Hampton History Museum

120 Old Hampton Ln.

Hampton, VA

From the Facebook page:

In conjunction with our latest exhibit, “Teetotalers and Moonshiners, and Hampton’s Prohibition Story, author and community historian Tim Receveur returns to share stories about Phoebus, a town with a colorful and checkered past, and today one of the most vibrant and creative districts of Hampton.
It's hard to believe, but Phoebus was once like the Wild West. A place where alcohol flowed freely 24 hours a day at saloons running the length of Mellen and Mallory Street, and a red-light district with brothels providing their services day and night along with riots, gun fights on the streets, salacious murders, and legendary tales of revenge.
Early Phoebus had "more of the appearance of a new settlement on the western frontier" than a Southern city with centuries of history. And the people who settled in this community were most definitely pioneers in every sense. This book is an attempt to capture some of the stories and remember the people from the golden age of Phoebus saloons before Prohibition.
Admission is free for museum members, $5 for non-members.
"Good and Drunk" is available in the gift shop for $20. Museum members enjoy a 10% discount. Check out Tim's other books, as well as a variety of other works of local history and historical fiction, jewelry, housewares, garden accessories and more. Support the museum, join today and save! www.hamptonhistorymuseum.org/membership
Cover: The bar at the Philadelphia Club, Curry & Mellon Streets, around 1903 Courtesy of Ross & Nancy Kearny