacts. Attached to the postcard is a note describing a first date one had at Winnwood Beach in 1918. Louis, but the best things to do in Kansas City showcase a town packed with character James Francis Pendergast (January 27, 1856 – November 10, 1911) was a Democratic politician and the first Big City Boss of Kansas City, Missouri. S. Delicious! Molly served us and the drinks didn't disappoint J. “Certainly, hubris should be high on the list. Fueled by the non-stop nightlife under political boss Tom Pendergast, Kansas City jam sessions continued until later than sunrise PENDERGAST FEATURED SPIRIT: Kansas City Whiskey With the addition of the sweet vanilla and herbal complexity of Benedictine liqueur, this drink is like a Manhattan cocktail. Pendergast named the governor, Guy B. More than 40 area nightclubs feature jazz on a regular basis. Discover what lies behind their doors. Located on the top floor of The Majestic Restaurant, The Pendergast Club is divided into three uniquely charming rooms. Larsen and Nancy J. This gave Kansas City jazz a more relaxed, fluid sound than previous jazz styles. With its stylish décor and expertly crafted cocktails the venue offers a unique blend of vintage charm and modern flair. May 22, 2025 · Public secrets await in Kansas City's speakeasies and hidden bars, where each sip unveils a captivating story. Located on the Third Floor of the Historic Fitzpatrick’s Saloon Building – the Home of the Majestic Steakhouse. C. Extended soloing. Pendergast was a political boss who controlled many aspects of Kansas City in the 1920s and 1930s. Date Created: September 2011 Date Modified: June 2021 The author of this article is solely responsible for its content. Tom’s irreverence for federal statutes in favor of bare-knuckled local business dealings allowed his town to emerge as the “Paris of the Plains. C. 1,337 likes · 698 were here. Ride free, dine local, and discover Kansas City’s best eats—plan your streetcar food crawl now! Home of Jackson County Democratic Party boss, Thomas J. Nichols Company, this French Provincial style home was the residence of the influential political boss Tom Pendergast until his […] Feb 8, 2015 · Tom Pendergast was one of the most powerful and controversial men in the history of Kansas City. The brand gets its name from corrupt political boss Tom Prendergast who famously ignored prohibition in Kansas City and kept whiskey flowing by using his political influence and police bribes whilst his machine controlled Kansas and Jackson County. He finally lost power after a series of political scandals. (known as the City Beverage Company during Prohibition and after) and continuing with, in alphabetical order, the Atlas Beverage Company, City Beverage, Ready The Pendergast Club is a historic bar located in the heart of Kansas City MO known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich connection to the city’s jazz and speakeasy era. Maybee also owns Kansas City cocktail bar Manifesto and is the co-founder of Paris of the Plains Cocktail Festival, hosted in Kansas City each summer. Apr 14, 2022 · 2. But it was African More about The Pendergast Club The Pendergast Club is the private cigar club and lounge located on the third floor of The Majestic Restaurant. J. Pendergast's unlikely political career had begun in 1894, at the age of 22, when he moved from St. The Club has a full bar with over 250 different whiskies, a humidor for members to purchase cigars or store their own, and two meeting/dining rooms which members may reserve for special events at no charge. One of Kansas City's leading jazz clubs of the 1930s and home to influential bands like the Count Basie Orchestra, this was one of the most successful jazz clubs during the era when Kansas City's jazz scene thrived Apr 20, 2024 · The Pendergast Club, Kansas City. ” Prohibition officially began in 1920 and lasted until 1933, but Kansas City was largely defiant. In 1942, Hartmann's account was submitted to Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Jr. Kansas City finds itself in the midst of a speakeasy-style bar revival — a message that spoke loud and In Kansas City, the effects were especially pervasive due to bribery, electoral fraud, and permissive law enforcement on the part of the Pendergast-controlled government. Under Pendergast’s influence, Kansas City flouted Prohibition. “If you want to see some sin, forget about Paris. A white band, the Coon-Sanders Nighthawks Orchestra, became the first national radio sensation on Kansas City’s WDAF (one of just four U. In 1880, Irish immigrant James Pendergast moved to Kansas City and used his gambling winnings to open a bar. is downtown Kansas City’s first legal distillery since Prohibition. The paper includes stories about crime and political news, social and church updates, sports stories, and advertisements for local businesses, groceries, and cosmetic products. Putsch. The statue, dedicated in 1913, showcases his contributions as a labor leader and alderman while sparking curiosity among locals about his lesser-known legacy compared to his brother, Tom Pendergast, a more notorious figure. FOX4 dives Beneath the Bricks to uncover this restaurant's long-standing history. Delve into the reign of power of Tom Pendergast, the charismatic political boss, and the cast of characters that shaped the block. Oct 17, 2018 · The Pendergast space includes a pool table, sitting room, king-size bed and 1 1/2 baths, once of which has a dartboard above the sink. Long before the era of high-tech streetcars and smart city allure, Kansas City was on the cusp of a different renaissance, one fueled by jazz, baseball and, remarkably, liquor. Many legitimate breweries, wineries… Continue reading You can The Kansas City crime family, also known as the Civella crime family or the Kansas City Mafia or the Clique, is an Italian American Mafia crime family based in Kansas City, Missouri, and throughout the Greater Kansas City area. W. In 1919, when Prohibition was imposed on the nation, Kansas City remained unaffected, primarily due to the Pendergast Machine. In a press release, Chicago-based Aparium Hotel Group said the hotel, which will feature three restaurants and bars including the rooftop, is accepting reservations for stays beginning What are people saying about nightlife near Kansas City, MO? This is a review for nightlife near Kansas City, MO: "Present for reopening The Pendergast Bar Opening @ Kansas City Live!'s outdoor bar. after the country’s most corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast. Under Tom, Kansas City ignored Prohibition and emerged as the “Paris of the Plains. On June 28, 1945, Harry Truman visited Kansas City for the first time as president of the United States to receive an honorary degree from the University of Kansas City. Both are right. In the early 20th century, many of the Irish and various immigrant following of Tom’s brother, James Pendergast, lived on “the Hill” or the West Bluffs of KC. Our tasting room reimagines classic prohibition cocktails with a contemporary twist, featuring our award-winning spirits: Double Oaked Bourbon, Pendergast’s Royal Gold Bourbon, Double Grain Vodka, Botanical Gin, Barreled Gin, and Straight Rye Whiskey November 8, 1917 Women's Bar Association of Kansas City Founded Denied from joining the Kansas City Bar Association due to her sex, Tiera Farrow and 20 other female lawyers form the Women's Bar Association of Kansas City. The Majestic Restaurant in Kansas City offers a historic charm with "great food, service, and atmosphere. Go to Kansas City. WITH TWO TAP TRUCKS, ONE TAP TRICYCLE, SEVEN CHAMPAGNE WALLS, AND AN EXTENSIVE SELECTION OF RENTAL BARS, THEY OFFER FULL-SERVICE BARTENDING SOLUTIONS TO TRANSFORM ANY EVENT INTO A TRULY MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE. draws its name and inspiration from the country’s most polarizing and corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast. Built in 1911, the same year Jim Pendergast (Boss Tom’s older brother) passed away, it housed the saloon and a […] Mar 3, 2020 · The Pendergast Club is a relic from Kansas City’s Prohibition days. Relax in the inviting ambiance of brick walls and leather couches. Courtesy of Missouri Valley Special Collections. William Worley Jan 21, 2016 · The Pabst Brewing and Pendergast Distilling buildings in the Kansas City Crossroads Arts District will become an Aparium hotel in the 2100 block of Central Street. The building started life over 100 years ago as the Fitzpatrick Saloon. The second floor is a private dining and lounging area, called The Pendergast Club, in honor of Kansas City Bigwig, “Boss Tom” Pendergast. Pendergast only briefly held elected office, as an alderman, but his capacity as chairman of the Jackson County Democratic Party allowed him to use his large network of Irish family and friends Apr 11, 2025 · The “Tom” in Tom’s Town is a nod to Tom Pendergast, the KC political boss from the 1920s and 1930s. Pendergast. Now, in this first full-scale biography of Pendergast, Lawrence H. " Find local Kansas City bars with inspired histories that showcase the best of the past, in the present. The Vault — moody, dim, speakeasy-like — doubles down on those historical allusions I got the tingly, dizzy feeling I experience when spirits are near when I was in the basement area. Jazz in Kansas City was born in the 1920s and continues today in clubs and events held throughout the city. ” — George Miller Jul 27, 2023 · In Kansas City's rich history, one figure stands out as a larger-than-life character who left an indelible mark on the city and its politics. blends history and innovation in every glass. Tom's Town Distilling Co. Pendergast, the Pendergast name still evokes great interest and even controversy. Morrow's story made Kansas City second only to the City of Lights when it came to after-hours entertainment and affluent party-goers. The Pendergast Club may be booked in its entirety for parties of up to 60 guests. In exchange for political loyalty and a cut of the profits, Pendergast provided protection to illegal enterprises. Postcard showing Winnwood Beach in Kansas City, Missouri, describing it as the "Atlantic City of the West". Jud Putsch was born in Marshall, Missouri, where his parents operated a confectionery. (From the web site) The Pendergast Club (Boss Tom's Hangout) A Mar 2, 2021 · The Majestic Restaurant got its start with the help of one of Kansas City's most notorious figures. THE NAME “TOM’S TRAVELERS” PAYS HOMAGE TO THE LEGENDARY BOSS TOM PENDERGAST, A NOD TO THE RICH HISTORY AND IMPACT OF KANSAS CITY. Pendergast had roots in the liquor business as a saloon keeper and as the founder of a wholesale liquor company. At its center, a vibrant artistic neighborhood and our diverse Crossroads community. , in whose papers it remained for the past fifty- six Patrick Mahomes x Coors Light cold plunge is live 🥶 and yes. Thomas J. Thomas Joseph Pendergast (July 22, 1872 – January 26, 1945), also known as T. Discover how this once-thriving neighborhood became a hub of illicit activities, from bootlegging and speakeasies to gambling dens and more. May 8, 2025 · And thus, Missouri’s most powerful political machine was born. Established in 2015. Boss Tom Pendergast and his political machine worked in lockstep with the police force to allow the city to be a “wide-open town. Drawing inspiration from the country's Feb 1, 2019 · For the Tom Pendergast, created for the Tom’s Town winter menu, bar manager JT Koenig-Riley took inspiration from the classic Blood and Sand cocktail, substituting Tom’s Town’s Royal Gold Bourbon for scotch and introducing an agave-based smoked cinnamon syrup. Denied from joining the Kansas City Bar Association due to her sex, Tiera Farrow and 20 other female lawyers form the Women's Bar Association of Kansas City. Yet, for over 30 years, the Putsch name was synonymous in Kansas City with both gourmet food and cafeteria-style dining. It draws its name and inspiration from the country’s most polarizing and corrupt political boss, Tom Pendergast. Jul 25, 2018 · The Pendergast Brothers: Early in the 20th Century, the most powerful force in Missouri politics was the Pendergast machine. Jun 23, 2023 · The Heart of America doesn’t get the attention afforded to larger Midwest cities like Chicago and St. bottling and distribution plant in the Crossroads, as well offices where Tom Pendergast once held court, with plans for Jan 15, 2018 · In “How the KC Mafia Survived the Fall of the Pendergast Machine,” O’Malley describes the more tumultuous time in Kansas City’s history. In our 90-minute sessions in the Libations Lab, you’ll delve into our signature spirits—bourbon, gin, and vodka—and learn to mix three seasonal cocktails with rotating recipes. We scoured the history books, took a look at the last 180 or so years of Kansas City history and cherry-picked the moments and movements that shaped the city we live in today. Winnwood Beach was once located near the intersection of Northeast Chouteau Trafficway and Interstate 35. The crowd that gathered in Municipal Auditorium was familiar and comforting to him, particularly as he contemplated the challenges before him, which included the resolution of World War II. Cheers to 21 of the best cocktail bars in Promotion for Kansas City Bar Association Dinner Cover page of the Kansas City Bar bulletin and a single page, advertising a dinner in honor of Missouri Supreme Court judges. It is purportedly situated in the same spot as Pendergast’s offices. Apr 17, 2025 · The Pendergast Era of Kansas City, Missouri: A Wild Ride Alright, picture this: Kansas City, back in the day (we’re talking roughly 1890 to 1940), was a town run by a couple of Democratic bigwigs named James and Tom Pendergast. Settings such as dance halls Dec 26, 2018 · It was in Kansas City, after all, where the notorious Pendergast political machine, entangled with the city’s early organized crime figures, controlled public officials while manipulating the election process from the Jackson County Democratic Club on Main Street. It is named after Nicholas Civella, the family’s longest serving boss from 1953 until his death in 1983. Sep 26, 2014 · In the case of The Pendergast, its creator is friend and fellow mixologist Ryan Maybee, co-owner of The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange in Kansas City. Named for legendary political boss Tom Pendergast, who used this room as a secondary office, The Pendergast Club is one of the most charming and unique private dining facilities in Kansas City. Additionally, during the Prohibition era (1920-1933), Kansas City’s loose enforcement of federal laws—thanks to political boss Tom Pendergast—allowed speakeasies and underground bars to thrive, keeping whiskey culture alive. May 18, 2025 · James Pendergast rose from laborer to alderman in Kansas City politics. Prohibition officially prevented the sale of alcohol throughout the country, but the crafty community of 1920s KC—led by political boss Tom Pendergast—collectively looked the other direction during its heyday. Despite decades of vandalism, the statue was Jul 23, 2018 · KANSAS CITY, Mo. Decades after the heyday of Kansas City jazz, Morris ran a bar that kept the music and spirit of that legendary period alive as a haven for jazz aficionados. Pendergast had enormous influence over almost every aspect of Kansas City's political, economic, and cultural Kansas City Call Tenth Anniversary and Progress Edition Tenth Anniversary and "Progress Edition" of the Kansas City Call newspaper. The Club will operate seven days a week from noon until midnight or by reservation. Blues singers of the 1920s and ragtime music greatly influenced the music scene. ” Money, jazz, and spirits flowed in the open. Nov 12, 2021 · The restaurant is named for Johnny Lazia, a 1920s mafia don in Kansas City connected to the city’s infamous political boss, Tom Pendergast. Park; and in 1934 his machine elected United States Senator Harry Dec 2, 2013 · Some say that Thomas J. Designed by architect Edward Tanner of the J. The article states, "there are more night clubs per capita in Kansas The Pendergast Club, named after legendary "Boss" Tom Pendergast, offers a unique look into the history of Kansas City. Join us for the best barber experience in town. Credit is largely given to a figure that looms atop the barbecue “family tree” of Kansas City: Henry Perry. Portrait of Tom Pendergast, c. May 19, 2025 · News Summary Kansas City honors James Pendergast, a pivotal player in its political history, with a bronze statue in West Terrace Park. A landmark institution related to the history of Kansas City jazz that hosted musicians Through the Woman’s City Club, Women’s Forward Kansas City Committee, and other civic organizations, women in Kansas City embodied all these qualities in their campaign to oppose the Pendergast machine and eventually replace it in a “clean sweep. Feb 1, 2019 · Tom’s Town Distilling Co. A 1913 statue memorialized Pendergast's civic work and lasting local influence. Morrow referenced the underground bars, high-stakes gambling scene, and wild jazz music that flowed from the liveliest establishments in districts like 12th Street and 18th and Vine, all thanks to Tom Pendergast. All food and Sep 19, 2007 · Tom Pendergast appearing in court in 1939, where he pleaded guilty to charges of income tax evasion. "Boss Tom" Pendergast wielded his power as the area's infamous political machine between the mid-1920s and mid-1930s, expanding the control built by his brother. Pendergast Wholesale Liquor Co. Harry S. I got the tingly, dizzy feeling I experience when spirits are near when I was in the basement area. Apr 6, 2025 · Furthermore, Pendergast’s grip on the city weakened amid legal issues and corruption controversies, particularly following his 1939 tax evasion conviction. Despite Prohibition, alcohol flowed freely in Kansas City’s saloons and speakeasies due to Tom Pendergast’s control over the city. His political organization, which became known as the "Pendergast machine," reached its peak during the Progressive Era and the Great Depression. " Known for its "attentive and personalized service," diners rave about the "best steaks in KC" and "fantastic jazz" performances. Named after KC’s infamous political boss Tom Pendergast, this cocktail’s formula and character have made it a local classic. Pendergast, at 5650 Ward Parkway, built by the J. politician who created a powerful political machine in Missouri. in Kansas City, which finishes the whiskey in 14-year-old port casks. —died Jan. Mar 17, 2012 · At first glance, Smith said, the discovery seemed a window into Kansas City’s Prohibition past, a small corner of the vast empire ruled by Tom Pendergast, Kansas City’s machine boss during the "The Atlantic City of the West", Winnwood Beach, Kansas City, Mo. Milton Morris was born in Kansas City, one of six children, and raised in an orphanage after his father abandoned the family. such as the Gin Rickey, Loan Shark Lemonade & Kansas City Sour. Jan 15, 2017 · Just about everyone who has driven by 931 Broadway, in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, has seen the bright red awning over the entrance of The Majestic Restaurant. McElroy was hand picked in 1926 by boss Thomas J. Cover page of the Kansas City Bar bulletin and a single page, advertising a dinner in honor of Missouri Supreme Court judges. This ensured that gambling and bars remained open, and liquor was supplied. With modern baroque design, Lazia’s pressed-tin tiles, handmade wooden tables, and wax candles fill the space. Pendergast started as a saloon keeper and the founder of a wholesale liquor company. radio stations in existence in 1922). “Ultimately, many things brought down the Pendergast political machine,” writes Kansas City historian William Worley. Formerly a rugged frontier cowtown, Kansas City was now known as a "wide-open" town, or the "Paris of the Plains. Whether you're looking to indulge in a classic cocktail or discover something innovative, this city has it all. ” The Pendergast machine controlled local government and the Democratic Party in Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri, during the Progressive Era and Great Depression. Delicious! Molly served us and the drinks didn't disappoint Specialties: * Full tasting room/bar serving craft cocktails and small plates * Distillery Tours * Event space rental including a large second-floor event space accommodating up to 200 as well as a smaller speakeasy room accommodating 40-50. in Kansas City. [2] The house was completed in 1927, and members of the Pendergast family lived in the home from the time of completion until Tom Pendergast's death in 1945. Now home to the Majestic, the historic James Fitzpatrick Saloon Building was erected in 1911 and was one of many entertainment venues connected to the infamous Pendergast political machine. The family moved to Kansas City in 1924 and Crossroads Hotel Kansas City combines modern design with local charm, offering spacious rooms, a rooftop bar, and unique art throughout the space. Creates a Cocktail Inspired by Tom Pendergast Political boss and bootlegger Tom Pendergast’s influence (and staunch refusal to play by the rules… One of Kansas City's most sensational and ultimately tragic crimes began on May 27, 1933 with the kidnapping of Mary McElroy, the daughter of controversial city manager Henry F. Department of the Treasury resulted in Pendergast's conviction for income tax evasion. Pendergast to be Kansas City's first city manager. Indeed, the Pendergast family first gained prominence and influence in Kansas City when Tom’s older brother, James Francis Pendergast, opened a saloon and hotel in the West Bottoms neighborhood in the 1880s. “Big Red” is calling plays like it’s 4th & goal, come see it for yourself! 🏈 PLUS: the tap opens at 3:30PM at The Pendergast Bar — enjoy 15 mins of FREE 16oz Coors Light beer on us! 🍺 Patrick Mahomes x Coors Light cold plunge is live 🥶 and yes. Enter Truman. Pendergast went to Kansas City in 1893, where he learned the rudiments of municipal politics from precinct captains and The Pendergast machine had grown in power through 45 years, first under James Pendergast, and, after 1911, under his younger brother Thomas, until it controlled Kansas City and Jackson County, and extended throughout Missouri and even into Washington, D. Pendergast's machine controlled city elections, jobs, and contracts, creating a system of patronage that permeated every level of Kansas City society. Feb 8, 2019 · Tom Pendergast hasn’t run this city in eight decades, but his memory still captivates. Perfect for home bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, and professionals alike. Truman frequently linked his name with Pendergast, a former associate. Kansas City's favorite barbershop: Pendergast Barbershop & Company offers expert haircuts and men's grooming. Jan 11, 2018 · Prendergast's Royal Gold Bourbon is a craft bourbon produced by Tom's Town Distillery in Kansas City. , U. The monument stands as a reminder of . In the "wide open" environment of Kansas City in the 1920s and 30s, nightlife thrived, musicians established themselves, and the creative space allowed a unique style of jazz music to emerge. The history of the Kansas City metropolitan area relates to the area around the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers and the modern-day city of Kansas City, Missouri. This figure, “Boss” Tom Pendergast After having been denied the professional benefits of joining any existing bar association, Farrow led a group of 20 women in establishing their own bar in Kansas City. Clipping from the Kansas City Star on February 15, 1931 showing Tom Pendergast, Joe Shannon, and Cas Welch enjoying Home Rule of the Kansas City Police Department while trading police action figures. We enjoyed mspecialty cocktails from Tom's Town Distilling Co. . and Pendergast buildings in the Crossroads Arts District to a boutique hotel that would be a destination for both travelers and local Aug 13, 2025 · Tom's Town introduces Pendergast Cocktail College, a captivating series of cocktail classes held every Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Aug 14, 2018 · The Crossroads Hotel is opening this October at 21st and Central streets, reviving the historic Pabst Brewing and Pendergast buildings as a 131-room boutique hotel and rooftop bar. ” Jan 14, 2019 · For our new and updated list of the best bars in KC, go here. J. He would order officials to ignore those laws in parts of KC, allowing clubs and bars to become spots for drinking and (Downtown, Kansas City, MO) Scooter's 510th bar, first visited in 2008. Kansas City, MO | (816) 472-1200 | voltairekc. Sep 16, 2025 · Thomas J Pendergast was a powerful political boss in the Democratic Party in Kansas City and Jackson County, Missouri. Your guest will appreciate the comfortable lounge complete with leather couches But in wide-open Pendergast-era Kansas City, female impersonators remained popular until the late 1930s. — What's old is new again. The Experience the stylish and cozy Pendergast Lounge at Tom’s Town Distilling Co. The roots of Kansas City jazz are quite varied. This bourbon is sourced by Tom's Town Distilling Co. 12th Street Reno Club (1930s) Now a parking lot for the Kansas City Police Department, this was the site of one of the 12th Street Reno Club which was operated by Tom Pendergast. After arriving in Kansas City in the 1890s, Pendergast worked for his brother James at his saloon and hotel located in the West Bottoms. This space, located on the top floor of The Majestic Restaurant, started as a brothel and was once an office to Pendergast himself. Jan 1, 2024 · Tom Pendergast, a Kansas City political boss who was considered one of the country’s most corrupt unelected political influencers, ruled the city from 1925 to 1939, helping the city’s speakeasies thrive during Prohibition. Dec 22, 2017 · Roberts, a 17-year Kansas City bartending veteran, previously worked as bar manager for The District Pour House + Kitchen in Waldo. Before the arrival of European explorers, the area was inhabited at various times by peoples of the Hopewell tradition and later the Mississippian culture, as well as the Kansa, Osage, Otoe and Missouri tribes. Jim Pendergast was a Kansas City alderman who for 18 years reached out to his fellow Irishmen and to various other immigrant groups. Once used as Fitzpatrick's personal living quarters, as well as a meeting place for "Boss" Tom, the third floor has that old time feel, with antique leather couches, exposed brick walls, this floor now operates as a private cigar club, as well as our primary private dining Pendergast's Royal Gold is a revived brand name. (From the web site…) The Pendergast Club (Boss Tom’s Hangout) A Private Club for Members and Guests Only. "When I come to Jackson County," he Jun 1, 2022 · A political boss who led Kansas City to ignore prohibition and instead become the “Paris of the Plains,” a hotspot for booze, jazz and culture, Pendergast also owned the Kansas City Concrete Company. ) was a U. Today, it’s a members-only cigar lounge boasting an impressive collection of fine Scotch, whiskey and bourbon. Pendergast ran Kansas City's political machine during the 1920s and '30s and had close ties to Kansas City is world renowned for its rich jazz and blues legacy. Beyond crafting drinks, our curriculum explores essential bar skills, the art of shaking Aug 16, 2021 · A reader recently asked ”What’s your KCQ?,” a community reference project with The Star and the Kansas City Public Library, about the early days of the Kansas City Mafia: “Who was leader of the Kansas City mafia during Prohibition?” The nicknames of the “Goats & Rabbits” originated in Kansas City in the days of the Rabbit boss Joe Shannon and Goat boss Tom Pendergast. Originally designed to skirt the laws of prohibition in the 1920s Aug 9, 2018 · Three years ago, Aparium Hotel Group took over the former Pabst Brewing Co. Jan 10, 2025 · Forget pretentious and overrated - what are the actual coolest bars in Kansas City? We have the local insight, and we’re ready to share! Looming large over a span of Kansas City’s early twentieth-century history is a figure who built a domineering political machine, dragged the city through unprecedented (and so far, unrepeated) depths of corruption, and simultaneously managed to preside over a climate of economic prosperity and artistic and cultural achievements in the Jazz Age. Explore Kansas City from Crossroads Hotel Drawing inspiration from our storied past, Crossroads Hotel embraces a deep connection to Kansas City, a city full of potential, resolve, creativity and humility. 1900. THE PENDERGAST STORY Under Pendergast’s influence, Kansas City flouted Prohibition. She was released after 34 hours of captivity, following payment of a $30,000 ransom, but she never recovered from the Explore KC Streetcar’s top food and drink stops. The Pendergast Club is a private cigar club on the third floor of The Majestic Restaurant featuring a humidor and full bar with over 250 May 19, 2025 · A Friends of Jim Pendergast organization, joined by local Irish clubs and labor organizations, helped fundraise for the restoration and commissioned local sculptor Tom Corbin to recreate the missing children — proving that Big Jim still has plenty of friends in Kansas City and that the Pendergast name means more than corruption and vice. In the Aug 7, 2015 · Developers want to convert the historic Pabst Brewing Co. 5 Must try Kansas City drinks: your guide to the best cocktails in townDiscover more from TheNextCocktail Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Pendergast controlled a corrupt machine that ruled politics and business in Jackson County for Entry: Kansas City Jazz Author: Kansas Historical Society Author information: The Kansas Historical Society is a state agency charged with actively safeguarding and sharing the state's history. As… Explore thousands of digitized photographs, postcards, legal documents and letters from the interwar period, when "Boss" Tom Pendergast exerted powerful influence over the civic and cultural life of Kansas City. Some events called for instant celebration or quick action, others for somber reflection and disciplined planning, but each moment in time led us to where we find ourselves now. com Photo courtesy of Voltaire Facebook Why you’re here: Run by Moxie Catering and new Golden Ox owners Jill Myers and Wes Gartner, Voltaire evokes literary themes and creates an intellectual ambiance with… Continue reading Best Bars in Kansas City Kansas City has a growing speakeasy scene, offering a mix of vintage charm and modern sophistication. THE PENDERGAST YEARS Kansas City in the Jazz Age & Great Depression 1918-1941 Index | Works Cited About Contact Inspired by Kansas City’s legendary political figure, Tom Pendergast, Tom's Town Distilling Co. With Diane Mutti Burke and Jason Roe, he co-chaired the Wide-Open Town symposium and is co-editing the volume, Wide-Open Town: Kansas City in the Pendergast Era (University Press of Kansas, anticipated fall 2018). On November 8, 1917, Mary Tiera Farrow and 20 other female lawyers formed the Women's Bar Association of Kansas City. Putsch didn't want to go into the restaurant business. Others say he was a high powered political boss who helped make Harry Truman the 33rd President of the United States. When asked how Many of his current projects explore the cultural and environmental history of Kansas City and the American Midwest. Joseph, Mo. Farrow was one of the few women in the United States who successfully practiced law in the early 1900s, overcoming the discrimination women faced in the legal field and society generally. Prohibition-era, speakeasy-style bars have planted their stakes across Kansas City. The Thomas J. Find the best bars in Power & Light District, Kansas City, MO, including Zoo Bar, Nighthawk, Yard House, and more for a great night out. In expanding the machine, or the Democratic Organization of Jackson County, as its proponents preferred to call it, Tom Pendergast developed a large array of business connections, beginning with the T. That bar provided a chance to James Pendergast to make political connections, and those connections led to nine straight terms on Dec 18, 2015 · The distillery’s co-founders, Kansas City natives David Epstein and Steve Revare, both have familial ties to the era’s most powerful and notorious local figure, “Boss” Tom Pendergast. Courtesy of the Harry S. The structure is a contributing property of the Garment District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Voltaire 1617 Genessee St. Jun 20, 2017 · He ordered officials to ignore prohibition laws in parts of Kansas City, including the now-famous Jazz District. For many years in the early 1900s Pendergast controlled Kansas City, historians say, much like a Kansas City jazz is distinguished by the following musical elements: A preference for a 4 feel (walking) over the 2-beat feel found in other jazz styles of the time. Pendergast came to an end in 1939, after an investigation led by Special Agent Rudolph Hartmann of the U. Henry F. Nichols Company architect Edward Tanner designed the house. Nov 23, 2017 · Thomas J. The Pendergast Club remains one of the very few locations in Kansas City which offers guests the luxury of smoking a fine cigar while enjoying their whiskey or cocktail inside. (Downtown, Kansas City, MO) Scooter’s 510th bar, first visited in 2008. Hulston have successfully provided—through extensive research, including use of recently released prison records and previously Apr 11, 2022 · Ever wondered why Kansas City is known as “ Paris of the Plains?” Well, in the early 1920s, KC was known for its “sinful” nightlife. The house at 5650 Ward Parkway is one of the best known in Kansas City City Hall stands as a monument to Kansas City’s history in the early 20th century, a history that was dominated by the Pendergast family political machine. Explore, mix, and sip something unforgettable with Rieger. Jan 27, 2020 · The twenties marked Kansas City’s emergence as a high-spirited town that flaunted temptations. Prohibition dragged on — and as the Irish and Italian mobs of the 1920s + ‘30s operated speakeasies, gambling dens, and brothels — Kansas City’s streets were controlled by Pendergast money. Nichols Company. Mar 10, 2016 · A speakeasy called Red & Dutch located on 8th Street in Kansas City, Missouri was photographed for the 1935 magazine Future. Truman Library and Museum. Here’s a guide to the best cocktail bars in Kansas City, with must-try drinks at each spot! 1. After the fall of the Pendergast machine in the late 1930s, the Kansas City Mafia’s political power waned. This vantage point faces west on Ward Parkway, just north of 57th Street. The organization formed during the early 1910s. This is the captivating story of Tom Pendergast, a man who held immense power and controlled Kansas City and Jackson County from 1925 to 1939. ” Money, jazz, and spirits flowed right out in the open. Jun 28, 2024 · Event in Kansas City, MO by Kansas City Live Block on Friday, June 28 2024 with 121 people interested. Book today! The long reign of Kansas City political boss Thomas J. Joseph to Kansas City to join his brother, James Francis Pendergast, then 38 and the oldest of nine siblings in their Irish-American family. This gave Pendergast complete control over Kansas City. Pendergast (born July 22, 1872, St. James had established a position of local power as a member of the city council and used this position to protect his business interests which Jul 18, 2025 · Thomas J. McElroy, who had close ties to the political machine operated by “Boss” Tom Pendergast. As a corrupt political boss during the 1920s and ‘30s, Pendergast ruled the city’s politics, blessed the operation of vice-tainted businesses and dipped his hands deep into legal and illicit commerce. Visitors to Kansas City often make it a point to sample our legendary barbecue, but even many native Kansas Citians know little of how this delicacy reached the city. The collection is accompanied by dozens of articles, a comprehensive timeline, interactive maps and other features. From timeless classics to inventive modern mixes, our curated cocktail recipes highlight the best ways to enjoy Kansas City's award-winning whiskey, gin, vodka, and amaro. Here’s a list of notable speakeasy-style bars in Kansas City: Kansas City Speakeasy Bars: The Ship – Located in the West Bottoms, The Ship features a hidden, speakeasy-inspired ambiance with a vintage decor and a focus on craft cocktails. Pendergast’s Machine bribed the police force, city leaders, and Kansas City’s federal prosecutor. At The Pressed Penny’s cozy bar, he keeps the tap handles packed with rotating local beers, curates a small wine list and offers an enticing cocktail menu including a traditional Daiquiri, as well as The Pendergast, a cocktail created by local bartender Ryan In the forty years between 1908 and 1948, the distance between the Kansas City of Crittenden and that of Pendergast became the distance between the southern, Dixiecrat conservatism of Strom Thurmond and the "northern," urban, Democratic liberalism of Harry Truman. iekjsk ojlrm lromkf yspkq garamq exbkc pxrts ceisi azzepai supg