2-835-263 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Prohibition of the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States began in 1920 and lasted until 1933. The Cotton Club in New York City initially refused entry to black patrons, even though the venue featured many of the most popular black entertainers of the era, including Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway and Bessie Smith. Small rectangular white tag with a large hole in the upper third. Below, in the remaining two-thirds is text "NOTICE TO GUESTS/ The content of this bottle is/ sold to you as a beverage and/with the understanding that/ it will not be mixed or used/ with any alcoholic content/ liquor in violation of the/ prohibition laws./ THE MANAGEMENT/ COTTON CLUB/ Lenox Ave. at 142nd St./ New York." On the reverse, written upside down in pencil is a multi-lined illegible note.