1935 The Barkeeper's Golden Book by O Blunier

Inside he feels at home: He is not aware of being a foreigner although on foreign soil. Once there, he is immediately drawn into the conversation whatever his mother tongue may be. Everything here is original, in the first place the name Speakeasy in a country where a speakeasy has no right of existence and this name even written in large letters so that everyone must be aware of this «secret» saloon. An old stone stairway leads into the entrance of a very old house situated in a narrow lane in the oldest part of the new town. Here we are faced by a shut door without a handle but having a heavy

OLD TIMERS SALOON

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iron knocker. At the height of an average person there is a tiny spy-hole containing an equally small magnifying glass. This makes it possible to look out but not in. An inscription in black letters above the door reads: «Overseas Club. Knock!» Therefore we knock. Upon entering we find the traditional real American bar und customers from every part of the world. Here a special lan guage is spoken, a language which is unknown to the narrow- minded Philistine and will remain so for all time. Here all current topics are discussed, adventures and reminiscences exchanged, here one sings, gambles, and, above all, drinks. A really intelligent, sharp bartender like Blunier understands his business thoroughly. His drinks are well known and popular and his skill in mixing «Poison» is unsurpassed. There I made the acquaintance of people from all countries. They came and went and many a one has passed for ever. I should like