This September 15th, join us for a fun-filled evening where we celebrate to legacy businesses in Wallingford, Murphy’s Pub and Changes Bar and Grill. Picture a dark and moody hideaway, offering a step back in time to experience a slice of history during the 1920’s. Here are some of the planned highlights of the event:
To get the place jumping, we will enjoy live jazz music provided by “JAZZ STANDARDS” featuring Milo Peterson and vocalist Michaele Miller. Milo Peterson has taught jazz guitar in the Seattle area for the past 20 years and came to this event highly recommended. Additionally, Charleston lessons will be offered to add a little levity to the occasion.
To dress up or not to dress up—that is up to you! To embrace the historic immersion effect, vintage costumes and dress are encouraged. You can find Roaring Twenties attire and vintage accessories reasonably priced online. You may locate some great finds at your favorite thrift store or if you are interested in renting vintage clothing, Vintage Costumers, http://www.vintagecostumers.com/, have offered a 10% discount to attendees of the Historic Wallingford Speakeasy. Tell them you are attending. You can find them in Everett, 2101 Colby Ave., Everett, WA 98201.
During the party, Masters of Ceremony Tyson Baty will recognize two legacy businesses that have made significant contributions to the community of Wallingford. The term, “third place” is a sociologic term referring to a public, social place where people can connect with their community. The first place would be home, second work and third places are places like Murphy’s Pub and Changes Bar and Grill.
Murphy’s Pub is the oldest Irish Pub is Seattle. The pub was first launched by Chris Barnes in 1981 a half block east of the current location of 1928 N. 45th, and re-opened with renovations by current owners, Chelley and Phil Bassett, and Eamonn Davey in February 2015. Muphy’s is part of the fabric of Wallingford. They sponsor a little league, women’s softball and men’s soccer teams. Their music offerings and trivia nights are epic. Chelley explained to me that the word pub is short for public house—our house is your house kind of place. Their friendly staff, service, food and drink are a great attraction, and the homey place hosts many events. They are planning their own event on September 21st—Halfway to St Patrick’s Day with live music from noon to midnight!
Changes Bar and Grill is the longest running gay bar in Seattle, celebrating 35 years this past January, and will be recognized for their contribution to the community as a “third place” site with a focus on the LBGTQ community. 
Floyd McIsaac opened Changes on a snowy day in 1989 at 2103 N. 45th, hoping to recreate a classic dive, something like “Cheers” where everyone feels special and welcome. They have fun at Changes with game and Karaoke nights, Halloween costume contests, sponsoring ladies’ softball teams, friendly staff and homey décor. All are welcome to this community. To learn more about Floyd McIsaac and Changes Bar and Grill check out this article from the Stranger that marked Changes 35th anniversary. The Wallingford community is enriched with their involvement.
Both Murphy’s Pub and Changes Bar and Grill are contending with pressures from development and changes to the neighborhood. Community support is so important to each business-pay them a visit soon!
Presented to each legacy business will be an original watercolor painting of their establishment, by UW Professor and Landscape Architect, Daniel Winterbottom. Daniel is an acclaimed artist with training at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and has never stopped drawing, sketching and painting. You can see his drawing on Instagram @koolbreeeeeeze. Thank you, Daniel, for your generous support.
Brad Holden, author of “Seattle Prohibition: Bootleggers, Rumrunners & Graft in the Queen City” will offer a Prohibition presentation or produce his podcast at the Roaring Twenties Speakeasy event at Murphy’s . We look forward to learning more from Mr. Holden
This event will be a fund-raising activity to support community advocacy by Historic Wallingford. A Silent Auction will be offered. To purchase tickets to the September 15t event and or to donate items for the auction please check follow this link historicwallingford.org/speakeasy. Tickets are $45/each and offer admission and participation in the event, one period cocktail and appetizers familiar in the 1920’s. A cash bar will be available for additional beverages.
We hope you join us this September 15th, as we (briefly) disguise Murphy’s for this special speakeasy evening, and together, we can make our own history in Wallingford!