Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 7, Issue 1, January 2003

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Roaring '20s Holiday Party for Haller Lake

By SUSAN PARK

Flappers, grab your fellas! Men, put on your oxfords and get ready to come up to the Haller Lake Community Club for a holiday party potluck celebrating the neighborhood's 80th anniversary.

The Haller Lake neighborhood was incorporated with the State of Washington in 1922 at the beginning of the famous Roaring '20s, a time of opulence and fun. Jazz ruled the radio airwaves. The Charleston became a national phenomenon and the Haller Lake Club held regular dances. The old chandeliers are gone and the vaulted ballroom ceilings are now hidden behind modern acoustic tiles, but the Club still houses dancers from the Creative Dance School. During the Club's 80th anniversary party, the hall will be filled with the sounds of the Charleston once more and everyone is encouraged to shake their gams.

During the '20s, silent pictures filled the cinemas as companies like Columbia and Fox got their footings. The Puget Sound Theater Organ Society houses one of the old Werlitzer organs in the Haller Lake Club's ballroom. Pipes fill the walls behind the stage. The Organ Society plans to present a special treat for party, playing both holiday and period music.

Before the age of television, people were entertained by cabarets and side shows. Stage hypnotist, HypnoKatie, is planning to attend the party to mesmerize the crowds. She specializes in entertaining children. Other activities will be planned for children as well.

During the '20s, cars became affordable and mass produced. Gambling, moonshining, and cigarettes became big business. Labor unions held numerous strikes.

In Seattle, "Big Bertha" was elected mayor. Jackson Park golf course popped up in an old polo field. The commercial airplane industry was born as planes began to be used for airmail.

Admission to the event is free and only members and their guests may attend. However, membership is only $15 per year per family ($10 per person, $25 per business) and open to everyone. Attendees are also asked to bring a covered dish or beverage for a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m.

The membership still has a resident moonshiner. The club will serve a light (legal) punch to members to toast the New Year early.

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The Haller Lake 80th Anniversary Party was held on Dec. 28. For more info, contact Susan at 440-9149 ext. 4.