Psst—pass it along! Nothing’s happening at the Western Illinois Museum on Saturday, October 18… unless you’ve got the password. The Blind Swine Speakeasy swings open its doors at 6:00 p.m., with bar service for those in the know. From 6:30 p.m. on, musical guests Emma and Matt, joined by local favorite Matt Hughes on bass, will keep the joint jumpin’ with two toe-tapping sets of jazz.

The 1920s were the cat’s pajamas when it came to invention. Thanks to motors, mass production, and new materials, gadgets like vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and radios turned households into hives of modern living. And it wasn’t just convenience; lessons from World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic spurred a boom in packaged food and bottled drinks. Individually wrapped candies, canned goods, and brand-name sodas promised “clean” eating and better health, while ads told homemakers they could be the bee’s knees of efficiency.

But here’s the kicker: while technology was promising progress, folks were also whipping up their own “giggle water” with the help of motors and mixers better suited to milkshakes than moonshine. The speakeasy became the place where all this modern flair, style, secrecy, and a dash of rebellion came together.

On October 18, explore the Museum’s collection of 1920s household marvels and decide for yourself: were they real time-savers or just nifty gizmos? All while you sip a cool beverage, mingle with friends, and let Emma & Matt’s smooth jazz transport you straight back to the Roaring Twenties.

Want in? Text Swine to 309-837-2613 for the secret password (it changes every time to keep the feds guessing). Slip the gatekeeper at the south door a fin ($5), and you’re in.