Legislating Amusements

On the evening of Thursday, April 24, 1862, lower Broadway was abuzz with rumors and anticipation. Just a week earlier the state legislature had passed a bill aimed at stemming the rise of the concert saloons that had begun to proliferate in this once-fashionable neighborhood. During the week after the bill passed, concert saloons-establishments that offered an enticing combination of variety entertainment and alcohol served by pretty waiter girls-continued to operate in defiance of the law, but the police warned proprietors that action was imminent. That Thursday the locals came out in force to watch the action. Crowds of patrons, sympathizers, and friends of the proprietors and employees had begun gathering at these halls in the early afternoon to see what the authorities would do. Other locals came, drawn by the crowds and rumors, to watch the arrests. Inside a number of Broadway concert saloons audiences gathered in the doorways in anticipation of raids, while others sat and watched the show, which was comprised of the usual assortment of circus-style novelty acts and singers and dancers. The waitresses, who were young, attractive, and a major attraction at these establishments, continued to ply their customers with beer and other beverages. The proprietors of the saloons watched the crowds, happy for the business

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