outlines of glass bottles

Storied & Scandalous Kansas City: A History of Corruption, Mischief and a Whole Lot of Booze

Presented By
Karla Deel

As Kansas City grew in the 19th century, so did the business of sin. Noting the pervasiveness of vice and debauchery, a visitor in 1888 described it as “the best town this side of Hell.”

In a discussion of her new book Storied & Scandalous Kansas City, author Karla Deel examines that early culture of iniquity—from red-light districts to burlesque houses, jazz joints, and saloons. She recalls the madams, entertainers, and mobsters who brought the party to the Plains in the 1920s and ’30s; identifies the city’s most notorious establishments; and makes note of Boss Tom Pendergast’s prominent hand in it all.

Deel is the founder and editor of SqueezeBox City, an online magazine dedicated to the history and culture of Kansas City.

Watch
Listen
Upcoming in this series:
10
Aug
'In the Country of the Kaw': Exploring the Watersh...
Central Library |
2:00pm
Watch or Listen to Past Events in this Series:
18
Oct
My Grandfather's Prison: Death and Deceit in 1940...
Central Library |
4:00pm
19
Apr
Quindaro Underground Railroad: A Unique Ethnic Un...
Central Library |
4:00pm
23
Apr
Kansas City Beer: A History of Brewing in the Hear...
Central Library |
2:00pm
12
Mar
From the Heart of the Hood to the Pinnacle of Pari...
Central Library |
2:00pm
outlines of glass bottles

Storied & Scandalous Kansas City: A History of Corruption, Mischief and a Whole Lot of Booze

Date & Location
In Person
Details
Adults