Stork Club, Rhode Island 1930s

The Stork Club was a famous and fabled nightclub in New York City from 1929 to 1965, which was owned and operated by Sherman Billingsley (1896–1966), an ex-bootlegger from Oklahoma. The club was the symbol of café society, patronized by movie stars, the wealthy, showgirls, politicians and aristocrats.

Now, imagine that you lived 167 miles away in Rhode Island and could not travel to this glamorous establishment. No problem! A canny restaurateur created his own version of The Stork Club in Providence, Rhode Island – hence this wonderful 1930s menu cover depicting a nattily-dressed stork.

This might have been a small-town version of the real thing, but it was nevertheless a fancy joint. There were complete dinners that patrons could order by number and an a la carte dinner section. There was also a comprehensive drinks list that included cocktails, egg noggs, flips and fizzes, wines and champagnes including 1926 Charles Heidsieck for $7.50 a bottle.

Imitation, they do say, is the sincerest form of flattery and we think this Stork Club, which we believe was situated in Providence, Rhode Island, would have been a fun night spot.