Joe Danna’s “infamous” Lighthouse Supperclub enticed hundreds of nightly visitors up Purgatory Springs Mesa. The speakeasy was situated next to the “Hilltop” Tubercular Sanatorium, which created an odd mixture of passengers riding the funicular railroad. Nurses, doctors, and the families of the consumptives mingled with showgirls, high society couples, and working-class “roughs.”
Business boomed until the self-proclaimed “good citizens” of the Fountain of Power Church and the KKK decided the Lighthouse and the “degenerate” sanatorium was an affront to common decency. Town chaos ensued.
Ahoy Boys! Eye-catching advertising featuring “professional” photography…
and less sophisticated messaging
… brought crowds to the Purgatory Springs Depot.
Up the steep face of Purgatory Mesa to the Lighthouse Supper Club (or–for the less festive, up to the next-door TB Sanatorium)
Technically, it’s not illegal to consume booze, just to sell it, so no worries with Joe Danna’s “special agreement” with the local authorities.
Backstage the chorus girls get ready. Showtime ladies!
The nightly celebration begins.
Swell entertainment for all! And if you don’t like it? Talk to Joe Danna.
